Changing landscape prompts Kent move

The move is partly in response to ‘the crippling effect that extending the Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) in Greater London will have on its business’.

The satellite site in Lympne also represents a prime location for hauliers given proximity to the motorway network, Channel Tunnel and the ports of Dover and Folkestone. 

This will enable PML to provide its customers with the opportunity to capitalise on an alternative route in and out of Heathrow, avoiding the charges / penalties associated with using the roads within the Greater London area affected by the new LEZ standards. 

The company plans to apply for remote HMRC / DEFRA approved Border Control Post (previously known as a Border Inspection Post (BIP) status to enable a faster transit of consignments out of the Port of Dover (which currently does not have a BCP). 

The move should enable PML customers to avoid the delays associated with freight traffic in and out of Dover and therefore extend the shelf life of any temperature sensitive cargo (which represents PML’s core business), by up to 4 hours.

PML signed contracts on the new warehouse on 28th May 2021 and anticipates that once the necessary refurbishments have been undertaken, the 24/7 operation which will handle daily consignments of food – for packing, loading and unloading – will be up and running in 16 weeks. 

The business anticipates the new facility has the capacity to process 80-100 truck movements per day in its first phase of operation – which will focus on refrigerated goods only. This figure will increase during Phase 2 – which is likely to be in 18 months’ time – when ambient cargo will also be incorporated.

Sited at Lympne Distribution Park, the facility comprises two purpose-built cold stores, 14 dock levellers, parking for up to 60 trailers and office space. The company plans to spend around £1m on refurbishments to bring the building up to its standards. This will include the creation of dedicated inspection areas and offices for customers.