H.F. Owen: Innovation, Growth, & Award-Winning Service
After 50+ years in haulage, H.F. Owen has embraced technology, doubled its fleet, and won a Pallet-Track award - positioning itself as a leader in logistics across North Wales and beyond. For over 50 years, H.F.
Owen Transport & Storage has been a trusted name in road haulage, providing dedicated transportation solutions tailored to customer needs. Privately owned and independently operated, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including road haulage across the UK, palletised load distribution throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe, and local warehousing and storage for both well-known family businesses and major national brands. Strategically located near the Port of Holyhead - one of the UK's busiest ferry ports - Mostyn Docks, Liverpool Docks, and Peel Ports, H.F.
Owen plays a crucial role in the efficient
H.F. Owen feature in issue T&L 274
movement of goods across key freight routes. Additionally, as a vital partner within the Pallet-Track network, H.F.
Owen delivers a cost-effective and flexible pallet distribution service to businesses across North Wales and the Northwest. Operating within a highly responsive, hub-and-spoke network, the company ensures seamless pallet collection and delivery, leveraging cutting-edge tracking technology to enhance efficiency. This collaboration has not only improved service reliability but has also contributed significantly to H.F.
Owen's rapid growth, enabling it to double its fleet size and expand its operations. Most recently, the company earned a prestigious award, winning Best Use of Technology at the annual Pallet-Track shareholder gala. The haulier was selected for the award - sponsored by Vigo - after transforming its administrative and customer service processes.
By integrating advanced tracking and visibility technology, H.F. Owen has streamlined its operations and enhanced service efficiency, positioning itself as an industry leader. Depot principal Hedd Druce played a key role in driving these changes, ensuring that the team maximised the benefits of the new systems.
Reflecting on the award, Managing Director Geraint Walker said: "We were pleasantly surprised to receive this recognition, especially as a relatively new member of Pallet-Track. I'm incredibly proud of our team for fully embracing the technology and utilising it as intended. Their commitment has not only improved our internal processes but also enhanced the experience for our customers, with features such as live tracking and photographic proof of delivery ensuring greater transparency and efficiency."
The accolade is fitting given the ambition of owners Delsol who acquired the business in 2019 with a clear strategy of evolving its services and capabilities. "We spent a couple of years observing the industry, gaining insights, and implementing changes," says Geraint. "When the opportunity to join Pallet-Track arose, we seized it without hesitation. Since then, our turnover has doubled since the end of 2023." H.F.
Owen's integration of technology has seen it embrace Pallet-Track's systems including the customer portal, which makes it easy for customers to book pallets. "Everything is transferred directly to us, creating a seamless process. One of the standout features is the live ETA system. Customers receive real-time updates on when their pallet will arrive.
This reduces the need for customers to chase us for updates and eliminates back-and-forth communication with the delivering depot." Geraint also highlights the implementation of EDC phones, allowing it to complete proof-of-delivery (POD) digitally. "Our drivers take a picture upon delivery, ensuring transparency and customer satisfaction by showing exactly where the pallet was left. All of this technology was either provided or recommended by Pallet-Track, and we've fully integrated it into our daily operations.
We've even taken it a step further by incorporating the same system - Vigo - into the haulage side of our business, and it's working really well." It's quite a transformation for a long-running business that was traditionally tied to pen and paper. "Implementing this technology was definitely a learning curve," acknowledges Geraint. "Hats off to Pallet-Track - they supported us every step of the way. We had their excellent team on-site for two weeks, training all the office staff and walking everyone through the systems until everyone was happy and comfortable."
A commitment to setting a higher bar has been central to H.F.
Owen's success. "One of my key priorities is ensuring our team consistently delivers outstanding service. When we take on a new customer, they can expect exceptional support from the outset. Our freight operations are highly efficient, and I've structured the business model around maintaining this commitment to excellence." This dedication has strengthened client relationships and fuelled business growth, allowing the company to expand its reach and capabilities.
Joining Pallet-Track has also opened new doors. "We now offer pallet network services, and it's led to opportunities on both sides of the business - pallet distribution and full-load haulage. This has also opened up additional opportunities in our warehousing department, as some customers have required storage solutions alongside their transport needs." To support this growth, the company has made significant investments in its infrastructure and fleet.
In July 2023, it moved to a larger unit to accommodate Pallet-Track operations, later relocating to Bangor's Llandygai Industrial Estate to bring all aspects of the business under one roof. "Having everyone on one site significantly enhances efficiency, particularly with the entire team working together in the same office," explains Geraint. Alongside this, the company has added to its fleet and is steadily expanding, purchasing a new 18-tonne vehicle every three months.
The fleet now includes four 18-tonne vehicles, one 12-tonne vehicle, a Luton van, a small courier van, two tail-lift trailers, and two double-decker trailers, ensuring H.F. Owen remains well-equipped to meet increasing demand. Pallet-Track CEO Stuart Godman praised the company's commitment to innovation, stating that H.F.
Owen's embrace of technology has set a new benchmark for service excellence within the network. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to growth and innovation while staying true to its core values of exceptional service and reliability. The company's expansion within the Pallet-Track network, investment in technology, and fleet growth have positioned it as a key player in the North Wales transport sector.
With a growing customer base and a streamlined operation at its Bangor headquarters, the business is set to continue its upward trajectory. As Geraint puts it: "We're charging ahead and loving the journey! The business is moving in a fantastic direction, and we're steadily growing our customer base across North Wales, things are really clicking into place.
If any new tech pops up that can help us run even slicker and deliver an even smoother service, you can bet we'll be all over it!" With a forward-thinking approach and a dedication to efficiency and service, H.F.
Owen is not just keeping pace with industry changes but actively shaping its future as a leader in logistics and haulage.
https://www.hfowentransport.com
Transport & Logistics - Driving The Industry Forward