UK Pallet Distribution Study

Published: September 2006 | Price: £12,500 (+ VAT where applicable)

Triangle’s fourth annual survey of the UK Express Pallet Distribution market is now available. The report surveys, in depth, 300 users of express pallet networks in the UK. These networks may be one of the specialist pallet distribution networks, traditional distribution companies or part of the established UK parcel carriers whose networks have developed or are developing the ability also to handle palletised deliveries.

Own company, franchise and licensee networks are included in the survey on a comparable basis. The decision to utilise particular pallet or parcels networks is investigated, as are customer’s views of the service and prices they are getting.

Typically, the pallet shipments on which this survey is focused are at the lower end of the range in terms of the number of pallets per shipment. The survey sought to avoid those palletised deliveries made by own account operators or general hauliers either on a direct delivery basis or on “milk rounds”. The focus is therefore on comparative express network operators and on “palletised” deliveries and excludes what is variously described in the business as “non-compatible” or “ugly” freight that is not palletised by the shipper.

The UK Pallet Distribution Survey Wave 4 builds on the experience gained through the long-established Triangle UK Parcels Distribution Survey, which is seen as the benchmark for the industry.

Topics surveyed include:

  • Decision to use particular pallet network(s), specialist or other (i.e. parcels or freight);
  • Customer knowledge of network chosen (particularly if a specialist licensee/franchise);
  • Usage and lapsed usage by carrier;
  • The effect of price on network loyalty;
  • Customer views of the realised prices they are receiving;
  • Market awareness in terms of media recall and sales calls/visits;
  • Range of services by type and geographical coverage;
  • European service availability and its importance in the choice of network;
  • Views on price in terms of actual versus perceived industry rates;
  • Perceptions of the quality of service received including ratings for:
    • Collection and delivery on time;
    • Damage to pallets or their contents;
    • Information provision;
    • Telephone answering;
    • Customer service attributes such as:
      Ability/readiness to solve problems;
      Seen to care;
      Pro-active problem identification and resolution;
      Internet facilities.

Fieldwork
The fieldwork for the 4th phase of the UK Express Pallet Distribution Survey was conducted during June 2006, with the report published in September 2006. The 3rd phase report from 2005 is still available to purchase.
This study follows on from the UK Parcels Distribution Survey and provides this relatively new segment with much needed market feedback from customers to assist service providers in the identification of opportunities and in the further strategic development of their businesses.

Contents:

  • Market Review;
  • Executive Summary;
  • Sample Base Data;
  • Results and Analysis;
  • Items Sent;
  • Awareness / Use of Carriers;
  • Selection Criteria / Carrier Rates;
  • Effect of Prices on Loyalty;
  • Items Sent / Usage per Carrier;
  • Overall Level of Service;
  • Lapsed Usage;
  • Ratings & Performance Analyses;
  • Service Improvements / Timed Services;
  • Ireland & European Services;
  • Internet Usage;
  • Media Recall;
  • Trend Analysis (most categories above – availability only to continuous subscribers);
  • Company Profiles;
  • Domestic & International Services for 22 Carriers.

To order a copy of this report download an order form here (Adobe pdf 201kb) or for further information please contact Robin Parr-Davies on +44 (0)870 950 7900.

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