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Issues: Transportation

The produce industry relies heavily on the transportation industries (truck, rail, air, maritime) to get fruits and vegetables to market. Truck drivers play a critical role in maintaining an efficient and productive supply chain that delivers flavorful, safe, and healthful produce to consumers; however, the trucking industry is facing critical driver shortages at a time when demand for trucking services has never been higher.

In response, PMA created a Transportation Task Force to identify and analyze transportation issues impacting the produce industry. The results of task force's work resulted in a best practices document (available below).

PMA Member Transportation Briefings & Resources

• New! PMA Overview: TSA Air Cargo Screening Initiative - By 2010, the Transportation Security Administration will be screening 100% of cargo at the piece level, originating in the U.S. and transported on passenger aircraft. What does this mean for the fresh produce and floral industries?
• PMA Truck Transportation Practices for the Produce Industry — This report includes a number of best practices for suppliers and receivers that will help to position produce as a "load of choice." It also includes five case studies that illustrate the best practices in action.
• Mejores prácticas en transporte de camión para la industria de frutas y vegetales — Este informe incluye varias mejores prácticas para proveedores y recibidores que les ayudarán a poner frutas y vegetales como "una carga de escogida." El informe también incluye cinco monografías sobre un problema que ilustran las mejores prácticas en acción.
• Progressive Grocer Transportation Report — This study was conducted in 2006 by Progressive Grocer's Market Research Department, sponsored by C.H. Robinson Worldwide and PMA. This study was designed to assess their perception of operational problems among suppliers, truckers, and receivers (retailers) of produce.
• PMA Overview: U.S. Dept. of Transportation Driver Hours of Service Amended Regulations Summary — To help its members understand transportation issues critical to the fresh produce industry, particularly the Hours of Service rules, PMA has developed this resource. You will need to log in to view this document.
• PMA Overview: Wood Packaging Material Regulations — The USDA has amended the regulations for the importation of wood packaging materials. Due to the produce industry's reliance on these materials, PMA has developed this overview document that details the new rules. You will need to log in to view this document.
• Descripción general de PMA: Regulaciones para materiales de empaque en madera — El Departamento de agricultura de los EE.UU. (USDA en inglés) enmendó las regulaciones para la importación de materiales de empaque en madera. Debido a la confianza que la industria tiene en estas materias, PMA creó este documento que detalla las nuevas reglas.
• We invite you to follow our Ask Dr. Bob audio blog, where we post periodic audio briefings on topics of interest to our members.

Related Links for Transportation Organizations

• New! U.S. Customs and Border Protection Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements Fact Sheet - This new rule will require maritime cargo carriers and importers to submit additional data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before vessels are permitted entry into the country.
• The State of U.S. Transportation: Implications for the U.S Fruit & Vegetable Industries - Presented by Bruce Blanton, Transportation and Marketing Programs, USDA AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
• U.S. DOT Report for Mexican Trucking Program - This report by the U.S. Department of Transportation highlights key areas of concern for cross-border trucking between the U.S. and Mexico.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Agriculture Release Program - Learn more about this program which provides a methodology for evaluating high-volume agriculture imports that are low-risk for the introduction of plant pests and plants into the United States.
• Resources Directory for Security Practices in the Transportation of Agricultural and Food Commodities - Courtesy of the American Trucking Association's Agriculture and Food Transporter's Conference.
• FDA Preventive Measures Guidance for Producers, Processors, and Transporters