A third of pallet network volumes in the UK were residential during the second quarter of 2020, as the traditionally B2B sector transitioned into e-commerce.
According to the Association of Pallet Networks the first quarter of 2020 saw just 14% of all deliveries made by pallet networks delivered to residential addresses, this increased to 36% in the second quarter.
The APN said that even as lockdown eased in the summer, more than half a million pallets were delivered to homes in July.
Paul Sanders, Chairman of the APN, said: “Pallet networks have traditionally been seen as providing B2B services, although in recent years we have seen a gradual increase in residential deliveries.
“Our members were instrumental in quickly creating safe and secure contactless deliveries. Members work closely on health and safety issues; best practice in this area was developed at the start of lockdown and was well received by customers and end consumers.
“As the UK entered its second period of lockdown, and the additional complications of Christmas and Brexit, the sector has proved beyond any doubt that it has the skills, the resilience and the operational protocols to rise to the challenge.”
All eight pallet networkings in the UK are members of the APN.
