A four-time winner of The APC’s ‘Regional Depot of the Year’ award, Lines Distribution Services has been a member of The APC network for over 20 years. Based in Dumfries, Scotland, the depot forms an important part of the town’s fabric, employing between 30 to 35 staff and successfully serving its network of local customers.

First attracted by The APC’s unique structure and individual touch, the depot’s founders Malcolm and Gill Lines, have continued building their partnership with the network as it has evolved and grown over the years - similarly to the depot.

Originally launching as a courier company in the late 1990s, Lines Distribution Services started with just Malcolm and his van with Gill looking after the company’s accounts and delivering newspapers. But the partnership with The APC started soon after, when Malcolm and Gill spotted The APC branding locally and contacted the team to find out more. The APC was in its infancy at this point, having only recently expanded into Scotland.

 

A national network with a sense of freedom

Malcolm and Gill were looking for a national delivery service for their regional customers and The APC’s unique proposition caught their attention. Working with The APC was attractive to Malcolm and Gill, allowing them the independence and element of freedom that they felt competitors did not always provide.

An overnight solution with nationwide connections was also advantageous for Lines Distribution Services and its customers, as the business was limited with the volumes and areas the team could deliver to alone. Working with The APC network allowed Malcolm and Gill the ability to expand the business and contribute further to the local economy.

Malcolm Lines, Founder of Lines Distribution Services, commented: “One of the things that gives me the greatest pleasure in the evolution of our partnership with The APC, is being able to grow and provide jobs for local people and do our bit as a good local employer. The region has benefitted as well - we are the only network that actually has a presence in Dumfries. So, the work we do is important and we truly have a local connection and understanding for our customers.”

He continued, “The APC has always recognised the importance of this local connection, given its structure. The way that the network works together is fantastic - I’ve always appreciated the close-knit feeling of how the depot owners and The APC team bond, and the ability to pick up the phone and speak to someone. A local presence and locally-made decisions makes for a strong combination. I would always recommend the local touch, if possible, because it works.”

 

Long-standing customers

The partnership with The APC has allowed Lines Distribution Services to provide an exceptional service for its customers, underlined by its roster of long-standing customers, who have commended Malcom, Gill and the team for their flexibility, commitment to customer needs, and consistently high-quality service.

Fiona Hesketh, Owner of Galloway Lodge Ltd commented: “We've been working with The APC and Lines Distribution Services for over 10 years, and they've been a huge support to our business. The drivers are always helpful and handle our heavy, glass-filled parcels with great care. Plus, with The APC’s nationwide network, our customers always receive reliable, high-quality service. I can’t recommend them enough.”

Recognising the significant contributions and outstanding achievements of the business in recent months, Lines Distribution Services was recently named “Depot of the Year” (Scotland & Ireland) for the fourth year running as part of The APC’s annual performance awards. The APC awarded Lines Distribution Services the title based on the business’ delivery performance and ability to demonstrate a proven track record of exceptional service for people and businesses in its local area.

The success of Lines Distribution Services wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and loyalty of its team, many of whom have been integral to the business for years. Gill still plays a crucial role in the business today, managing and overseeing the company accounts, after founding the business alongside Malcolm more than 20 years ago. Among them, Operations Manager, David Radley and Customer Service Manager, Kyle Beattie both recently celebrated 10 years with the company. Drivers Billy, Tommy, and Neil each bring over 20 years of experience, while Mark has proudly served for over a decade. This collective experience and loyalty underscore the team’s dedication to providing exceptional service and nurturing the strong local ties that make Lines Distribution Services the trusted local partner it is today.

Lines Distribution Services covers Dumfries & Galloway (DG) and Scottish Borders (TD) postcodes.

 

Customer Testimonials

Fiona Hesketh, Galloway Lodge Ltd

We've been working with The APC and Lines Distribution Services for over 10 years, and they've been a huge support to our business. The drivers are always helpful and handle our heavy, glass-filled parcels with great care. Plus, with The APC’s nationwide network, our customers always receive reliable, high-quality service. I can’t recommend them enough.

Graham Flannigan, Berwick Seafoods

When shipping perishable seafood across the UK, reliability and fast delivery are essential to stay ahead of the competition. The APC and Lines Distribution Services have been a trusted partner for over 17 years, ensuring our deliveries run smoothly every time. Their communication is excellent, and it’s a huge relief knowing that, if we ever need to reach out, a friendly, familiar voice is just a call away. A big thank you to Malcolm and his team—here’s to another 17 years of successful trading together!

Denise Walton, Peelham Farm

Individuality and understanding are at the heart of a successful partnership, and that’s exactly what we have with The APC and Lines Distribution Services. Malcolm and his team always go the extra mile to provide exceptional service and resolve any issues that may arise.

For media enquiries please email apc-team@schonandco.com.