The Pallet Network is pulling together its 117-depot nationwide freight operation to collect emergency relief donations from around the UK and send them to the thousands of homeless families affected by the Cumbrian floods.

“This is yet another great example of the industry pulling together to help others in their time of need”, said RHA chief executive Richard Burnett .“We are, of course, particularly pleased that so many of our members are involved in this magnificent relief effort, spearheaded by RHA member company SCS Logistics.”

Morecambe-based SCS Logistics  opened its depot as a relief centre as soon as the floods hit. Managing director Sandra Cottam-Shea  said: “We are receiving donations of non-perishable essentials all the time and as soon as we have a full van-load, we are taking them to whichever area is in most need, including Keswick, Moreton Manor and Carlisle. “As I speak I’ve heard that there are 5,000 homeless families and that Penrith has run out of food. We all need to do whatever we can to keep these people warm, safe and fed.”

TPN is inviting anyone who would like to donate non-perishable items from anywhere in the UK to drop them into their local TPN depot, or its Minworth or Preston Hubs, which will ensure that they reach the people of Cumbria free of charge.

TPN MD Mark Duggan said: “Our Members include over 100 of the best regional hauliers in the UK. They spend their lives transporting the essential goods we all need. We are only too happy to help the people who have lost so much in Cumbria by doing what we do well – fast, efficient shipping of the UK’s freight.”