How New Traceability Rules Are Transforming Food Hauling Operations
The food supply chain is entering one of its most significant regulatory shifts in decades. With the FDA’s Food Traceability Final Rule taking full effect in January 2026, food shippers and carriers are preparing for a new era of transparency, documentation, and real-time data. For trucking companies, especially those handling refrigerated and perishable loads, these rules bring both challenges and opportunities. The days of relying solely on paper logs and basic temperature readings are over. Traceability is no longer optional—it's quickly becoming a core requirement for doing business. Understanding the Food Traceability Final Rule The Food Traceability Final Rule—part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)—creates a standardized framework for tracking certain high-risk foods as they move through the supply chain. These foods fall under what the FDA calls the Food Traceability List (FTL), which includes: Fresh leafy greens Shell eggs ...