Summer 2014
NETWORK NEWS
Page 9
Quick reaction
pays dividends
The Transland Group, which operates from
its bases in Kildare and Newton Le Willows,
has purchased eight bespoke trailers for its
services to and from Ireland, following a
change in Irish logistics regulations. The Irish
Ministry of Transport recently introduced
new rulings on the height limit of 4.65m for
trailers entering the country, as opposed to
the standard 4.8m throughout the UK. The
new restrictions have been put in place due
to the design of the controversial Dublin
Tunnel, which is part of the M50 motorway,
and has limited many logistics firms to
single-deck trailers.
Transland have become the first company
to react to the new regulations, with the
introduction of eight made-to-measure
double-deck trailers. Working with leading
trailer manufacturer Lawrence David,
Transland's latest editions have been
designed to offer maximum flexibility for
loading and greater fuel efficiency, while
also incorporating the latest health and
safety features. The new trailers are fitted
with cargo nets, strapping for both lower
and upper decks, wrap-around curtains and
a mesh floor on the upper deck to provide
better visibility and increased payload.
Kelvin Jones, Business Development
Director at Transland International, said:
"The introduction of these bespoke doubledecker
trailers means that we offer greater
efficiency to businesses throughout Ireland
compared to any other pallet network. While
the new legislation was a contentious point in
the industry, we reacted quickly to ensure our
customers continue to enjoy the highest level
of service whilst still being competitive".
Best foot in, out,
for charity event
Telford-based Palletways member KRL Ltd is
hoping to bring together more than 8,000 people to
help set a new Guinness World Record by creating
the world's largest Hokey Cokey dance.
Organised by the group Hands Around The Wrekin (HATW), the event, which
will be held on 21st September, will raise funds for four local charities: the
Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, the Midlands Air Ambulance, Save the Clifton,
and Stay. The event will pay homage a similar event, held over 30 years
ago on May 4th 1981, which brought together 17,000 local people to create a
world-record-breaking chain of raised hands stretching over 3.5 miles.
KRL was originally approached to loan its trucks for stages at the event, but
has since become part of the organisation team, collaborating with HATW.
Becky O'Toole, Transport Accounts Administrator at KRL, explains:
"Our Operations Director Pete Phythian was approached by HATW, and he
realised immediately that we should get involved and support the event, which
is when I was brought in to help. Once we'd promised to loan our vehicles for
the day, and offered to help transport anything that was needed, we started to
look at what we could do next. Subsequently we have committed to providing
barcode scanners for barcoded wristbands to help verify attendance numbers
for the World Record attempt, as well as connecting with our customers to
secure raffle prizes and other donations to help raise funds."
So far, customers including Weston Park, Tesco, Telford Wines, David Austin
Roses, Southwater Event Group, T-Live and Back To Basics have donated
prizes, and Palletways itself is hoping to set up its own giant hot air balloon
at the event. In addition, another KRL customer is considering producing
all the barcoded wristbands for free, helping to keep the charity's costs
down while undertaking the necessary requirements of the Guinness
Book of World Records.
The activity is also being given support by Telford & Wrekin Council
who are working to bring the community together through the event.