BLACKBURN-BASED haulage specialists Gilbraith has joined Palletways, the fastest-growing overnight distribution network in the UK.

The company will be one of 90 plus top regional distribution companies that make up the nationwide network, which provides a range of express services.

Gilbraith, which will cover the BB postcode area, has 100,000sq ft of warehousing, serviced by a 20-strong vehicle fleet, offering single pallet to full load distribution.

Joining Palletways will account for more than half a million pounds of its current annual turnover of £2.5m.

Steve Gibson, managing director of Gilbraith said: "In the short time we have been working as part of the Palletways network, we have already seen our business expand.

"Distribution nowadays is becoming more and more 'Just in Time'.

"Therefore, the ability to offer our customers next day guaranteed deliveries, especially on single pallets nationwide, is a valuable marketing tool and enables us to offer a complete distribution package."

Palletways was set up in 1994 and at the heart of the national network is a central hub in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

All Palletways' regional transport companies, known as members, distribute the goods they have collected earlier in the day from their local area into the hub.

The goods are then processed through three warehouses, totalling 210,000 sq ft, and, using Palletways sophisticated in-house IT system, are sorted into designated areas.

Once reloaded, members' vehicles then return during the same evening to their local delivery depot. From here, goods are despatched to their final distribution points throughout the UK.