Shepherd Distribution Services: Road Haulage Sector Insights from Logistics Hub UK’s Newest Member

Shepherd Distribution Services has become the latest company to join Sheffield City Region’s expanding Logistics Hub UK partnership. In this post, Laurence Abel, Shepherd's Managing Director, provides his insights into the changes and challenges facing businesses in the road haulage sector.


Shepherd Distribution Services - An Overview

Based in Sheffield and a shareholding member of the Palletline network, Shepherd Distribution Services offers full, part load and groupage services throughout the UK and Europe. In addition to palletised distribution, the company provides specialist services to the metals and engineering sectors, utilising a modern fleet and 50,000 sq.ft. of motorway-linked warehousing.

Meeting the Challenges Facing the Road Haulage Industry

According to Laurence Abel, legislation and rising costs are putting pressure on hauliers, with tyre prices and especially fuel duty further narrowing the industry’s tight margins. However, Abel's view is that quality should not be sacrificed in favour of unsustainable pricing strategies.

‘There is ever more competition in this business, especially in the pallet industry,’ says Abel. ‘We’re not prepared to cut corners. We prefer to maintain high service levels to differentiate ourselves. We continue to invest in new vehicles, resources and technology which ultimately benefit our customers. Being centrally based in the UK also enables us to offer high levels of service provision to an extensive range of customers.’

Technology is the Key to Service Differentiation

‘When it comes to providing customers with the best possible service, technology is a great enabler’, says Abel. ‘For instance, Palletline’s market-leading scanning equipment enables us to let customers know exactly where their freight is at all times at the click of a button. Palletline’s bespoke management system, Contrado, integrates seamlessly with our in-house infrastructure, making the whole process of pallet delivery simpler – from booking to arrival. This translates into increased customer satisfaction and higher retention - vital in the current economy.’

Keeping Pace with a Fast-Moving Logistics Sector

‘Robust practice has never been more important’, says Abel. ‘Compliance, health & safety and staying on top of upcoming legislation remain key concerns for the industry. We want to ensure we’re always one step ahead of the game.’

Further investment in technology is also a big part of Shepherd’s strategy, Abel says. ‘We’re committed to using the very best I.T. systems to continue punching above our weight in a competitive market and delivering excellent customer service. For instance, online commerce is set to become a bigger part of what we do. The pallet industry is already taking steps to react to changing customer demands and evolving purchasing habits. It’s important to anticipate trends and develop solutions to make life easier for ourselves and our customers.’