South Link customer update.

We would like to update our customers about how South Link and Pall-Ex/Fortec are operating whilst the volumes in networks are rapidly increasing.

The majority of areas in the UK have been experiencing a large increase in freight since the easing of lockdown in April. Due to this, the Easter break and next set of lockdown easing in May/June the members in both of our networks are struggling to cope with the high volumes.

Due to this increase in volume, delivery services are being affected across the board. Several other pallet networks have removed timed services all together and in some areas even overnight deliveries. Pall-Ex and Fortec are still offering overnight and timed services for deliveries at the moment, however these services are not guaranteed. As a result of these deliveries potentially failing, the network has revoked the ability to credit any downgrades for failures and will not be able to pass this on to customers.

The director of our networks, Sue Buchanon, has provided the following statement;

The "hot spot" areas that are experiencing delivery issues are the South West, which has been particularly hit hard due to lifting of restrictions and "Stay-vacations" as well as normal peak volumes. The Northwest where we are experiencing high volumes; timed services are not guaranteed for this area. The South East always sees the biggest volume spikes and this is no different due to a high percentage of B2C deliveries due to lockdown.

Unprecedented volumes with a growth of over 36% has seen resources stretched. With an unknown plan as we come out of lockdown, we are unable to draw upon past profiles to determine freight fluctuation. We're hoping to see a decrease in volume in June which is normal due to the summer but remain cautious.

Both Pall-Ex and Fortec are still ahead in service compared to other pallet networks at the moment and for the foreseeable future, we do not expect to restrict or revoke services to certain areas like others.

 

We would like to advise caution to our customers prior to despatching a consignment. Due to the uncertainty surrounding delivery services during these unprecedented times it may be beneficial to despatch consignments earlier than usual for an order, or advise recipients of a potential delay for their goods.

Attached is an open letter from the APN just advising a bit further on the latest updates. If you have any questions we can help answer please do not hesitate to contact us.

As always South Link would like to thank all clients for their continued support through these challenging times. We will always do our best to ensure services are adhered to as much as possible.