14 May 2021

As the general public and businesses continue to experience difficulties due to the Coronavirus pandemic, our haulage providers have advised us of ongoing delivery network challenges being faced across the whole of the UK. Whilst Evans continues to do its utmost to maintain delivery schedules, we are sometimes affected by factors which are out of our control. For that reason, we would like to share their statement with you below:

"The logistics sector in the UK is continuing to handle unprecedented volumes of freight and this is impacting the service provided by all the UK Pallet Networks.
 
Palletline, the Pallet Network that we are members of, is currently reporting that the volumes across their network are still over 30% ahead of pre-covid levels with some specific areas in the country up 60%.
 
There are a number of reasons for this including the continued easing of lockdown measures which are now driving supplies to the hospitality and retail trades, particularly in areas which are likely to be popular for travel within the UK. This comes on top of the considerable growth in home deliveries for the DIY sector and other leisure related freight.
 
Other factors include the shortage of vehicles and drivers, the reduction in European hauliers supporting the UK market since Brexit, and the loss of Agency Drivers to the industry as a direct result of the recent introduction of IR35 tax changes.
 
As a result of this unprecedented demand, Palletline, along with all the other Pallet Networks, have introduced a number of measures in order to alleviate the pressure in the Network so that the radial vehicles can be routed more efficiently in order to deliver more freight without the restrictions placed on the planning and routing by time delivery constraints.
 
These service suspensions will be reviewed weekly and where possible removed at the earliest opportunity."
 
Evans would like to assure you that we will strive, where possible, to maintain our 7-10 day turnaround for all orders. Thank you once again for your patience and continued support.