Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What UK warehouse and logistics providers are recommended for pallet/case delivery and non-alcoholic drinks products going into the trade?
Members recommend a mix of specialist logistics providers depending on product type and volume. For non-alcoholic drinks (mixers, softs) entering the trade, **Harrison Solway** is the go-to recommendation; they handle anything over a pallet and deliver to major drinks wholesalers and retailers. For larger volumes, members report that Seedlip uses **LCB**, which handles big shipments, with **Future Pro** handling smaller deliveries. **Seabrook** (based in Barking, near LCB) is also noted as popular in the London area for pallet and case work. For 3PL and storage solutions, **Copper Beech Trading** (near the M6 in a rural location but ~10 minutes to motorway access) offers dry goods storage and is described as reasonably priced. Members also recommend **Hound** as a newer option that understands specific fulfillment needs and came recommended with strong proposals. **GetYards** was mentioned as an alternative warehouse option. Members suggest checking directly with these providers about their specific coverage of main drinks wholesalers and retailers, as capabilities vary.
What's the best approach for negotiating lower storage and landing fees with logistics providers?
Members' experience suggests getting competitive quotes from alternative providers is the primary lever. When facing fee increases from your current provider, gather quotes from alternatives like **LAW** and **EHD** to establish market rate and create competitive pressure. However, members noted that logistics providers typically operate on very tight margins—one example cited a major provider turning a profit of just £550k on £52m turnover—so there may be limited room for negotiation beyond what the market naturally offers. The strategy is to use alternatives as leverage rather than expecting major concessions from your incumbent provider.