Refrigerated trailers are used for the transportation of food and perishable goods. Food safety can be achieved only as a joint effort of food manufactures, shippers, carriers, and end receivers. Refrigerated trailers’ drivers are an integral part of complex procedures and must know and follow the rules. 
Clearly outlined food safety guidelines are designed to ensure that all standards for storing and transporting perishable goods are met. FDA and CFIA are instrumental in establishing the requirements for the Food Safety plan. 
As the perishable goods travel along the distribution chain, their transit is carefully documented. Should there be any mishandling, mistake, or discrepancy it makes it possible to trace it back to the location it occurred. The carrier, loader, and receiver are all liable parties for food safety and cargo quality/condition. 

What is Food Safety Plan (FSP)?   

As perishable goods pass through quite a few locations from the manufacturer to their final destination, often within an extended time span, it is important that it is safe for use and maintains the same quality as when it was shipped.

To ensure the storage and transportation procedures are consistent throughout the goods transit, the key parameters are outlined in the food safety plan: 

• Temperature requirements. Define the range of temperatures: set-point temperature,  upper control limit (UCL), and lower control limit (LCL) at which the food cargo will be safe to use and will maintain its quality. 
• Segregation of goods. Outlines load parameters In case of mixed loads to avoid cross-contamination.   
• Sanitation and equipment standards. Strict sanitizing procedures and guidelines that will prevent contamination and compromising perishable cargo quality.  

The idea behind the Food Safety Plan is to ensure the procedures are consistent, and cargo handling is safe and will maintain its quality and integrity. 

Refrigerated Trailers Truck Drivers as part of FSP

Reefer truck drivers are playing an important role in the safety and integrity of refrigerated goods. The requirements for specific goods handling are outlined by the shipper. And we can never overestimate how important these are. 

The set of simple and easy to follow procedures has one simple goal to follow – keep the cargo safe and avoid liability for goods mishandling:

1. Read the cargo handling requirements for each load carefully. Never go “by experience” of similar produce.
2. Make sure the trailer is cleaned & sanitized after loads as per requirements.
3. Arrive at the loading dock not only with the temperature set as per requirements but make sure it is actually achieved.
4. Strictly follow shared load guidelines. If any of the load requirements are not compatible with the one to be added – contact your dispatcher immediately. As now all the information is submitted electronically, doublecheck the requirements before arriving at the dock
5. Set aside enough time for cleaning & temperature adjustments.
6. For pickups in rural areas, be mindful of where you park the trailer. Stay as far as possible from waste and manure disposal areas, as well as livestock areas to avoid cross-contamination. 
7. Park at paved surfaces wherever possible. If you must drive through an unpaved road, clean the truck before picking up the next load.
8. Monitor temperature during transportation, any fluctuations outside the set norm must be reported.
9. Produce loads should be also safeguarded against pest contamination. It may be transferred via cargo or packaging material. Examine load carefully. Watch for any signs of droppings, insect eggs, live insects, excessive web.
10. In case of temperature control loss, accidents, or truck breakdown, notify the dispatcher immediately.
11. Follow regular truck inspection protocols to make sure it is in good working condition before, during, and after the trip.
12. Make load safety your primary concern. Watch out for any signs of packaging breach. While in transit produce is an easy target for terrorists. Report any signs of suspicious activity.

Following these rules will keep the perishable goods loads safe and will minimize the claims. 

Years of developing safe cargo handling procedures and following strict refrigerated loads transit protocols have helped us to build a great reputation. It is all that was made possible by a great team of dedicated and responsible drivers!