Surrey Pallets selects Fortec Distribution Network

When truck driver Sean Bourke decided to set up Surrey Pallets with a partner this year he already had in mind to join the Fortec Distribution Network.

Surrey Pallets operates out of Wimbledon, London with six vehicles – an artic, an 18-tonner, three seven-and-a-half tonners and a Luton van, serving the SM,CR,KT,SW postcodes as well as the local area.

From the very first day it opened in April 2014 the company became a member of the Fortec Distribution Network, and now delivers 40-60 loads a day for the network.

Goods range from garden equipment and diesel engines to mail shots and Surrey Pallets, which also has a 5,000 square feet warehouse, is experiencing a boom in delivering supplies, such as tiles, to householders making home improvements.

Having already worked for another pallet network Sean was in no doubt about what attracted him to the Fortec Distribution Network – not least that it is part of one of the largest logistics groups in the world, French firm Geodis.

Sean, co-owner of Surrey Pallets, said: "You have the advantages of Fortec being part of a big European network yet it appears small and approachable. They definitely listen to us and are only a phone call away.

"We can always get hold of our dedicated contact at Fortec and if we have an issue we have constructive discussions. He always seems to come up with an answer or a suggestion that is quite sensible.

"Our customers like Fortec. When we have gone out for sales before and told potential customers we are part of Fortec they have often said: 'Oh, we've used Fortec and they are very, very good.'

"There is a general consensus that the Fortec Distrbution Network works well."

While it is early days yet the business now employs 10 people, including drivers, office and warehouse staff, and Sean is hoping to expand further.

The next improvement in service will be the Fortec Connect App for android phones which he hopes his fleet will be using very soon. The app sends drivers alerts while they are on the road if a job crops up and they are in the vicinity.

"It's a great tool – and another reason to be in the Fortec network," he said.