FEATURE LOGISTICS
BESPOKE SOLUTIONS DRIVE dry bulk food standards
Increased pressure on logistics has created higher levels of service which can best be delivered by specialist operators, says David Heath, head of logistics at Clugston Distribution
G
rowing demands from clients in the food supply chain has led to
partnerships between manufacturers and companies offering a bespoke solution for the transportation of dry bulk food products. The increased pressure on logistics resulting from shorter turnarounds, competition and technology has created higher levels of service for the sector which can best be delivered by specialist operators. Clugston Distribution quickly reacted to the changing requirements of the market and now specialises in dry bulk food products which enables it to deliver a higher level of quality service than if it operated across a range of commodity movements. That quality service backed by robust process control is in demand by manufacturers who often procure it through a major third party logistic company as part of their broader supply chain solutions.
FOOD ONLY TANKERS Logistic companies have to invest to remain competitive and take advantage of technological advancements in vehicle design and software applications which give advantages that those in the industry involved in the production and distribution of dry bulk food products expect. Stringent hygiene standards are paramount and Clugston took the decision to operate ‘food product only’ tankers with the latest non-tipping
chassis technology and sophisticated discharge systems for safe and efficient delivery of food stuffs. On paper this is not the most
financially sound use of tankers as it can reduce vehicle efficiency but that is offset by the value of trust gained in long-term partnerships with clients. Product quality at delivery is enhanced by operating such closed systems as they limit losses, reduce the risk of foreign contaminates and eliminate double handling. Clugston has invested heavily in its specialised fleet and by utilising a triangular network of depots at Thetford, the Humber and the North West its team of experts can plan the delivery of products to anywhere in the UK within 24 hours using the largest shared user dry bulk tanker food fleet in the country. Product integrity is ensured through a
stringent wash-out and hygiene regime between products. The company operates a fleet of ‘food products only’ silo evacuation tankers for planned maintenance transfers or emergency situations to vacuum products from silos, tankers or containers.
VENDOR MANAGED INVENTORY Satellite tracking is now standard in the industry but to further enhance clients’ needs premium service operators run a central operations facility 24/7 and takes advantage of the latest generation logistics software applications to operate
Clugston decided to operate ‘food product only’ tankers with the latest non-tipping chassis
technology and sophisticated discharge systems for safe and efficient delivery of foodstuffs
a vendor managed inventory which allows the monitoring of customer food bulk silos across the country. Staff co-ordinate deliveries using real
time stock levels and tank usage information for ‘just-in-time’ deliveries which improve efficiency and save money. A rapid response availability is particularly helpful at times of quickly changing needs in the market as consumers switch more to comfort foods such as pies and puddings when the weather temperature drops. While the industry is faced with
meeting operational demands from clients it has to ensure it achieves expectations in line with ‘green’ strategies. Cutting emissions, improving safety and meeting environmental guidelines are part-and-parcel of progress. This was an obvious consideration for Clugston in its recent vehicle investments. The company has added 17 11-litre Euro6 Renault T range tractors to its fleet, all with the latest emission reducing technology which monitors technical data remotely and helps deliver mpg improvements. With FORS and ISO accreditations backing up the company’s ‘green’ commitments alongside improved dry bulk food handling performance, Clugston has positioned itself as a dedicated solution provider to manufacturers and sub-contractor to the major third party logistic operators.
DRIVER EXCELLENCE The company’s drivers are benefiting from Safer Driving Assistant information system which informs drivers’ via in-cab alerts about their driving style in turn helping reduce CO2 emissions. In a further effort to boost driving excellence drivers are learning through the Driver First Assist training programme basic lifesaving skills needed immediately after a road accident. It is estimated up to 46% of road traffic fatalities could be prevented if the correct first aid assistance was quickly available.
Clugston Distribution Services T: 01724 281281
www.clugston.co.uk/logistics
S1 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS 0 / MATERIALSHANDLINGLOGISTICS
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