BRC 4.15.6, Transport procedures
"The company shall have documented procedures for the transport of products, which shall include:
· any restrictions on the use of mixed loads
· requirements for the security of products during transit, particularly when vehicles are parked and unattended
Clear instructions in the case of vehicle breakdown, accident or failure of refrigeration systems which ensure the safety of the products is assessed and records maintained."
I am currently assessing what my company would need to do to meet BRC standards and need some advise on the bold segment. What does the mixed load statement refer to and is it a requirement or nice to have?
We do not have trucks of our own, we use 3rd party trucking companies to freight our frozen goods to our customers. Some of our deliveries are small i.e a single pallet for example and I can't imagine how we'd go about asking of our freight companies to give us dedicated trucks every time. Would an agreement that the freight company will not cart with our goods any stock with potential to contaminate/taint our goods suffice?
Mixed means different items, in its most basic term. What your restrictions? For example if you make ice cream and your 3rd party trucking company has pallets of raw frozen seafood in the truck....is this acceptable to you? At one plant we shipped massive quantities of raw processed onions, which due to its odor qualities went on truck all by itself even if it wasn't a full load. If you think one onion is bad, try thousands of pounds or even tens of thousands of pounds.
"The company shall have documented procedures for the transport of products, which shall include:
· any restrictions on the use of mixed loads
· requirements for the security of products during transit, particularly when vehicles are parked and unattended
clear instructions in the case of vehicle breakdown, accident or failure of refrigeration systems which ensure the safety of the products is assessed and records maintained."
I am currently assessing what my company would need to do to meet BRC standards and need some advise on the bold segment. What does the mixed load statement refer to and is it a requirement or nice to have?
We do not have trucks of our own, we use 3rd party trucking companies to freight our frozen goods to our customers. Some of our deliveries are small i.e a single pallet for example and I can't imagine how we'd go about asking of our freight companies to give us dedicated trucks every time. Would an agreement that the freight company will not cart with our goods any stock with potential to contaminate/taint our goods suffice?
From BRC Guidance 4.15.6 Transport procedures:
'The site shall have documented procedures for the transport of products including - The identification of any restrictions for mixed loads - for example to avoid cross-contamination or taint uptake (e.g. specifying where allergen-free materials are to be stored and transported).'
An agreement that clearly defined the standards required for each type of product would be good, this would need to be followed up by checks to ensure that this is the case and reflected in your dispatch records.
Regards,
Tony
All our hauliers have this basic agreement in place with us. I have signed copies on letterhead on file and re new them every 2 years. You can amend the wording as you see fit. Then our goods in/out verify the cleanliness/odour of each vehicle.
Regards
Sharon
HAULIERS CODE OF PRACTICE
1. Odorous or toxic substances must never be transported with COMPANY NAME products.
2. Particular attention must be paid to the cleanliness of the delivery vehicle.
3. During shipment, goods must be handled with due care and attention. During loading/unloading, drivers should be vigilant in order to prevent damaged goods being loaded/off loaded. Damaged goods should be brought to the attention of the receiver/consignor by the driver for appropriate action.
4. Internal lighting, if fitted, shall be adequately screened to protect load from possible glass contamination.
5. Personnel must not climb, stand or walk on pallet stack. This is not only dangerous but can damage the product and soil the packaging.
6. In the interests of hygiene and safety, visitors are not allowed to enter the factory/warehouse area. Drivers should ring the bell for attention. This is clearly indicated by a sign adjacent to the factory door.
7. If personnel exit their vehicle and enter the yard, high visibility protective clothing must be worn. They must proceed with caution as other vehicles and fork lift trucks operate in the area.
8. The yard is a no through road and does not facilitate large vehicles turning round.
I acknowledge receipt of a copy of this document and agree to ensure that the requirements are adhered to:
Signed:
Company:
Position in Company:
Date: