OOIDA offers FDA-compliant training for food carriers and drivers

Motor carriers and drivers who transport food must be trained in the use of sanitary methods to reduce food safety risks.

As a service, The OOIDA Foundation offers online FDA training for a fee.

According to the Food Safety Modernization Act, signed into law in 2011, carriers and their drivers involved in transporting human animal food must retain records of written procedures demonstrating the cleaning, sanitizing and inspections of equipment in order to assure:

• Vehicles and equipment involved with the transportation of food are in appropriate sanitary condition.
• Previous cargo does not make the food unsafe.
• Food that requires refrigeration for safety is under adequate temperature control.

Training also is required in addition to the written procedures.

Motor carriers and their drivers are required to undergo training concerning temperature management as well as the reporting requirements of the rule. This training must be documented by providing the date of training, the type of training, and the person or persons who were trained.

The OOIDA Foundation course meets all the training requirements of the rule. The course includes an hour-long training module, a test, a certificate of completion, a card to keep in the truck cab, and templates of written procedures and checklists for dry van trailers, reefers, flatbeds, liquid bulk tankers, and hopper bottoms. The cost is $100 per person.
You may register here.

Other OOIDA classes

OOIDA also offers other online training, including free courses on load boards, CVSA inspections, lease-agreements. These classes are free. Here is a list of these free classes offered by OOIDA.

Truck to Success course

OOIDA also is offering a course for drivers interested in becoming an owner-operator but are not sure where to start.

Truck to Success is a 2½-day intensive training for those ready to take their first steps toward becoming an owner-operator.

Truck to Success is scheduled for March 12-14 at the Courtyard by Marriott (816-228-8100) in Blue Springs, Mo.

The training is designed to follow a logical path of information on the transition from a company driver to an independent contractor. The training consists of expert trainers and interaction among participants.

The cost of this course is $495 per person and includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Lodging is not included. The deadline to register is March 1.

Click here for more information on Truck to Success and to register.