3 minute read
Connecting the UK to the world
While the last 12 months have posed their own unique challenges to many UK industries, the express freight distribution sector has had to navigate a number of Covid-19 and Brexit trials.
However, Gatwick-based transport and distribution specialist DNA has seen freight volumes soar as part of a network which has helped producers and manufacturers recover from the impact of the pandemic.
DNA is part of Palletforce, the UK’s leading express freight distribution network. With more than 100 national members, it delivers consignments of all sizes to every UK postcode every day. It also offers direct European and Asian services, providing a cost-effective platform for SME businesses to connect to domestic and international markets. “After an initial sharp slump in volumes at the start of the first lockdown, the sector has quickly recovered and we’ve been handling 40% more freight than last year,” explained DNA managing director Tony Bunn.
“Our model helps connect local businesses around the South East by providing a quality platform to distribute their goods with an excellent next-day, express service. From one pallet to a full truck load, we can connect them to domestic and international customers with a cost-effective and dependable service. “This provides SMEs with the opportunity to benefit from the same rates as larger businesses, providing all the added-value services such as live tracking, real-time delivery notifications, contactless delivery and now visual images of their goods passing through the system to deliver unrivalled visibility.
“It also offers maximum flexibility, with customers under no obligation to commit to minimum volumes. With many manufacturers and producers experiencing fluctuating volumes and smaller consignments, our network
model has delivered an extremely cost-effective solution to help power the UK’s economic recovery.”
Last December the family business announced it was following a growth strategy and gearing up for continued expansion in 2021. It aims to further increase its 70-strong workforce in the coming months to meet the demand from UK manufacturers for more flexible and cost-effective freight transport and storage, and cites its close proximity to Gatwick and Heathrow airports and the southern sea-ports as an opportunity for expansion.
“Our location means we are perfectly placed to offer other distribution, consolidation and warehousing services. We are ideally situated in the vicinity of
international airports and sea-ports and we’re seeing increased enquiries for consolidation and cross-docking of freight coming into and leaving the UK post-Brexit. courier service and we’ve also enhanced our range of fl exible warehousing and storage solutions in response to demand from Brexit and also changing consumer buying habits.” individual customer’s exact needs is what Tony believes has helped drive the business forward.
“DNA has a strong reputation for going the extra mile to ensure we deliver the highest quality service,” he says.
“Customer service is a crucial element of running a business, consumers have many choices and we aim to help and support our customers by ensuring the distribution services we provide are of the highest quality and completely meet their expectations.”
DNA’s continuing expansion shows that it has risen to the challenges of the past year and is now perfectly placed to continue to deliver a range of quality transport and distribution services for its customers throughout 2021.
“The world of freight and distribution has changed rapidly over the last 12 months and luckily we’ve adapted with it. The huge increase in online retail has allowed us to develop our same-day But it is a continued and unwavering focus on providing a bespoke quality service which sets DNA apart from many other logistics providers. The family ethos of focusing on each
Iain Stewart Centre City Place Gatwick, RH6 0PB T: +44 (0) 333 335 8585
Helping you reach domestic & international markets
Same-day express courier services Next-day UK freight distribution Flexible warehousing solutions Direct European & Asian services Customs clearance & Brexit support Live freight tracking & real-time updates
