The Association of Pallet Networks (APN) has released a set of benchmarking statistics which, for the first time, give an accurate picture of the size of the sector.

Based on online monitoring over the six months from June to December 2008, the data shows that APN's members, which include all the networks except UK Pallets, deliver 13 million pallets a year, or 54,000 pallets a night.

According to the figures, 60% of these are for next-day delivery, and trailer fill is at an average of 70% (compared to the 40%-50% usually seen in general haulage).

APN also points to a trend of a reduction in consignment size, which it believes is a symptom of customers reducing their stock holding and making more frequent, smaller deliveries: APN says the average is 1.36 pallets per consignment.

Previously the size of the sector has only been able to be estimated based on individual networks' stated average volumes, however APN chairman Paul Sanders believes that it is vital to get an accurate picture. "Networks can now see the average volume, so it gives them something to benchmark their performance against and allows them to calculate their market share."

Sanders says the figures will enable the industry to promote itself more effectively to hauliers that are thinking of joining a network. Its next figures, for the six months to June 2009, <will provide a clearer picture of the sector when they are released later this year.

Previously APN has worked on health and safety benchmarking and is consulting with the HSE on a best practice guide to safe loading of a double-deck trailer.