Produce shipping has always had a lot of variables to tend with, in the best of times. Traditionally, the summer months bring in some added considerations. Most importantly, product is exposed to warm temperatures in the field and, if not cooled properly before loading, will release heat through transportation. While refrigerated trailers can maintain product temperature, they will warm up quickly inside if doors are open, in open loading docks, or during an inspection, for example. These factors are amplified in zones where exterior temperatures are up to 104F. So, we are all used to the added risks shipping in summer months can bring, But, if you throw a pandemic into the mix, and things get really complicated.

To help, we have compiled some guidelines for how to deal with new COVID protocols during each stage of transportation. These are critical in the summer when temperature can be an even more important factor, but they are useful year-round.

Pre-Trip Considerations:

• Regularly wipe down trucks outside door handle and grab handles.
• Wipe down trailer handles prior to start of trip.
• If sharing your truck, ensure you do a full wipe down of the steering wheel, console, permit books and any other high-touch area inside the truck – this should be done whenever any kind of shared equipment is being used.
• Make sure the following is always packed in your truck : hand sanitizer, surface sanitizer/wipes, medical gloves, and a mask/face covering.
• Plan your trip. Do you know the current protocols of the loading shed you are going to? Many have enhanced their safety measures and changed their procedures. Our Customer Service department will let you know of any of these changes; whatever broker you are working with, if you are unsure, ask.

Loading Considerations

• As mentioned above, the Covid-19 situation has impacted shippers’ protocols;
  • More shippers are not allowing drivers to have access to the load at loading. This means the opportunity to pulp is lost, omitting a key piece of information when determining fluctuating in-transit temperatures or concerning pulps at receiving.
  • This also inhibits a driver inspecting loading patterns and location of temperature recorder, which are key to load security.
• If you are not allowed access to the loading dock, it is critical that the driver records “Shipper load and count” on the Bill of Lading. Drivers must also follow any further instructions from our Customer Service department.

In Transit Considerations

• Use tap payment options where possible; and make sure you have access to sufficiently funded credit cards for food, fuels, tolls and any potential emergencies.
• Avoid handling cash and paperwork directly, use medical gloves, if possible and wash/sanitize hands immediately after completing your task.
• As a reminder, at the border/during inspections: drivers should not be placing their identification/paperwork in their mouth while pulling up the booth to hand to an officer.
• Ensure wipes and sanitizers are available on-hand if possible. Many rest areas are using portable washrooms that may not have hand washing facilities available.

Unloading Considerations

• Similarly to loading, the Covid-19 situation has impacted receiver’s protocols;
  • More receivers are not allowing drivers to have access to the load at unloading. This means the opportunity to inspect the cargo at unloading is lost, omitting a key piece of information when determining concerns at receiving.
• If you are not allowed access to the receiving dock, it is critical that the driver records “Receiver unload and count” on the Bill of Lading. Drivers must also follow any further instructions from our Customer Service department.

Paperwork considerations

If a driver is not allowed access to paperwork, or if a shipper or receiver will not sign the driver’s copy of any paperwork (including Bills of Lading, PODs, etc.), call our Customer Service Department and we will direct the driver on how to proceed.

As we have all heard time and time again, these are unprecedented times. Our ability to get through them with success depends upon preparedness, adaptability, teamwork, and great communication. Remember, we are always here to chat and answer any critical questions!