Why The Elephant
The elephant is the largest of all living land animals. A peaceful herbivore. The adult of the species has no fear of any other animal. Because of its awesome strength and great size, the elephant is also a symbol of power. At the same time, the wild elephant demonstrates numerous characteristics shared by human beings – such as longevity, social customs, varied personality traits and it is an intelligent creature capable of complex emotions.
The saying that elephants never forget has been backed by science. The old adage is particularly true in the case of matriarchs, who lead the herd. A study of wild African elephants has revealed that dominant females build up a social memory as they get older, enabling them to recognise “friendly” faces.
An elephant actually walks on its toes, aided by a great flesh-heel pad that can conform to the ground. Despite their huge size and immense weight, their walk can be compared to the dance of a ballerina and they are extremely surefooted and silent while walking. The elephant can also attain speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour.
Therefore the elephant denotes strength, independence, reliability and endurance – not unlike Independent Express.
And, finally, just in case you think that pink elephants don’t exist, check out this story!
Independent Express is the founder of The Pallet Network Ireland.
What Is The Pallet Network
The Pallet Network means quality – and that’s official: all 23 TPN member companies have been awarded ISO:9001 certification by the National Standards Authority of Ireland – making TPN the first pallet network in Ireland or the UK to achieve ISO accreditation for every member.
“The concept of the express pallet network is revolutionising the way transport companies operate in Ireland,” said Owen Cooke, Chairman of TPN. The network currently handles 1,500 pallets every night, with a capacity to handle 3,500 pallets. “Gaining ISO9001:2000 recognises the professional, quality service our members offer all customers.”
TPN comprises a network of smaller companies based in different locations around the country. By combining into a single network, members can offer the agility and personal service of smaller operators while offering the national and international reach of larger ones – truly giving customers the best of both worlds.
In addition, because members cover shorter distances within a familiar territory, they offer a fast, flexible service, while at the same time reducing costs and carbon footprint as well as maintaining drivers’ hours safely within those specified by the Working Time Directive.
Are You Helping To Protect The Environment When You Move Your Freight With TPN?
No one should be in any doubt of the impact environmental measures will continue to have on Ireland’s transport industry. The government has been absolutely clear about the need to reduce carbon emissions. In line with Ireland’s participation in the Kyoto Protocol and EU agreements, Ireland’s National Climate Change Strategy calls for an annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 3% in the period 2008-2012 – over 17 million tonnes in total.
In 2006, the last year for which figures are available, transport emissions made up almost 20% of the national total; road transport accounted for 97% of that. While better road infrastructure will actually reduce emissions through the reduction in congestion, plans for new motorways will not let hauliers off the hook. Not only has the EU called for ever cleaner fuels, but it also wants to reduce the number of heavy vehicles on the road.
Hauliers have to work to make their operations as efficient as possible through effective load planning and route scheduling; implementation of the right technology to help manage the workforce, as well as the fleet; regular vehicle maintenance; driver training and, of course, an increased sharing of vehicles to minimise empty running.
And that’s where Independent Express comes in. Being a key member and founder of The Pallet Network, Independent achieves better vehicle utilisation while covering less miles through sharing the distribution of pallets. This not only reduces the carbon emissions but at the same time allows us to provide a better service to our customers. The rest of the industry should be green with envy!