With additional resources deployed across its UK sites in Redditch, Corby, and Bardon, Oakland International’s distress load management (DLM) solution is prepared to handle the much-anticipated increase in demand as they head into 2021.

Oakland International was the first DLM registered and recognised service to offer inspection and sortation of consignments where product safety was potentially challenged through clandestine infiltration or other contamination issues and encompassed approved scientific methods for measuring surface contamination.

Oakland International’s Lee Whiting Chief Operating Officer commented: “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. “

BRC accredited and an EHO approved solution for same day or next day treatment of distress loads, the company typically recovers more than 85% of product and is trusted by major insurers because they can attend Oakland’s sites to witness the distress load management process in action and verify exact waste and consignment recovery levels.

A total supply chain solutions specialist Oakland International offers contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and is a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain.

Oakland’s DLM solution works with and treats damaged loads, metal contamination, shot loads, temperature abuse and pest contamination such as flies as part of its service offering, and 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.

Added Lee: “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 Q2 of 2021 before falling away as borders become more orderly and summer temperatures make the sea crossing more tempting.”

BRC AA accredited, Oakland International is a double Queen’s Award for Enterprise recipient for International Trade and Sustainable Development and they are working towards becoming the first carbon-neutral business within their sector.