Pall-Ex launches ‘parcel pallets’

Pall-Ex said the launch of its new ‘parcel pallet’ offered businesses a viable alternative to traditional parcel distribution and would help it expand into new markets.

The new pallet service measures 0.6m x 0.8m x 1m and offers a maximum weight of 150kg. Pall-Ex explained that it has a smaller footprint but almost double the height and exploited a gap in the market for an efficient and cost-effective way to send larger parcels, particularly those that lie in the grey area between parcel and pallet delivery.

It added that the 150kg weight capacity provided added flexibility when sending smaller but heavier items, such as automotive equipment, and would reduce the risk of damage compared to traditional parcel delivery methods, such as in cages.

drivers and support staff to report for duty when the contract transferred on 3 July. However, when the staff turned up for work on that date, they found their offices locked and in darkness.

Shortly before this date, Bimson wrote to the Wincanton staff telling them TUPE did not apply.

One former Wincanton employee, Oliver Porter, said they were now in limbo and fighting for financial survival.

Bimson Haulage said it recognised “how stressful and unsettling” the situation was for the workers. “However, we have always maintained since the start of this year that we do not believe that TUPE is applicable,” it added.

Ex-offenders get second chance

Logistics firms are participating in a recruitment drive in 30 prisons across England and Wales, which aims to hire ex-offenders to help plug the industry’s skills gap.

The event, dubbed Unlocking Retail and Logistics, involves companies including DHL, The Co-operative, Iceland, Oliver Bonas and Greggs. The campaign is part of a wider drive by the government to get more prison leavers into work as evidence shows it grows the economy and cuts crime.

Research shows ex-offenders in full-time employment are less likely to reoffend, while more than 90% of businesses who employ prison leavers say they are motivated, have good attendance and are trustworthy.