Reefer Transport Legal Regulations - Compliance Guide

Reefer transport faces strict laws to ensure safety and quality.

These rules include state-specific standards and national food safety measures.

California Air Resources Board Regulation

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) set rules in 2004 to reduce diesel emissions from Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs), which cool foods and goods during shipping.

CARB’s rules are strict because it wants clean air.

If your TRUs run in California, you must follow these rules regardless of the location of your company.

Owners and operators of diesel-fueled TRUs need to pay attention.

Sixteen states have joined California in following these CARB rules for cleaner trucks and trailers.

This means keeping refrigerated trailers up to date with CARB standards is more important than ever for businesses shipping across state lines.

New Model Year 2023 and Newer TRUs Regulations

Starting December 31, 2023, big changes come for reefer trailers.

California sets new rules.

All model year 2023 and newer TRUs must meet strict PM emission standards of 0.02.

This means your transport refrigeration units have to be cleaner for the air.

This rule targets trailer TRUs, domestic shipping container TRUs, railcar TRUs, and generator set engines.

By the end of December 2022, they all needed to meet US EPA Tier 4 Final off-road Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.

Compliance Schedule and Exemptions

Reefer transport faces strict rules to keep goods safe.

Waggon ensures these rules are followed meticulously, which is key for business owners in the shipping trade.

Here’s what you need to know about compliance schedules and exemptions:

• Model Year Matters: Different rules apply if your Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) was made in 2022 or earlier. These units have a schedule to ensure they meet air quality standards.
• Exemptions Exist: Not all TRUs need to follow the same path. Some exemptions can apply, depending on how often you use them or where they operate.
• Check Your Status: The California Air Resources Board has a tool for this. You can look up your TRU’s compliance status online easily.
• Stay Updated: Rules change, and what’s okay today might not be tomorrow. Keep an eye out for new regulations to ensure you’re always compliant.

Understanding these points helps keep your reefer transport compliant and avoids fines.

We always ensure our shipping services meet the current regulatory standards.

Take advantage of Waggon freight services to ensure your goods’ safe and efficient transport.

Keeping these in mind keeps your business ahead and avoids trouble with compliance checks.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) changed how food gets moved.

Reefer trucking plays a big part in this.

The FSMA ensures that companies follow new rules to keep food safe during transport.

These rules touch everything from how food is loaded and kept at the right temperature to how trucks are cleaned and well-maintained.

Reefer fleets now need to make clear deals with brokers and carriers.

They must share details about the right temperatures, how to load food safely, and other important facts.

This means more paperwork, but it’s all for keeping our food safe.

Companies that move temperature-sensitive goods like fresh produce or dairy products must pay close attention.

They need to ensure that their equipment works well and follows FSMA standards.

It’s not just about moving goods anymore; it’s about ensuring everyone gets safe, healthy food on their tables.

Keeping your reefer transport within legal lines requires more than just setting the right temperature.

It’s a dance of regular checks and reports and ensuring all equipment is up to date with current standards.

Adequate Temperature Maintenance

Keeping your products at the right temperature during transport is key to success.

You must set temperatures like 20-25˚C for room-temperature items and 32-36˚F for refrigerated ones, which ensures food safety.

Use temperature control tech to monitor this closely.

Pack things well, too.

Proper packing helps keep everything at the correct temp from start to finish.

Also, use gear like infrared thermometers and air chutes in your reefer trucks.

They help maintain continuous cooling and avoid hot spots.

Reporting and Verification of Compliance

Reporting and verification of compliance are critical for reefer transport legal regulations.

TRU owners must follow strict guidelines to ensure their operations meet state and federal laws.

• First, TRU owners must report all TRUs operating in California to CARB. This step is crucial for temperature-controlled shipping within the state.
• The information submitted includes details about each vehicle in the fleet. These details help with the sanitary transportation of human and animal food.
• Verification involves CARB checking the reported information. They examine how well temperature recording equipment works and whether it keeps temperature-sensitive products safe.
• Fleet owners should also report on all eligible vehicles using compliance options in California. This action helps manage transport temperature sensitive goods efficiently.
• The compliance guidance provided by CARB helps owners understand how to keep their reefer units updated with regulations. It also ensures that frozen, perishable, and other items are transported safely.

Each step helps maintain a high standard in the supply chain, ensuring that goods remain fresh during transportation.

Compliance is not just about following rules — it’s about guaranteeing safety and quality from start to finish.

Waggon makes it easier for business owners to follow reefer transport rules.

Our company has tools to check on cool air and the right temperature inside trailers and take care of the entire shipping process for you.

With Waggon’s help, your reefer freight stays in top shape, meeting all legal needs for temperature and safety and staying compliant.

Staying compliant protects perishable goods and secures a company’s reputation in the long haul.