In the last three years Palletways has launched networks in mainland Europe, based on the highly successful UK operation, which cover the Benelux countries, Denmark, France, Germany and Italy.

Now the company has completed the process of joining up the domestic IT systems across all the European countries served by the company's networks.

Says Palletways IT Director Thomas Olsson, "All the networks have been using the same IT systems and now they have been connected so they all 'talk' to each other across borders.

"This means we can provide our customers with an unrivalled express distribution solution across the channel and mainland Europe, allowing them to access new markets and grow their businesses.

"Our customers will also be able to track and trace any consignment delivered across the European regions covered by our operations."

Palletways is aiming to create the first pan-European pallet network operation within the next three years. The company is already developing its next network to cover Spain and Portugal, which will go live later this year.