More than 5000 HGV’s cross from mainland Europe every day. Despite Border Force only being able to check around 10% they still detected more than 23000 migrants in a six month control period. Nobody knows how many more get through or how many import loads are affected by stowaway incursion. Cargo may be contaminated and should be professionally assessed before being allowed to enter the supply chain.
The driver and/or haulier are under no obligation to inform their client when an incident has occurred. Quite the reverse. If they are able to clean up the mess en route the client might never know. When foodstuffs are involved Border Force notify the Food Standards Agency directly, they cannot rely on the transport chain to do so.
Oakland International have been officially re-conditioning loads contaminated by stowaways for more than 15 years. Vehicles are sent to Oakland when stowaways have been detected and there is a risk to food safety. Their Distress Load Management service has won industry awards and is the preferred provider for many insurance companies, largely due to their 90% recovery rate.
Recognising the demand for a more pro-active and preventative process, Oakland have created a 24 hour border checkpoint just off the M20 in Kent. This amnesty service is offered on a commercial basis and is already attracting keen interest from major brands looking to enhance the integrity of their inbound supply chain.
The Invicta team carry out a 5-point check including thermal imaging and CO2 detection. “We’re not particularly looking for stowaways but we are looking for the contamination they have caused”, explains Robert Hardy, Operations Director of Oakland Invicta. “Our clients rely on us to help protect their supply chain. Clean cargo is given a HACCP certificate of compliance, to be presented on delivery, and contaminated cargo is quarantined. It takes just 15 minutes to check a vehicle and many clients are considering making it a mandatory process for all inbound cargo.”
Oakland have also lent their support to a FREE helpline and guidance website which can be found at: www.contaminatedload.com
With both the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association recently reporting increased migrant activity in the north of France, now might be the time to assess just how safe your supply chain is and what additional steps can be taken.
* Oakland includes a specialist Distress Load Management service which has won awards and accolades for the efficient and professional way in which they manage the difficulties caused by a contaminated load. For further detail please visit: http://www.oakland-international.com/services/distress-load