California tightens cargo rules

Wines & Vines, August, 2007

Trucking firms transporting grapes within California face potentially costly equipment expenditures, delayed deliveries and hefty fines resulting from new regulations. All cargo must be tied down with straps running side-to-side, but most trailers used to haul grapes are not so equipped. According to the California Association of Wine-grape Growers, "Meeting the regulations would be near impossible, as containers are not meant to be secured in the manner proposed. If tie-downs were required, the top portions of the containers would be bent and forced downward onto the fruit, thus crushing the load and damaging the fruit," president Karen Ross explained. "Methods that have been safely and efficiently utilized for decades will no longer be allowed, and equipment will have to be retrofitted or alternative methods developed. Failure to comply will result in ticketing by the CHP, with each violation subject to a fine of $700."

At least for this year, there is a temporary fix. An exemption was granted for intrastate transportation of perishable agriculture products. Each carrier must request the exemption. CHP will provide a letter authorizing the exemption, and a copy must be carried in each vehicle. Carriers must also file monthly reports detailing the number of loads; miles driven; accidents; driver hours and driver violations. The exemptions will remain valid until Dec. 1, 2007.