Hancock puts an end to empty capacity with Haulage Exchange
Stockport-based haulier AE Hancock Ltd reports it has virtually eliminated empty capacity and increased the profitability of its business, after joining freight exchange network Haulage Exchange at the beginning of the year.
Since becoming a member of the platform, the company has been able to fill over 90 per cent of empty return loads, Haulage Exchange says, resulting in a 20 per cent boost in turnover in the first month alone worth £8,000.
Said Haulage Exchange: “AE Hancock realised they were not making best possible use of their fleet because they did not possess the necessary network of trusted partners and customers nationwide to avoid high levels of empty running.
“By gaining access to the Haulage Exchange’s network of more than 3,000 transport businesses located across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, the company has been able to secure a significant number of loads per month through the platform by listing available capacity and identifying suitable loads that match with the locations of their vehicles.”
Among the new relationships the haulier has developed is a core network of 20 operators that are responsible for a growing proportion of the additional loads. Furthermore, AE Hancock has been able to identify additional business prospects, so its investment strategy has been aligned to meet the precise needs of other members. For example, the company has become accredited to Transport for London’s Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) to take advantage of increased demand for work in the capital – while the planned acquisition of an 18-tonne curtainside vehicle with tail lift is a direct result of the opportunities that exist on the Exchange.
Dawn Hancock from AE Hancock Ltd commented: “Haulage Exchange has become an integral part of our day-to-day operation, supporting our ambitions to grow the business. We had previously been reliant on our customer base within the north west of England, but now have access to opportunities across the UK and internationally. The impact was almost immediate, helping us to effectively fill available capacity and make best use of our assets.”
Lyall Cresswell, managing director of Transport Exchange Group, which runs the platform, said: “Haulage Exchange offers an effective means of boosting the efficiency and profitability of its members by helping to fill available capacity and improve workload. These organisations can better control operational costs, increase margins and target business expansion by getting connected and engaged with other like-minded businesses. This proven value has resulted in a third of members being part of the Exchange for more than five years.”
