Bestway has been forced to collect goods from ports and manufacturers to keep shelves stocked as the driver shortage continues to wreak havoc across the sector.
The wholesaler has implemented a number of emergency measures to keep its supply chain flowing as deliveries of products into its depots are delayed or cancelled.
In addition to sending its own drivers to collect goods direct from shipping ports and suppliers, Bestway has been ordering full pallets and full loads where possible.
Changes have also been made to how the wholesaler receives deliveries.
Products are being delivered into Bestway’s national distribution centre and from there redistributed out to cash & carry depots and delivery hubs.
Deliveries are also being accepted seven days a week.
Bestway Wholesale MD Dawood Pervez told The Grocer it had been able to build some stocks up to mitigate the impact of the driver shortage.
“We are getting some issues like everyone, however we have worked proactively,” he said.
Businesses have until 8 August to utilise the extension of driver hours from nine to 10 hours per day with two 11-hour shifts a week.
Last week the government also pledged to increase the number of HGV drivers passing their tests to help clear a 20,000 backlog.
A letter from secretary of state for transport Grant Shapps said the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency had ramped up testing to ensure 1,500 people pass their test per week, up from 1,150 pre-pandemic.
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