A transport company in Colchester has geared up for growth, investing more than £150,000 in a new fleet of fork lift trucks and electric pallet trucks.
Systematic Logistics International (SLi), part of Palletways, Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, has invested in seven Mitsubishi fork lift trucks and 20 new electric pallet trucks. The twenty pallet trucks will help with the increasing number of tail-lift deliveries handled by the company across its general haulage and Palletways divisions, as well general warehousing duties in its Colchester and Stansted depots. Colchester has customised two of its new FLT’s to aid drivers when doing the picking operation for one of SLi’s largest customers. The trucks have improved suspension and ride comfort for operation outdoors.
Richard Triolo, CEO of Systematic Logistics International, said: “Tail-lift deliveries can be physically demanding for our 70+ drivers and the pallet trucks will assist with their day-to-day activities. They’re semi-electric which helps reduce driver fatigue and, as they feature an automatic cut-off safety feature, they’ll reduce the risk of accidents. The Mitsubishi FLTs offer better suspension for the outdoor environment, and feedback from staff who’re using them is very positive saying they are more comfortable and offer a better drive overall.
“This is a significant but necessary investment to update our fleet for the benefit of operatives and the company as a whole. Palletways is forecasting a substantial growth in the home delivery sector over the coming years and this equipment, along with the new FLTs for our warehouses, will support this future growth and expand the 1000 pallets we handle every day.”
Barry Byers, Network Director for Palletways UK, added: “This investment shows how forward thinking SLi is – the trucks add hugely to driver safety and comfort and demonstrate the value they place on their depot staff and drivers. With retention being a huge issue within the transport industry, I’m sure this will help ensure the company attracts and keeps the best drivers. The pallet trucks are proven to help deliver heavy pallets for all kerbside deliveries giving customers the best possible service and the depots a greater efficiency level.”
SLi handles single pallet loads to large scale consignments within the IP, CO, CM and SG postcode areas. Its 70+ drivers handle the business’ evening trunking operations and daily collections and deliveries, from a single pallet through to a full 27T–28T trailer load. The company is one of over 115 independent transport providers who are part of the Palletways UK network. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost effectively than ever before. The Palletways Group comprises 450+ depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 20 European countries, including the UK.
