In the spotlight with Andy Sheppard

In our latest staff spotlight feature, we spoke to Andy Sheppard, who has recently received a promotion to Head of Operations at Pall-Ex Logistics (Dorset). Andy shares with us an insight into his career in the transport industry and what it means to be part of #teamplx.

What is your role at Pall-Ex Logistics, and what are your key responsibilities?

As Head of Operations at Pall-Ex Logistics (Dorset), my role is centred on driving commercial performance, operational excellence, and team development across the business. I provide strategic oversight of transport management, workforce planning, and depot operations to ensure that we consistently deliver efficient, reliable and customer-focused logistics solutions.

A key part of my leadership approach involves building and retaining high-performing teams through effective recruitment, employee engagement, and professional development. I am also responsible for implementing business initiatives that enhance productivity, sustainability and safety, ensuring that our operations align with Pall-Ex Logistics’ long-term goals and values.

Ultimately, my focus is on empowering our people, optimising our resources, and leading the continuous improvement that keeps Pall-Ex Logistics at the forefront of our industry.

How did you get into the logistics industry?

Transport has always been in my blood. From a young age, I was fascinated by trucks, depots, and the world of logistics as that is what my dad did. As a child, I’d spend hours creating miniature transport networks, building depots, offices, and warehouses out of old cassette tape boxes, and running my own “fleet” of toy trucks between them.

I’d even invent realistic transport challenges such as missing paperwork, long-distance runs and urgent deliveries, all of which I’d solve with my fleet of matchbox sports cars. Looking back, I realise that what began as childhood imagination was really the start of a lifelong passion.

Today, I like to think I’m still living out those early dreams, just on a much larger scale by turning a childhood fascination into a rewarding career, in an industry I truly love.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since joining the team?

To be honest, there hasn’t been one specific challenge that I haven’t encountered before. Every business and operation comes with its own nuances, but fundamentally, the principles of logistics and leadership remain consistent.

Each environment presents familiar challenges in new settings, and success comes from applying experience, adaptability, and teamwork to deliver the best results wherever you are.

What sets Pall-Ex Logistics apart from other logistics companies?

Having known of Pall-Ex since the early days of pallet networks, I’ve always viewed the business as operating on a higher level within the industry. Since joining the team, I’m pleased to say that perspective was absolutely correct.

Pall-Ex Logistics doesn’t just claim to be a cut above the rest, it truly demonstrates it through its professionalism, innovation and commitment to excellence at every level.

The company’s culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and customer focus sets it apart, ensuring that our people, partners, and customers all experience the benefits of being part of something exceptional.

What does a great day at work look like for you?

It all starts with a proper double espresso, none of that single-shot nonsense!

Once that’s done, I’m ready for whatever the day throws at me.

For me, a great day usually involves plenty of challenges. I love it when someone says, “No, we can’t do that,” because I instantly take that as a personal challenge.

That’s when the fun begins by finding a way to turn a “no” into a “yes.” There’s nothing more satisfying than proving that with a bit of teamwork and determination (and maybe another espresso), almost anything is possible.

What has been your most memorable moment at Pall-Ex Logistics so far?

There isn’t one single standout moment, to be honest. What really means the most to me is feeling appreciated and recognised for the work I do.

Accepting my new position as Head of Operations was an easy decision because it felt like a natural step and one built on the trust and mutual respect of Colins Hawkins, Director of Pall-Ex Logistics (Dorset), whom I’ve known for many years.

I suppose I’m a bit old-fashioned in that sense, as loyalty means a great deal to me. I like to feel that what I’m doing makes a real difference, so being part of a team and a business where that’s possible is what makes the long days worthwhile.

What is the most unusual freight you have seen transported?

There are two that stand out for me.

The first was a set of eyes being transported from Glasgow down to Liverpool for an operation. It sounds dramatic and admittedly, it was a bit different from the usual pallets and full loads, but it all went very smoothly in the end.

The second was a shipment of very specific drums of oil needed for a cruise ship that had broken down off the coast of Miami. That job involved organising an 18-tonne rigid vehicle to collect the drums overnight from Leeds, drive them down to Colnbrook near Heathrow, and load them onto a chartered plane bound for Miami. From there, the freight was moved by small vessels directly to the stranded ship.

I’ve no idea what made that oil so special, but apparently Leeds was the only place in the world that had the right product at the time! It might not sound dramatic on paper, but it was a fantastic job to organise.