Llanelli-based Fast Forward is building on its established palletised freight distribution business. The company has plans to expand into full-load services and increase its storage capacity as customer demand creates new opportunities. A Palletline business, Fast Forward is looking to extend its service offering while retaining its flexible and personal approach that been the hallmark of the business.
Operational improvements lay foundations for growth
Since joining as General Manager in January of this year, Jason Gaule has hit the ground running focusing on improving the operation and laying strong foundations for future growth.
Warehouse layouts and systems have been overhauled, loading processes streamlined and staffing levels designed to meet operational requirements. The business is also now fully staffed, reducing its reliance on agency workers. These changes have improved efficiencies whilst providing Jason and his team a springboard from which to develop new opportunities. This is both within their established palletised freight offering and beyond.
“A number of changes have been made since I first joined, particularly in the warehouse by improving the layout and the way we load vehicles. It is about making the operation work better and smarter and getting the most out of the resources we have,” said Jason. “Now we are looking at where we can take the business next. We have brought some previous customers back on board, we are winning new work and have a strong business pipeline.”
These wins reflect the value of a service that is responsive to customers’ needs. They are backed by a team small enough to offer direct contact and flexibility when requirements change.
“We are a close-knit team, and customers know they can speak to us directly. If there is something they need help with, we will look at how we can make it work. That personal service and flexibility are a big part of what we offer. We want to keep building on that.”
Expanding full load distribution and storage
Looking ahead, one of Jason’s priorities is to develop Fast Forward’s full-load distribution capability. While the business handles some dedicated vehicle work, he sees an opportunity to build this into a more established service, using the vehicles and operational expertise already available to support customers moving full loads across the UK.
The intention is to complement the core palletised freight operation and maximising the use of the company’s vehicle assets. By developing both services, Fast Forward aims to offer customers greater choice, whether they need individual pallets distributed through the Palletline network or a dedicated vehicle for larger consignments. Storage too has been earmarked as another potential area for growth and Jason is currently exploring the options available.
“It’s about growing in the right way. We want to continue to build on our core palletised freight business as well as further develop full-load distribution and other service offerings such as storage. There is a lot of potential. We want to develop that for the benefit of both the business and crucially our customers.”
Supporting customers across multiple sectors
Fast Forward’s customer base reflects the versatility of its operation, handling a broad mix of goods from televisions and pet food to building materials, garden products and seasonal agricultural supplies. This varied workload allows the business to support customers across different sectors. The company has the ability to adapt to changing volumes and requirements.
Jason brings more than 30 years of experience in logistics to the role. After starting his career as a postman, he established his own courier business, growing it from a single van into an operation serving major high street retailers across the UK, Ireland and Europe. He subsequently held a range of management and planning roles within the logistics sector before joining Fast Forward.
Fast Forward is now focused on building for the future while not losing sight of its core values. Jason added: “Our priority is to keep growing and developing our offering to customers. We have a strong foundation, a good team and customers who value the service we provide. By continuing to develop our palletised freight offering and expanding into full loads and storage, we can create more opportunities for the business and for our customers.”
