THE rising problem of stowaways from Europe is costing the UK fresh produce industry GBP2 million (US$3.2 million) each month by throwing away food shipments imported from the European mainland due to migrants breaking into trucks and 'contaminating' loads.
As a result, some hauliers are forced to avoid Calais-Dover crossings, according to Lloyd's Loading List.
CEO Nigel Jenney of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), a trade body representing suppliers of fruit, vegetables and flowers, estimated that GBP10 million worth of perishables had been dumped by its members since the start of the year where there was evidence that trailers had been occupied by stowaways during transit.
"What were isolated incidents have become far more common, even though we are unable to put a figure on their number," said an FPC spokesman.
"On opening trailers at distribution hubs in the UK, wholesalers and retailers are having to reject perishable goods because there is a risk that food safety and quality has been compromised. In this industry you just can't afford to take such a risk."
While Calais was the hotspot for stowaways, the spokesman said they were also getting aboard trucks well before they reached the French Channel port.
Port of Dover CEO Tim Waggot agreed that operators deserved to be able to go about their business safely, but argued that they choose to come via sea to Dover and Eurotunnel because it was simply the quickest, most efficient and cost-effective way for trade to move.
Nevertheless, the Freight Transport Association said it had written to the authorities in Calais and held discussions with the Home Office to underline that the growing problem of stowaways aboard trucks is now having implications for UK food supplies.
One UK freight forwarder, Maru International, said the company now only uses short-strait crossings to and from Calais as a last resort, and said it was not just his company that was taking action to protect its drivers and vehicles from harm. "I think a lot of vehicles and operators have been targeted; it is extremely worrying," said company managing director Vaughan Woolfitt.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) last month also warned that a significant recent increase in would-be illegal immigrants attempting to stow away on trucks passing through the Calais Eurotunnel terminal and ferry port was causing major problems and threatening the future of cross channel trailer services.
BIFA director general Robert Keen said he was pressing the authorities to step up their protection of the routes across the Channel "and fulfil their obligations to let trade move unhindered before serious damage is done to this strategic freight route".
WORLD SHIPPING
29 June 2015 - 21:25
UK fresh produce industry losing US$3.2 million monthly due to stowaways
THE rising problem of stowaways from Europe is costing the UK fresh produce industry GBP2 million (US$3.2 million) each month by throwing away food shipments imported from the European mainland due to migrants breaking into trucks and 'contaminating' loads.
WORLD SHIPPING
29 June 2015 - 21:25
UK fresh produce industry losing US$3.2 million monthly due to stowaways
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