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"We're a member of a pallet network too, however - PalletForce. Each system Links of London its own strategic advantages. If you had a full load from Carlisle to Liverpool, for example, it would be silly to trunk it through a hub in the Midlands, which could happen with a pallet network. "With Partnerlink, the trailer goes straight to the destination. Likewise, it would be uneconomical to send two pallets through the Partnerlink route. Working on a system of consolidation, a pallet network makes much more sense with smaller volumes, just not full loads." Combined forces Links of London Disc charm is a part owner of Partnerlink, along with the aforementioned companies. "We're a club of people who have known one another for a very long time. The principle was originally set up with the working time directive in mind, whereas now it's more about the environment and fuel costs," Beattie reports. "If you think about it geographically, you cant be in every street in every town in the UK at once - or maybe not with your own trucks. But with enough approved partners, it's feasible." Fuel consumption is another topic close to the hearts of Beattie and Abbott (see panel, left). However, Beattie is swift to allay any fears of penny-Links of London Dome Jade Charm diktats at work: "We've got no issues with air-conditioning or night heaters, and it's true to say we're leaving the choice of route to the driver. But you have to realise not everyone makes the right decision: we've got 97 drivers out today; that's 97 people to educate." The logic undoubtedly makes sense. In another attack on costs, the company recently put its faith in satellite tracking, namely Navman. "We were in a situation where drivers were using their own devices to navigate their way round the countryside which is not, I'm sure you will agree, an ideal solution," says Abbott. At the time of writing, the new system Links of London Dress Charm been live for only three weeks, but initial indications were favourable. "Some of our partners already operate the same system, so it wasn't a decision taken totally blindfold. The company lives or dies by its decisions - those made by drivers and traffic planners alike." Investment In addition to rudimentary route calculation and navigation, the pair opted for weight limit and bridge height information.