The International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA), Alexandria, Va., announced its new Cold Carrier Certification, what is said to be the first of its kind focused on excellence in refrigerated transportation.
“By earning the Cold Carrier Certification, a carrier will demonstrate the organization’s commitment to sanitary and safe perishable product transportation, differentiate the company from its competitors and show its dedication to furthering the transportation and supply chain industries,” says Rob Fay, chairman of IRTA and president, Seminole Gulf Railway/Florida Freezer, Fort Myers, Fla.
The Cold Carrier Certification features two major components.
The first is carrier conformance with the Sanitary Food Transportation Act through adoption of the IRTA Refrigerated Transportation Best Practices Guide. Second, carrier management personnel must prove their knowledge on specific requirements from the guide.
The certification program was piloted by Frozen Food Express (FFE) Transportation Services, Dallas, Texas; Great Plains Transport, Mapleton, N.D; JB Hunt, Lowell, Ark.; KeHE, Naperville, Ill.; Midwest Refrigerated Services, Inc., Pleasant Prairie, Wis.; Trailiner, Springfield, Mo.; and WEL Cos., Joliet, Ill.
“This certification gives the customer piece of [mind] that they are building a relationship with the right carrier,” says Travis McCain, vice president of sales, FFE and pilot program participant. “We will proudly display the Cold Carrier Certification logo.”
