A 2025 survey revealed that only 55% of US adults feel confident that the country’s food supply is safe. The fear of foodborne illness was the main factor behind the respondents’ concerns, and more than half believe that the current system prioritizes profit over safety.
With this in mind, it’s now more important than ever that businesses take care when shipping food. And using a food-grade trailer is one of the key steps in that process.
But what is a food-grade trailer, and how does it help keep food safe?
In this post, we’ll explain why food-grade trailers matter in food logistics and the current standards that all shippers must meet.
A food-grade trailer has never carried hazardous materials or non-food items. Trailers used for transporting any of these items could contaminate shipments and put consumers at risk.
Shippers can choose from two types of food-grade trailers:
As well as being free of contaminants, trailers for transporting food must also:
Reputable carriers that offer safe food shipping will ensure that their trailers meet the above criteria at all times.
All US carriers using food-grade trailers must adhere to the standards created by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food.
This rule applies to carriers transporting food by road or rail only — legal limitations mean it does not apply to air or sea shipments. Shippers from countries outside the US (such as Canada) must abide by this rule if their food is to be distributed or consumed within the US.
But shippers transporting food through the US only (such as sending it from Mexico to Canada) are exempt — provided the food is never distributed in the US.
Some of the most important standards include:
Any carriers that fail to adhere to these rules may face shipment rejections, product detainment, and court actions (especially after consistent violations).
Here’s why you should use a food-grade trailer to transport goods:
Meeting the FDA’s requirements is vital to avoid expensive repercussions, but you also need to align with retailers’ expectations. Goods that fall short of expectations may be rejected, costing you sales.
If food becomes contaminated in transit, this can damage your business’s reputation for years to come. For example, product recalls or safety concerns may ruin customer trust in a food company. Winning that back can be a long and hard-fought process.
Using a food-grade trailer allows you to maintain product freshness, quality, and safety. You know that your freight will arrive at the destination in good condition, ready to hit shelves.
When working with big-box stores and grocery chains that have reputations to maintain, it’s often mandatory to provide proof of food-grade transportation.
Using a food-grade trailer minimizes the risk of food becoming damaged, spoiled, or contaminated during transportation.
Getting food logistics right is essential for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re shipping fresh fruit, canned goods, frozen vegetables, or any other edible products, food-grade trailers will keep them safe on the road.
Looking for more information on food safety and effective food and produce shipping? The DTS blog has a wide range of resources packed with helpful details.
Check out these posts all about food shipping:
Need professional help and advice about the best food shipping methods for your business? Get in touch with DTS today.
Whether you're a company looking to improve one facet of your supply chain, your entire supply chain, or simply looking for a transportation and logistics consultation, we can help.
19829 Hamilton Avenue
Torrance, CA 90502