Shipping & Freight News

The logistics industry is on the brink of a significant transformation with the upcoming changes in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Starting in January 2026, FSMA will shift from a guidance-based approach to strict enforcement, imposing new documentation and tracking requirements on food shipments. This change means that every location where food is stored, transferred, or cross-docked must have its temperature variations tracked and documented for two years. The ability to provide this data within 24 to 48 hours upon request will be a game-changer for supply chain accountability and food safety.

“I absolutely think that a lot of people are quite literally unprepared for what’s coming,” says Rajah Nagarajah, Director of Sales at shipment tracking firm Tive. “It’s been lingering out in the air for a while, but soon—and even now—people are realizing you gotta get real about this.”

One of the ongoing debates in food logistics is determining which temperature data is most reliable—downloaded trailer tracker data or temperature recorders placed within shipments. Discrepancies can arise when a shipment arrives at its destination with a temperature variance, raising concerns about whether the product is still safe. With FSMA’s new regulations, the days of relying on outdated monitoring methods, such as drivers manually checking temperatures, are coming to an end.

Traditionally, shippers have had to trust that their products were properly cooled before being loaded onto trailers, while carriers had to trust that receivers maintained proper temperature integrity. When a variance occurs, tracing the issue becomes reactive rather than proactive, often leading to disputes and financial losses. However, new technology is providing a solution that can eliminate much of the guesswork.

What steps should your organization take now to prepare for the 2026 FSMA enforcement deadline? Find key strategies to help your team prepare in the latest episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast.

Technology providers like Tive are revolutionizing temperature tracking by offering real-time monitoring solutions. While passive temperature loggers have been used for decades, they primarily serve as compliance checkmarks rather than proactive solutions. These devices provide a historical record of temperature data but do not allow for real-time intervention if a shipment is experiencing temperature fluctuations en route.

Real-time tracking devices, on the other hand, offer immediate visibility into temperature conditions, allowing logistics professionals to take corrective actions before a shipment arrives at its destination. Despite the growing need for such technology, few food shippers currently utilize real-time monitoring. As FSMA’s new requirements take effect, the demand for these solutions will only increase.

“Probably only 25 to 30% of every shipper out there moving a food-related product is leveraging something that has real-time capabilities today,” says Nagarajah.

With the impending FSMA enforcement, the logistics industry must move beyond outdated methods and embrace digital solutions that provide transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. The ability to track and document temperature conditions in real time will not only help companies comply with new regulations but also prevent costly product losses and claims.

The transition to stricter food safety standards is inevitable. Companies that adopt real-time monitoring technology now will be ahead of the curve, ensuring that their operations remain compliant while enhancing overall supply chain integrity. As the industry adapts, investing in advanced temperature tracking solutions will no longer be an option—it will be a necessity.

At Triple T Transport, we understand the challenges that FSMA’s evolving regulations bring to the logistics industry. Our team works closely with shippers and carriers to implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance cold chain integrity. Whether it’s leveraging real-time temperature tracking technology or optimizing logistics strategies to ensure compliance, we provide the expertise and resources to keep your supply chain moving efficiently and safely. Partner with Triple T Transport to stay ahead of industry changes and safeguard the quality of your shipments.