Transporting perishable goods under proper temperature control is critical for preventing spoilage and ensuring public health. For truckers hauling refrigerated loads, careful temperature monitoring and documentation is essential.
The Food Safety Modernization Act enforces strict temperature control requirements during food transport. Carriers must maintain temperature logs and records of communication about temperature procedures. These rules apply to any motor or rail transport of food in the U.S., whether it enters interstate commerce or not.
If temperatures deviate in a way that compromises food safety, the food cannot be distributed until verified that it’s safe. There are specific temperature rules for ready-to-eat foods too. Some businesses are exempt, like those with under $500,000 in annual revenue, farms, imported/exported foods not consumed domestically, and transshipments.
For interstate refrigerated loads, the Sanitary Transportation rule adds stricter regulations. Drivers must document pre-cooling methods, equipment temperature set points, and regular temperature logs.
Investing in monitoring systems provides cold chain custody proof for every refrigerated load. Simply having a cold compartment may not suffice – you must prove proper temperature maintenance during shipping.
GPS tracking tied to temperature monitors can help. It can track temperature data and send alerts for power failures or temperature deviations, enabling a quicker response. Careful temperature control, monitoring, and documentation are essential for reefer shipping compliance.