With a growing emphasis on sustainability in the cold chain, aimed at preventing food wastage, Oakland International’s accredited Distress Load Management (DLM) service continues to innovate and evolve to meet emerging needs.

Experience and longevity, Oakland International has been operating for over 25 years in this specialist field and is the longest-established service provider in the UK, and the first registered and recognised provider of DLM services in the country.

Oakland is a UK market leader, with international ties that extend as far as Türkiye. Their dedicated DLM service offers a range of unique features and benefits that set Oakland apart from other similar services. Clients have praised Oakland for its prompt responses, ease of communication, and ability to minimise damage, with this level of client satisfaction reinforcing Oakland’s prominent position.

Oakland International Distress Load Manager Stuart Pugh stated: “Our knowledge and experience in this field are highly regarded by industry stakeholders, insurers, the FSA, and local Environmental Health Offices (EHO), with their recognition underscoring our commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste.

“Trusted by major insurers as they can attend our site to witness the entire process and verify waste recovery levels, with non-conforming stock quarantined according to HACCP procedures before disposal by external waste contractors, accompanied by a certificate of destruction.

“Our process aims to minimise the impact on incoming goods. However, in cases where some stock is damaged, at risk and unrecoverable, we dispose of it securely. A certificate of destruction is then forwarded to the relevant parties once the process is completed.

“Oakland is a registered as a waste carrier with the Environmental Health Office in England and Wales with all stock to be disposed of managed through anaerobic digestion. We oversee the entire process from start to finish.”

All conforming stock is surface tested for evidence of surface contamination using scientific measuring equipment and is wrapped and security sealed before being presented for onward delivery. With instant digital reporting ensuring rapid communication with stakeholders, enhancing transparency and efficiency, dedicated multi-temperature chambers for storage, Oakland is continuing to advance and lead the way in dedicated DLM solutions.

Their comprehensive solutions address a wide range of issues, including contamination from temperature abuse, collapsed pallets, theft, relabelling needs, and clandestine infiltration.

An extensive history in this distinct field has allowed them to build a formidable reputation for reliability and expertise. In terms of accreditations and compliance Oakland’s DLM service is also BRCGS accredited, ensuring compliance with the highest food safety standards, of which many competitors may not have the same level of accreditation.

High recovery rates, regularly achieving an average of 85% for distress loads, Oakland International is significantly reducing food waste compared to other services, with this efficiency a cornerstone of its offering and long-standing commitment to sustainability.

Added Stuart: “In addition to our DLM service offer, Oakland International is dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Our latest sustainability report highlights our progress towards reducing our carbon footprint, expanding our renewable energy portfolio, and implementing various social and environmental initiatives.

“We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation, demonstrating our exacting standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. Our partnerships with organisations like FareShare and City Harvest London play a vital role in helping us address food waste within the supply chain.”

Based at their Midlands facility, providing same-day or next-day treatment of distress loads,

Oakland International’s DLM service stands out due to its established proficiency, high recovery rates, advanced facilities, sustainability initiatives, and strong industry reputation.

While other providers may offer similar services, Oakland’s comprehensive approach, coupled with its accreditations and insurer trust, makes it a preferred choice for managing distress loads effectively in the UK.