Oakland International, a leading specialist in distress load management, is calling for immediate industry and government action to address the crisis of distress loads and clandestine infiltration of commercial vehicles, a threat that endangers food safety, driver welfare, and the integrity of the UK’s supply chain.

Launching their comprehensive new report on Distress Loads and Clandestine Infiltration of Commercial Vehicles, developed in partnership with market analysis company Analytiqa, Oakland International exposes the urgent need for coordinated action, particularly across the food supply chain. The report draws on extensive market research and operational data and highlights a lack of clarity and understanding of ‘best practice’ when it comes to the responsibility, or accountability, for distress load stock.

Contributions and insights from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA), reflect the perspectives of leading industry bodies and underscores the breadth of collaboration needed to address the urgent challenges facing the UK’s supply chain. It also highlights the vital roles played by charities, FareShare and City Harvest London, for their work in food redistribution and tackling food insecurity across the UK.

RHA Senior Public Affairs Lead Ashton Cull commented: “The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) said in their recent report “the threat of clandestine entry at the juxtaposed ports remains high and is unrelenting”, findings echoed in this report. That means everyone based at or using these ports has their part to play to keep the border secure.

“However, failings within Border Force and the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme identified by the ICIBI mean that all the responsibility and liability is being unfairly shifted onto drivers and businesses who have taken all possible steps to secure their vehicles from clandestine entrants. That’s why we recently wrote to the Home Secretary to call for reform of this Scheme.

“We repeat our call for further and urgent investment in training and technology at our borders to help keep loads secure. We want to see a fair system in place that protects drivers, goods and businesses as well as our borders. We look forward to seeing greater urgency on this issue.”

Oakland International Co-Founder Dean Attwell said: “The rise in clandestine infiltration is not just a statistic, it’s a ticking time bomb for food safety, driver security, and public health.

“Every compromised load puts the public at risk and costs the industry millions per year. We need urgent, coordinated action across the supply chain to implement robust security protocols, improve traceability, and ensure accountability at every stage.”

Figures from the report show a significant month-on-month increase in cases of clandestine infiltration, where migrants enter lorry trailers, putting the safety of food products and the integrity of the supply chain at significant risk. The financial and operational impact is significant, with the industry experiencing substantial losses each year as a result of spoiled loads being discarded due to infiltration and contamination.

Key data points highlighted by the report include:

• In first nine months of 2024, almost 100 people per month were detected infiltrating trucks entering the UK.
• The number of incidents in the first nine months of 2024 was higher than the equivalent periods of 2022 and 2023, up 12.8% and 60.6% respectively.
• In 2023, on average, three people were detected per instance, the highest number since 2020.
• The actual number of incidents and people detected is likely to be significantly higher, as Border Force do not record the number of vehicle checks that require no further action, so it is not possible to track how many vehicle checks are undertaken or what share of vehicles these account for.
• The value of stock lost due to an infiltrated load can be in the low £’000s to several tens of £’000s. The consequential loss of revenue can be many multiples of this.
• “There are a range of claim sizes. General foodstuffs could be £20k – £30k per trailer, chocolate brands could be £70-£80k per trailer.” Managing Director – Loss Prevention UK Insurance Industry.

Oakland International’s Distress Load Management (DLM) service has significantly expanded its capacity to address a growing number of clandestine infiltration cases, marking a substantial increase compared to previous years. However, as highlighted in recent reports, the actual scale of the issue is likely much greater, since many incidents remain unreported or are not formally managed.

Added Dean: “We are witnessing a perfect storm, desperate individuals risking their lives to cross borders, criminals exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicle security, and a food industry struggling to maintain safety and compliance.

“The current system is failing to protect both people and products. The Food Standards Agency must step up, and the entire industry must unite to close security gaps and safeguard our food supply.”

The new report, available today, details how the risks extend beyond financial loss and how contaminated loads can threaten public health and lead to mass food waste. Oakland International’s DLM service, which is BRCGS accredited and EHO approved, typically recovers over 85% of product from distress loads, with non-conforming stock safely quarantined and disposed of in line with strict procedures.

The report calls on all stakeholders, hauliers, retailers, regulators, and policymakers, to prioritise investment in security measures, driver training, and rapid response protocols. Oakland International stands ready to support the sector with its proven expertise in distress load management and urges greater transparency and accountability to restore confidence in the UK’s vital supply chain.

About Oakland International: Oakland International is a Certified B Corporation multi-temperature supply chain specialist, and a leader in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for all types of food, operating 24/7 servicing diverse markets across the UK and Ireland, and recognised as a leader in distress load management and supply chain security.