SK Distribution based at Harpur Hill in Buxton, a member of Palletways, Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, has invested more than £10,000 in ten electric pump trucks to help with the increasing number of home based tail-lift deliveries handled by the company.
Mark Cotterill, managing director at SK Distribution, said: “Tail-lift deliveries can be physically demanding for drivers and this new equipment will assist them with their day to day activities. The vehicles are semi-electric which help reduce driver fatigue and feature an automatic cut-off safety feature which means they’re less likely to experience a run-away incident, therefore reducing the risk of accidents.
“This is a significant but necessary investment – Palletways is forecasting a substantial growth in the home delivery sector over the coming years and this equipment will support this future growth.”
James Ferguson, business development manager at SHS Handling, added: “This investment sends out a strong signal about how much SK Distribution value their drivers. With driver retention being a huge issue within the transport industry, I’m sure this will help ensure SK Distribution attract and keep the best ones. These trucks have been proved to help deliver heavy pallets for all kerbside deliveries which give the client the best possible service and the depot a greater efficiency level.”
Palletways consists of 400 depots across Europe, of which more than 110 are in the UK. The company’s distribution networks are made up of independent transport companies – including SK Distribution – which share each other’s resources to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market with the highest levels of service.
