Contract Logistics: How does it work?
When pallet volumes increase, complexity follows. More routes. More trailers. Greater pressure on service performance, cost control and customer expectations.
Browns Distribution supports high-volume businesses with fully managed contract logistics and pallet network solutions built around control, visibility and consistent delivery performance.
Whether you’re moving hundreds or thousands of pallets each week, we design logistics operations that reduce friction, protect service levels and give you confidence in every movement.
Who our Contract Logistics Solutions Are Designed For
Our contract logistics solutions are ideal for businesses that:
Ship high volumes of palletised freight across the UK
Rely on guaranteed next-day or named-day delivery
Want to improve OTIF performance and reduce failed deliveries
Need better tracking visibility and faster POD access
Are reviewing logistics spend and looking for stronger cost control
Prefer working with a proactive logistics partner
If your distribution operation feels fragmented, unclear or harder to manage as volume grows, we can help you regain control.
What we Deliver
We don’t just transport pallets. We manage your full, end-to-end logistics cycle.
You benefit from:
One logistics partner
One key point of contact
Clear accountability
Structured reporting and performance oversight
We take ownership of your pallet distribution operation so you can focus on your wider business.
National Coverage Built for High Volume
As long-standing shareholder members of the Palletline network, we provide:
Full UK pallet distribution coverage
Guaranteed next-day and named-day delivery services
High-capacity trunking and central hub operations
Economy services for less time-sensitive freight
This gives you flexibility at scale without losing predictability.
Designed for Visibility and Control
High-volume logistics only works when information flows properly.
Our systems are designed to provide clarity at every stage of the pallet journey:
Real-time pallet tracking with live ETAs
Digital signature and photo POD on delivery
Full scan visibility across the pallet network
Automated delivery notifications for customers
API or CSV integration for bookings, tracking and POD retrieval
Live dashboards showing service performance and trends
No chasing for updates. No blind spots. Just reliable, usable data.
A Dedicated Contract Manager
Every contract logistics customer is supported by a dedicated Contract Manager.
Our hands-on operational leadership is focused on protecting performance and driving continuous improvement.
Your Contract Manager oversees:
Daily service performance and issue resolution
Allocation and routing optimisation
KPI reporting and regular review meetings
Cost visibility and budget monitoring
Trailer utilisation and efficiency
Health, safety and compliance standards
Ongoing operational improvement initiatives
You’ll also have access to our wider operations, IT and leadership teams whenever required.
Reducing Cost Without Damaging Service
High volume creates opportunity when managed properly.
We continuously review your operation to identify smarter, more efficient ways to move freight, including:
Using guaranteed 48-hour services where aligned with your customer promise
Improving trailer fill rates and reducing unnecessary movements
Bypassing the network with direct trunking where appropriate
Reviewing delivery profiles to smooth peak demand
Reducing failed deliveries through better communication and planning
The result is a lower cost-to-serve while protecting the customer experience.
Integrated Warehousing and Storage Solutions
If your pallet volumes don’t always move straight out for delivery, we can support that too.
From our BRCGS AA+ certified facility, we offer:
Short and medium-term pallet storage
Returns and recovery handling
Integrated transport from storage to outbound delivery
A single, joined-up logistics operation
It’s part of a connected contract logistics model, not a bolt-on extra.
Why Choose Browns Distribution for Contract Logistics?
We specialise in complex, high-volume pallet operations.
You get the infrastructure to handle scale, backed by a team that stays close to the detail and accountable for performance.
Over 70 years of UK distribution experience
Privately owned and family run
National fleet and infrastructure
Long-standing Palletline shareholder member
Proven expertise managing contract logistics and pallet networks
A culture built around ownership, consistency and service
We don’t force your operation into a standard template, we build logistics around how your business actually works.
Typical Results Our Customers See
Every operation is different, but contract logistics customers commonly achieve:
Improved OTIF performance
Fewer missed or failed deliveries
Faster access to PODs and tracking information
Better communication with their own customers
Clearer cost visibility
Reduced operational friction
A logistics partner that feels embedded within their team
Let’s Talk About Your Pallet Operation
If you’re reviewing your pallet operations, struggling with visibility or planning for growth, we'd love to talk.
We’ll look at your volumes, routes, service requirements and current pressures. Then show you what’s possible.