Transport, Storage and Distribution Controls

No need to panic Boicey you'll soon get up to speed and we'll support you all we can.

Hi Simon,

I have some questions regarding Sect 6.4 of the BRC.

6.4.7 For small local deliveries (1 pallet or less) we have our own vehicles, so we can comply with 6.4.8 and 6.4.9 requirements. However we also use sub-contractors to deliver our goods where any distance is involved or when the size of the order requires it. Although we can check the condition of the trailer unit that uplifts the goods from our site, on most occassions the goods are taken to a transport hub where they are decanted for delivery to different parts of the country. We have had a few customer complaints where the external packaging has been damaged, resulting in returns. The best practice guideline states we should obtain documented cleaning schedules from the sub-contractor which if we could obtain would be meaningless given the handover via the hub.
Any suggestions?

Dear Boicey,

Try revamping the attached documents, I have utilised this for the last 2 / 3 years with no adverse comments from the auditor(s).

Kind regards,

Steve

This is a recurring problem Boicey and one that's not so simple to resolve. Realistically the control and influence you exercise over your transport supplier depends very much on how important you are to them as a customer. And we're talking pound notes. Would you have implemented the BRC/IOP for a customer that spends 0.01% of your annual turnover? I think not.

It is likely that food and food packaging is only a small percentage of the goods the transport company shifts. However, I'm sure none of their customers would want their goods (electrical equipment, clothing, handbags, toilet paper etc. etc.) to become contaminated by anything. So I'm sure any professional transport company would take measures to protect and handle their customer's goods with care.

All you can do is try and establish whether they are professional; visiting them would be a good idea. This way you could try to communicate your special care requirements to them face to face and hopefully come to a mutual written agreement on achievable standards. Whilst you are there have a look around the transport hub. Is it clean and well organised? Is the area where your goods are decanted and stored fit for purpose? Do they have cleaning schedules for vehicles? Are vehicles visibly clean and odour free? Do they have pest control? Do they subcontract? Who are their major customers? By visiting and carrying out a mini audit you should be able to determine the risk pretty accurately.

Also you can check vehicles coming to your site to pick up and of course protect you products as much as physically possible.

I hope this gives you a few ideas Boicey.

Regards,
Simon

Dear Boicey,

Try revamping the attached documents, I have utilised this for the last 2 / 3 years with no adverse comments from the auditor(s).

Kind regards,

Steve

Much obliged Steve.

hi every one.

 

anyone can provide me a copy of filled "glass and brittle plastic register"

 

thanks in advance..