Container Transport and Supply Group Collect Supply Chain Global Freight Award

UK – Container transport, storage and supply company Pentalver has been crowned Global Freight Awards Supply Chain Partner for 2014 alongside Allport Cargo Services, having previously held the title in 2012 for its supply chain partnership with logistics specialist Autohub New Zealand and international inspection company, JEVIC. This year it was the box company’s collaboration with Dixons Retail and Damco which caught the judges’ attention and the startling pronouncement that the cooperation resulted in Dixons Retail’s detention penalty fines being reduced from nearly £1 million to only £300 in 2013.

In addition to achieving hugely impressive reductions in penalty fines, Pentalver’s key objective was to maintain its 99% reliability record, in spite of TEU volumes doubling since being awarded the contract in 2010 and an additional 30% volume increase expected throughout 2014. Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director of Pentalver, pointed out the strategic locations which Pentalver occupies in a central position in Cannock and at the country’s four major container ports were critical to success and commented:

“We are absolutely delighted that our partnership with Dixons Retail and Damco impressed the judges and has been recognised in this way. The successful relationship we enjoy with Dixons Retail is due to fully understanding the complexities of their supply chain and working seamlessly with Damco to implement smarter, flexible strategies to meet Dixons Retail’s evolving needs.

“Chinese Golden Week in September has the most impact on Dixons Retail’s supply chain as China shuts down for three weeks at the precise time they are gearing up to meet the demands of Christmas and the January sales. By bringing goods in ahead of the China shutdown, our strategically located depots are able to play a critical role storing goods in readiness for onward delivery into Dixons Retail’s Newark DC on a drop and swap basis.

“This award win is due to the commitment and teamwork displayed by Pentalver staff across our network. Pentalver’s ability to listen and understand its customers’ needs allows us to develop a true partnership through collaboration and development. We would like to sincerely thank our customers and employees for making this award possible.”

Sponsor for the Supply Chain category was Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) which despite the very stiffest of competition from a who’s who of box lines managed to secure the Container Line of the Year Award for the second successive year. The world’s second largest container carrier was up against the likes of Maersk and CMA CGM plus Hanjin, Hapag Lloyd and OOCL so staff were particularly pleased to secure the title in a class again sponsored by Freightliner.

Photo: L to R - Anne Gordon - Finance Director at MSC, sponsors of the Supply Chain Partnership Award, Ian Barnes - CCO, Pentalver, Mark Chapman - BBC sports presenter and award announcer and Kim Hotson - Dixons Retail (Curry’s PC World), Imports Logistics Manager.   © Philippa Gedge Photography