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Oakland steps up distressed load capacity ahead of Brexit

[ December 8, 2020   //   ]

Retail logistics specialist Oakland International has deployed extra resources at its UK sites in Redditch, Corby, and Bardon in anticipation of increased demand for its distress load management service in 2021. With queues of trucks expected outside ports due to Brexit problems, the opportunities for illegal migrants to board vehicles are greatly increased.
Oakland offers inspection and sorting of consignments where product safety is potentially challenged by stowaways or other contamination issues, using approved scientific methods for measuring surface contamination.
Chief operating officer Lee Whiting comments: “By investing in a dedicated facility for distress load management, which incorporates a CCTV monitored rework area as well as dedicated multi-temperature chambers, means we can store work in progress and in quarantine product.
“Brand owners and insurers are quite rightly very aware of the potential risks associated with stowaways damaging or contaminating stock in transit, and the approach of simply throwing away the whole consignment and then seeking to claim off insurers was commonplace and resulted in an ever increasing burden on insurers and hauliers with significant food waste, which otherwise would be fit for human consumption.”
The company typically recovers more than 85% of product and is trusted by major insurers who can attend Oakland’s sites to witness the process in action and verify exact waste and consignment recovery levels.
Oakland’s DLM solution works with and treats damaged loads, metal contamination, shot loads, temperature abuse and pest contamination. With the onset of Covid-19 the company installed sanitising facilities which offer additional reassurances for brand owners, and removes the potential for secondary risks of pandemic transfer via stock, with instant digital reports ensuring rapid information transfer flows to key stakeholders.
Whiting added: “Commonly accepted risks of clandestine infiltration increase sharply when trucks are queuing or stationary near to the ports of loading. Delays in crossing times brought about by slower than normal border control checks and customs entries may result in increased numbers of clandestine activity, and with winter temperatures kicking in, the urge to use trucks rather than risk sea crossings is compelling.”
“By offering a de-branding solution for brand owners it allows stock to be re-distributed through to discount wholesale, foodservice and foodbanks so that good quality food does not go to waste.
“Covid-19 hasn’t impacted demand for our DLM service but it is anticipated that Brexit will have a major impact depending on delays caused at ports which handle UK-bound traffic, and throughout the transition period into the second quarter of 2021 before falling away as borders become more orderly and summer temperatures make the sea crossing more tempting.”

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