Total supply chain solution provider Oakland International has expanded their accredited distress load management (DLM) service in response to growing demand.
Successfully operating this specialist service for two-decades, a distress load is where food safety has possibly been compromised, anything from pallets moving in transit, to incorrect temperature or clandestine infiltration. Oakland International was the first DLM registered and recognised service provider to offer inspection and sortation of consignments where product safety was potentially challenged, and encompasses approved scientific methods for measuring surface contamination.
Oakland International’s CEO of Contract Logistics, Shaun Foley, commented: “Oakland’s accredited DLM service has built a strong and trusted reputation. Our QA team are trained to the highest standards and as a market leader in this field we are delighted to be highly regarded throughout the industry, by insurers, the FSA and by the local EHO (Environmental Health Officer).”
Based at their Redditch facility, BRC accredited, and an EHO approved solution for same day or next day treatment of distress loads, Oakland typically recovers over 85% of product, with their DLM service trusted by major insurers as they can attend Oakland’s site to witness the process in action and verify the exact waste and consignment recovery levels. Stock deemed non-conforming due to contamination, human interference, damage etc. is quarantined in line with Oakland’s HACCP procedure before being disposed of by external waste contactor with a certificate of destruction obtained and forwarded.
Incorporating a CCTV monitored rework area and dedicated multi-temperature chambers offering the ability to store work in progress and in-quarantine product, Oakland International is at the forefront of this specialist field, with their DLM solution working with and treating damaged loads, metal contamination, shot loads, temperature abuse and pest contamination such as flies as part of its service offering, with instant digital reports ensuring rapid information transfer flows to key stakeholders.
Shaun added: “All conforming stock is topped, security taped and loaded back onto the cleaned and sanitised vehicle for onward delivery to its original destination. By offering a de-branding solution for brand owners, we can also ensure stock can be re-distributed through to discount wholesale, foodservice and foodbanks so that good quality food does not go to waste!”
Oakland International operates 24-hours/7 days a week and is a D2C/B2C/B2B specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and 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.