USDA publishes voluntary security guidance for food truckers

USDA publishes voluntary security guidance for food truckers    The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published a voluntary guidance document to enhance the health and security of food and other agricultural products transported by truck.
   “These guidelines are practical, flexible and proactive,” said Jim Moseley, agriculture deputy secretary for USDA, in a statement at the American Trucking Associations Agricultural and Food Transporters’ Conference in Las Vegas Tuesday.
   In partnership with the USDA, the ATA conducted a survey of 24,000 commercial food and agricultural product transporters on their concerns about security, terrorism, and where and how to get information. USDA said the survey helped to identify additional security options for this side of the trucking industry.
   “The release of the guide is especially timely, as fall traditionally brings increased transportation service demands with the agricultural harvest season and the start of preparations and deliveries for the winter and holiday retail season,” the USDA said.
   The USDA estimates that about 27,000 commercial transporters in the United States handle food and other agricultural products.
   The guidance document, “Guide for Security Practices in Transporting Agricultural and Food Commodities,” is available online at:    www.usda.gov/homelandsecurity/aftcsecurguidfinal19.pdf.