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Issues: Transportation

The produce industry relies heavily on trucks in order 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) released in late 2006.

PMA Member Transportation Briefings & Resources

• 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 recently amended 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.

PMA Member Transportation Products

• PMA Advantage: Fleet Graphics — PMA has made special arrangements with a fleet graphics company that can work with your needs and your budget. The graphics they create are dramatic, vibrant, and long-lasting; and they can accommodate multiple vehicle sizes.

Related Links for Transportation Organizations

• 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.
• Guide for Security Practices in Transporting Agricultural and Food Commodities - Handy in-vehicle resource for each driver transporting fresh produce.
• 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