Palletways is closing its own less-than-truckload network in Germany. The network was launched in 2011 and is set to end effective September 28, 2026. Michael Sterk, Managing Director of Palletways Germany, confirmed this decision to Verkehrsrundschau. He did not provide reasons for the decision.
This means the end of cooperation in the German Palletways network for approximately 60 forwarding and distribution partners. However, this does not mean that all of them will lose their shipments or that 24plus will automatically take them over. Many delivery areas are already occupied at 24plus. Its Managing Director Paul Walter therefore expects approximately ten to twelve additional partners. It is not yet clear exactly who will join.
Palletways is not completely disappearing from German traffic. In future, 24plus will take over German handling for the European Palletways network. Conversely, Palletways partners in Europe will operate for 24plus. Palletways intends to focus more strongly on pallets across national borders.
In practice, a clean handover now counts. According to 24plus, freight forwarders can process their shipments via the Palletways platform on a transitional basis until at least the end of 2026. A connection to 24plus's system should enable the exchange of shipment data. Nevertheless, dispatchers should clarify for ongoing and newly booked shipments who picks up, who delivers, and what transit time is guaranteed.
Swiss shippers may also be affected if their goods are picked up, distributed, or transported further to Europe via German partners. Whether something changes for a specific route must be confirmed by the commissioned freight forwarder. General statements about longer transit times or higher costs would be premature at this time.