APN members report pallet volume growth for first quarter

Pallet volumes across the seven members of the Association of Pallet Networks (APN) rose to 15.1 million during the first quarter.

Collective volumes from the seven networks - all the networks except UK Pallets and Palletforce - between January and March were up 16% on the 13 million recorded in Q1 2009, and an impressive 11.9% higher than the 13.5 million in Q1 2008.

During the period, full pallet volumes increased 14% from Q1 2009, half pallets rose 17% and quarter pallets also climbed 22%.

Paul Sanders, APN chairman, says: "They all had a good Easter and the improvement is still carrying on. Hauliers have taken vehicles off the road during the recession, so the pallet hubs will see any recovery first."