Member of Made in the Midlands and leading freight forwarding company Pinnacle Freight has emphasised the need for businesses, particularly manufacturers, to take control of their exports. The advice comes after increasing trade costs and intense global competition. Delving into their wealth of experience in freight forwarding and logistics, the state of UK manufacturing, embracing technology for efficiency and their own sustainability initiatives were also discussed.
Established in 1972, Pinnacle Freight remains a family-owned business committed to excellence and agility in freight forwarding and logistics. The company prides itself on its compliance-driven approach, meeting the diverse needs of clients ranging from SMEs to large corporations. With recent developments like the opening of an office at Space Park Leicester, Pinnacle Freight is actively expanding its network and enhancing its service offerings.
Discussing challenges in international trade, the team at Pinnacle highlighted economic factors like higher costs and intense global competition. However, the company emphasised the UK's competitive advantage in providing high-quality, reliable products. Gavin Newman, Operations Director at Pinnacle, said: “ To tackle challenges, we encourage customers to take control of their exports, ensuring products reach destinations in optimal condition while also managing freight costs effectively.”
As industry leaders, Pinnacle Freight emphasises the importance of equipping their sales teams with knowledge about logistics and international trade. Understanding shipping processes and incoterms enables effective communication with overseas partners and enhances the overall customer experience. Ben Shenton, Sales and Marketing Director at Pinnacle, said: “By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, Pinnacle Freight aims to empower businesses to succeed in global markets”.
Recognizing the growing importance of sustainability, Pinnacle Freight has implemented various initiatives to minimise its environmental footprint. Investments in solar energy, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient infrastructure demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.In addition, they offer innovative solutions like carbon emissions calculators to help clients reduce their environmental impact.
On top of a focus on sustainability, technology also plays a pivotal role in Pinnacle Freight's operations, driving efficiency and streamlining processes. The adoption of advanced ERP systems like Cargowise enables automation, reduces manual tasks, and enhances reporting capabilities. Additionally, ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity and transition to cloud-based infrastructure align with their commitment to continuous improvement.
As Pinnacle Freight continues to evolve and innovate, their dedication to excellence sets a commendable example for the industry. Made in Group members are encouraged to join the online Industry Meetup, on Wednesday 22nd May at 9am,with Ben from Pinnacle who will be sharing the company’s best practices on understanding Incoterms and why ex-works may not always represent the best approach. Register for the event here.
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