Transportation Challenges

Fresh produce shipments are governed by a complex web of domestic and international laws. “Just-in-time” delivery models leave little margin for delay, often complicating participation in trusted trader programs or compliance with evolving cross-border advance information requirements.

Breakdowns in communication, or limited awareness of rights and responsibilities across the supply chain, can threaten both productivity and product quality.

The environment for securing reliable trucking capacity is increasingly competitive. Factors such as driver availability, freight costs, and infrastructure pressures influence service levels. Trucking companies and their drivers naturally prioritize suppliers and receivers who:

  • Pay promptly and fairly
  • Provide efficient loading and unloading processes
  • Maintain respectful, safe working environments

CPMA’s Role and Advocacy

The CPMA Transportation Working Group provides input to government and industry partners on transportation issues across land, air, and sea that impact the fresh produce sector. This includes:

  • Infrastructure and ports modernization to reduce congestion and bottlenecks.
  • Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and hours-of-service requirements affecting long-haul deliveries.
  • Cold chain integrity and regulatory harmonization across jurisdictions.
  • Sustainable freight and emissions reduction initiatives within Canada’s broader supply chain strategy.

National Supply Chain Office

CPMA continues to work closely with the National Supply Chain Office (NSCO) to identify and address bottlenecks impacting the movement of fresh produce across Canada. By providing industry insights on perishability, transportation costs, and regulatory alignment, CPMA helps ensure that NSCO initiatives strengthen Canada’s food system resilience and improve the reliability of our supply chain infrastructure.

Through collaboration with industry and government, CPMA advocates for reliable, science-based, and efficient transportation policies that support both market access and supply chain resilience. 

North American Collaboration

The North American Produce Transportation Working Group (NAPTWG) — representing transportation stakeholders from associations and industry groups across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico — developed the North American Produce Transportation Guidelines.

Recently, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) led a revision of these guidelines in collaboration with the NAPTWG, ensuring they reflect current best practices and regulatory realities.

Access the guidelines:
[North American Produce Transportation Guidelines (PDF)] 

Key CPMA Focus Areas

  • Promoting coordinated infrastructure investment and port modernization.
  • Reducing administrative barriers to cross-border produce movement.
  • Supporting driver recruitment and retention initiatives.
  • Enhancing member understanding of transportation compliance obligations.
  • Advocating for efficient, transparent logistics practices across the fresh produce supply chain. 

Additional Resources