Transportation

The produce industry relies heavily on the transportation industries (truck, rail, air, maritime) to get fruits and vegetables from the fields to market. Currently a key transportation issue facing the produce industry is the U.S.-Mexico border trucking dispute. PMA, through our participating in the Alliance to Keep U.S. Jobs, is actively involved in seeing this trade issue resolved. Below you'll find information about this issue, along with other transportation topics.

U.S.-Mexico border trucking dispute

• PMA Comments to FMCSA on Pilot Program on NAFTA Long-Haul Trucking Provisions - May 12, 2011. Our comments to FMCSA were supportive of the proposed pilot program cross-border trucking and the resolution of the trade dispute that has resulted from the failure to implement this program. (Comentarios en Espanol)
• Industry Letter to President Obama on Mexico Trucking Situation - PMA is urging U.S. President Barack Obama to swiftly resolve the current Mexico trucking and tariff retaliation issue. This letter was co-signed by PMA and numerous agricultural, manufacturing and services companies and associations. Carta en Espanol.
• Reps. Cardoza (D-CA) and Larsen (D-WA), along with 54 House colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood and U.S. Trade Representative Kirk, calling for a resolution to the current Mexico trucking and tariff retaliation issue that is hurting produce businesses.
• Follow-Up Audit on the Implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement’s Cross-Border Trucking Provisions. This August 17, 2009 report affirms that Mexican trucks are as safe as U.S. vehicles – and that Mexican truck drivers have better safety records than their U.S. counterparts.
• 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.

Border, Port, and Air Screening Initiatives

• PMA Overview: Canada Border Services Agency eManifest Program - Learn more about CBSA's eManifest program and what it means for those shipping produce into Canada.
• PMA Overview: TSA Air Cargo Screening Initiative - In 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 Overview: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Program - As a significant volume of fresh produce in the United States arrives through ports across the nation, PMA is offering members the following information about important changes in port security that could delay your business if you have not taken steps to comply with this program.
• 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.

PMA Trucking Best Practices, Trucking Issues

• 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 Espanol.

Wood Packaging, Pests

• 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.
• 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.

USDA Reports and Resources

• USDA Study of Rural Transportation Issues report: This comprehensive study covers the four major modes of transportation commonly used by agriculture in the United States and examines some of the major issues facing agricultural transportation.
• 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.