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Managed Transportation for Food & Produce Shippers

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in

News and Event

Posted

October 14, 2026 at 10:02 am

Why Food and Produce Shippers Choose RWI Logistics as Their Managed Transportation Partner

A customized transportation partnership that connects dedicated people, technology, carrier management, and continuous improvement.

Food, produce, and other temperature-controlled shippers face a distinct set of transportation challenges. Tight delivery windows, seasonal demand, product sensitivity, capacity fluctuations, and changing market conditions can make transportation operations especially complex.

Managing that complexity in-house requires more than arranging individual shipments. It involves coordinating people, processes, technology, carriers, performance data, and continuous improvement across the transportation network, all while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.

That is why many food and produce shippers turn to a customized freight management partnership.

As a managed transportation provider, RWI Logistics acts as an extension of a shipper’s team. We bring together dedicated people, transportation technology, carrier management, reporting, and logistics expertise in a solution designed around the shipper’s operation and business goals.

The Partnership

What Is Managed Transportation?

Managed transportation, sometimes called customized freight management, is an ongoing partnership in which a logistics provider assumes responsibility for defined transportation functions across a shipper’s network.

Unlike transactional freight brokerage, which generally focuses on securing capacity for individual loads, managed transportation focuses on how the transportation operation works as a whole. The provider follows agreed-upon processes, uses shared technology and data, measures performance against established goals, and continually identifies opportunities to improve service, cost, and efficiency.

The scope can be tailored to complement a shipper’s existing team or support a more fully outsourced transportation operation. Depending on the needs of the business, a managed transportation program may include:

  • Transportation network assessment and strategy
  • Carrier procurement and RFP management
  • Carrier onboarding and performance management
  • Load planning and scheduling
  • Mode, lane, and route optimization
  • Transportation management system support
  • API and system integrations
  • Reporting, business intelligence, and KPI monitoring
  • Process improvement and ongoing program reviews

Shipment execution may be part of the program, but it is managed within a broader strategy rather than approached one load at a time. The goal is to create a coordinated, visible, and continuously improving transportation operation.

Dedicated Support

A Dedicated Team Aligned With Your Operation

Transportation management requires consistent attention and clearly defined processes. For food and produce shippers, disruptions can quickly affect product quality, delivery commitments, and customer relationships. A missed appointment, limited capacity, or unexpected delay may require immediate action, but long-term success also depends on preventing recurring problems.

With a managed transportation partnership, shippers gain a dedicated team that learns their network, business rules, service requirements, and customer expectations. The team operates according to established procedures and works alongside internal stakeholders to manage daily transportation activity and broader program priorities.

This model gives internal teams additional expertise and operational support without requiring the shipper to build every capability in-house. It can also free employees to focus on customers, production, procurement, and other strategic priorities while RWI Logistics manages the agreed-upon transportation functions.

Connected Technology

Technology That Connects the Transportation Operation

Technology is central to managed transportation because it connects shipment activity, carrier information, tracking, and performance data within one operating environment.

A robust transportation management system, or TMS, can help standardize workflows, centralize shipment information, automate routine processes, improve tracking, and provide greater visibility across the transportation network.

For organizations managing freight manually or through disconnected systems, achieving this level of coordination can require a significant investment in software, implementation, integrations, maintenance, and training. Through a managed transportation partnership, shippers can use RWI Logistics’ established transportation technology and logistics expertise without building and supporting the full infrastructure themselves.

Greater visibility can help teams answer questions such as:

  • Are shipments moving according to plan?
  • Which lanes, modes, and carriers are performing best?
  • Where are service failures or added costs recurring?
  • How is transportation performance trending against established KPIs?
  • Where can the network be consolidated or optimized?

The value extends beyond seeing where a shipment is. Connected data helps teams manage the transportation program more consistently and make better-informed decisions over time.

Network Strategy

Strategic Carrier and Network Management

Food and produce transportation networks must adapt to seasonal volume, regional shifts, customer requirements, and changing capacity conditions. Managed transportation helps shippers address these variables through a coordinated carrier and network strategy.

Rather than making isolated decisions for each shipment, RWI Logistics can help evaluate lanes, requirements, service expectations, and transportation modes across the broader network. Carrier RFPs, procurement, routing strategies, and performance measurement can then be aligned with the shipper’s operational goals.

Depending on the freight and lane, the transportation plan may incorporate truckload, less-than-truckload, refrigerated transportation, intermodal, or other solutions. This network-level approach can help shippers create appropriate options for different types of freight, prepare for seasonal changes, and reduce reliance on reactive decision-making.

Performance Insights

Greater Control Through Data, Reporting, and Governance

Managed transportation provides a framework for turning shipment data into business insight. Instead of reviewing activity only when a problem occurs, shippers and their managed transportation partner can monitor agreed-upon metrics and review performance regularly.

Reporting may reveal:

  • High-cost lanes or facilities
  • Recurring service issues
  • Carrier performance trends
  • Opportunities for route, load, or mode optimization
  • Accessorial cost patterns
  • Changes in transportation spend
  • On-time pickup and delivery performance

Regular performance reviews help the shipper and provider align on results, priorities, and corrective actions. This governance is an important distinction of managed transportation: the partnership is accountable not only for today’s activity but also for improving the transportation operation over time.

Ongoing Optimization

Continuous Improvement for Complex Freight Networks

Transportation networks do not remain static. Customer requirements change, volumes shift, costs fluctuate, and new facilities or suppliers may be added. A managed transportation program should evolve with those changes.

By analyzing operational and performance data, RWI Logistics can help identify recurring challenges and opportunities for improvement. That may involve updating processes, adjusting routing strategies, reviewing carrier performance, improving system workflows, or evaluating different transportation modes.

This continuous-improvement approach helps food and produce shippers move beyond short-term problem-solving and build a transportation operation that becomes more efficient and resilient over time.

Built for Growth

Supporting Growth Without Rebuilding the Logistics Operation

As food and produce companies grow, transportation complexity often grows with them. New customers, facilities, suppliers, regions, and shipment volumes can strain internal teams and existing processes.

Building an in-house transportation operation to support that growth may require significant investments in people, technology, carrier management, integrations, and process development. Managed transportation offers another path.

By working with RWI Logistics as an extension of their organization, shippers can add transportation capabilities and adjust the scope of support as business needs change. The result is a flexible operating model designed to scale without requiring the shipper to recreate every resource internally.

Your Logistics Partner

Finding the Right Managed Transportation Partner

The right managed transportation solution should not be one-size-fits-all. Every shipper has different freight characteristics, systems, service requirements, customer expectations, internal capabilities, and business objectives.

A strong partner should begin by understanding the current operation, defining responsibilities, establishing processes and performance measures, and building a solution around the shipper’s goals. The relationship should also include clear communication, access to meaningful data, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

At RWI Logistics, our customized freight management approach can combine dedicated operational support, transportation technology, carrier management, reporting, and ongoing optimization in a program designed for each shipper.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is managed transportation?

Managed transportation is an ongoing logistics partnership in which a provider manages defined transportation functions across a shipper’s network. The scope may include planning, technology, carrier management, execution, reporting, performance measurement, and continuous improvement.

How is managed transportation different from freight brokerage?

Freight brokerage generally focuses on arranging capacity for individual shipments. Managed transportation focuses on the broader transportation operation, using dedicated resources, established processes, integrated technology, performance goals, and ongoing optimization to manage part or all of a shipper’s network.

Why do food and produce shippers use managed transportation?

Food and produce shippers often face tight delivery schedules, seasonal volume changes, temperature-sensitive freight, and complex customer requirements. Managed transportation can provide the dedicated support, technology, planning, visibility, and performance management needed to coordinate those demands.

How can RWI Logistics support food and produce shippers?

RWI Logistics can provide a customized program that combines transportation planning, carrier and RFP management, shipment coordination, technology, reporting, and continuous improvement based on the shipper’s network and business requirements.

Can managed transportation improve shipment visibility?

Yes. A managed transportation program can centralize shipment information and provide access to tracking, carrier performance, transportation costs, service metrics, and other operational insights. This visibility supports both daily decision-making and long-term improvement.

Does managed transportation help reduce internal workload?

Yes. By assigning defined transportation responsibilities to a managed transportation provider, internal teams can spend less time on routine coordination and recurring freight issues, maintain visibility into performance, and focus on strategic priorities.

Is managed transportation suitable for growing companies?

Yes. Managed transportation can help growing companies expand their logistics capabilities without making the same level of internal investment in additional staff, transportation technology, carrier management, and process development.

Why choose RWI Logistics as a managed transportation partner?

RWI Logistics provides customized freight management solutions designed around each shipper’s network, operational requirements, service expectations, and business goals. Our approach combines dedicated support, technology, carrier management, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Build Your Managed Transportation Solution with RWI Logistics

Ready to reduce the burden of managing transportation internally while gaining greater control and visibility across your network? Request a quote from RWI Logistics to discuss a managed transportation solution for your food and produce operation.

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FSMA 204 and Cold Chain Traceability 2 1 (1)

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News and Event

Posted

June 5, 2026 at 4:12 am

FSMA 204 and Cold Chain Traceability: Why Shippers Should Prepare Before 2028

Preparing today for the future of food traceability, where visibility, compliance, and cold chain performance work together seamlessly.

The food supply chain is entering a new era of accountability. With the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 introducing enhanced traceability requirements for organizations handling foods listed on the FDA Food Traceability List, shippers must begin preparing now, even though enforcement is not expected before July 20, 2028.

For cold chain operations, compliance extends beyond transportation. It requires complete visibility, accurate documentation, real-time data sharing, and strong collaboration across the supply chain. Organizations that invest in these capabilities today will be better positioned to meet future requirements while improving operational performance and customer confidence.

As one of the leading logistics transportation companies, RWI Logistics helps businesses strengthen supply chain visibility, manage temperature-sensitive freight, and develop resilient logistics strategies that support long-term compliance and growth.

The New Standard

Understanding FSMA 204 and Its Impact on Cold Chain Shippers

FSMA 204 introduces enhanced traceability requirements for businesses that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods included on the FDA Food Traceability List. Covered organizations must maintain Key Data Elements associated with Critical Tracking Events throughout the movement of food products.

When requested by the FDA, companies must provide traceability records within 24 hours. This requirement places significant pressure on supply chain partners to maintain accurate records and ensure information is accessible quickly.

For cold chain shippers, traceability is closely tied to product integrity. Fresh produce, seafood, dairy products, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals all require continuous monitoring throughout transit. Any gap in visibility can create compliance risks and impact product quality.

Planning Ahead

Why Preparation Cannot Wait Until 2028

Although enforcement remains several years away, building a comprehensive traceability strategy requires time, technology, and coordination. Many organizations still rely on disconnected systems, manual processes, and fragmented communication across suppliers, carriers, warehouses, and customers.

These limitations can create challenges when responding to traceability requests or investigating food safety concerns. Forward-thinking logistics transportation companies are already helping shippers build the infrastructure needed to improve transparency and accelerate access to supply chain information. By acting now, businesses can avoid rushed implementation efforts and create a stronger foundation for future growth.

Supply Chain Transparency

The Role of Shipment Visibility in FSMA 204 Compliance

Visibility is one of the most important components of modern cold chain logistics. FSMA 204 requires organizations to know where products have been, who handled them, and what occurred during every critical movement event.

Achieving this level of transparency requires access to accurate transportation and tracking information throughout the shipment lifecycle.

RWI Logistics leverages integrated technology, transportation management expertise, and data-driven processes to provide enhanced visibility across complex cold-chain networks. This approach enables organizations to gain better insight into freight movement, monitor transportation activities, and improve decision-making across the supply chain.

When visibility improves, companies can respond more quickly to potential disruptions, reduce risk, and strengthen overall compliance readiness.

Protecting Product Integrity

Strengthening Traceability Through Refrigerated Transportation

Maintaining product quality during transportation is a critical component of food traceability.

A dependable refrigerated transport service helps ensure products remain within required temperature ranges while supporting accurate documentation throughout transit. Temperature-sensitive commodities require consistent monitoring, proactive management, and experienced logistics partners capable of handling specialized transportation requirements.

RWI Logistics offers comprehensive refrigerated transport service solutions for fresh produce, frozen food, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-controlled products. With extensive experience managing refrigerated freight, the company helps shippers maintain product integrity and improve supply chain visibility.

An effective refrigerated transport service not only protects product quality but also enhances traceability, supporting regulatory compliance.

Working Together

Partner Alignment Is Essential for Success

FSMA 204 compliance cannot be achieved by a single organization acting alone.

Manufacturers, suppliers, carriers, warehouses, distributors, and retailers must work together to ensure traceability information is collected, maintained, and shared consistently. Clear communication and standardized processes are essential for creating a connected supply chain.

RWI Logistics emphasizes collaborative partnerships and customized transportation management solutions that align stakeholders around common goals. Through data-driven insights and continuous improvement initiatives, the company helps organizations strengthen coordination across their logistics networks.

This collaborative approach becomes increasingly valuable as food traceability requirements continue to evolve.

Future Ready

Building an Audit-Ready Cold Chain Strategy

Preparing for FSMA 204 is about more than regulatory compliance. It is an opportunity to create a stronger, more resilient, and more efficient supply chain.

Organizations should focus on:

  • Improve end-to-end shipment visibility

  • Enhance data collection and record management

  • Strengthen communication across partners

  • Implement technology that supports traceability

  • Work with experienced cold chain logistics providers

  • Build scalable processes for future regulations

By investing in these capabilities today, companies can reduce compliance risks while improving operational performance.

Proven Cold Chain Expertise

Why RWI Logistics Is a Trusted Partner for Cold Chain Traceability

As one of the most experienced logistics transportation companies serving temperature sensitive industries, RWI Logistics combines cold chain expertise, transportation management capabilities, advanced technology, and business intelligence to help customers navigate increasingly complex supply chain challenges. The company specializes in refrigerated transportation solutions, cold chain execution, freight management, and customized logistics strategies designed to improve visibility and performance.

For organizations preparing for FSMA 204, choosing a logistics partner with proven cold chain experience can provide a significant advantage. RWI Logistics helps shippers create connected supply chains, strengthen traceability efforts, and maintain confidence in an evolving regulatory environment.

Prepare for FSMA 204 with RWI Logistics

FSMA 204 is transforming the way food traceability is managed across the supply chain. While enforcement is not expected until 2028, organizations that begin preparing today will be better equipped to meet future requirements and strengthen their competitive position.

By improving visibility, enhancing documentation practices, partnering with experienced logistics companies, and investing in reliable refrigerated transport solutions, shippers can build a more resilient and audit-ready cold chain operation.

RWI Logistics continues to help businesses navigate these challenges through innovative cold chain solutions, transportation expertise, and data-driven logistics strategies that support compliance, efficiency, and long-term success.

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tariffs and time change

By

in

News and Event

Posted

January 21, 2025 at 2:20 am

RWI Logistics: Adapting to New Trade Policies in 2025

As we begin the New Year and prepare for the upcoming presidential inauguration, businesses across the United States are bracing for significant changes in trade and logistics. Donald Trump’s plans to implement new tariffs on trade with China, Canada, and Mexico, along with his goal to end Daylight Savings Time, are set to bring sweeping changes to supply chains. In these dynamic times, RWI Logistics stands as a trusted partner ready to help businesses take a proactive approach to their supply chain this year.

The Impact of New Policies on Supply Chains

Tariffs and Trade 

President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to implement significant tariffs upon taking office in 2025, aiming to bolster domestic industries and address trade imbalances. Businesses that rely on cross-border trade will need to reevaluate sourcing, inventory management, and freight solutions to remain competitive. The key components of his proposed tariff strategy include:

  • 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico: Trump intends to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico. He justifies these measures by citing national security concerns and the need to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, across the U.S. southern border. 
  • 10% to 20% Tariffs on Chinese Imports: In addition to targeting North American trade partners, Trump plans to levy tariffs ranging from 10% to 20% on imports from China. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with China and encourage the reshoring of manufacturing jobs. 
  • Potential 100% Tariffs on BRICS Nations: Trump has also threatened to impose a 100% tariff on imports from BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) if they attempt to undermine the U.S. dollar’s status as the global reserve currency by promoting an alternative currency. 

These proposed tariffs have sparked significant debate among economists and policymakers. Critics warn that such measures could lead to trade wars, increased consumer prices, and disruptions in global supply chains. For instance, Panasonic Energy, a supplier for Tesla, has expressed intentions to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains in anticipation of these tariffs.

Furthermore, Trump’s tariff plans have already had political repercussions. In Canada, the announcement of impending tariffs has led to a political crisis, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

Ending Daylight Savings Time 

President-elect Donald Trump has also announced plans to abolish daylight saving time (DST), describing the practice as “inconvenient” and “very costly to our Nation.” DST has been in place in the United States since 1918, initially introduced to conserve energy during World War I. However, its effectiveness and relevance have been subjects of debate in recent years.

Trump’s stance against DST argues that the biannual clock changes are disruptive and no longer serve a significant purpose. 

Legislative Context

In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at making daylight saving time permanent. However, the bill stalled in the House of Representatives due to disagreements over whether to adopt permanent DST or standard time. With Republicans now controlling both chambers of Congress, there is potential for renewed legislative efforts to address the issue.

Impact of Abolishing DST

Eliminating daylight saving time would mean that clocks remain consistent throughout the year, eliminating the need for adjustments in spring and fall. This change could have various effects, including:

  • Supply Chain Interruptions: Eliminating DST may create scheduling challenges and operational confusion for supply chains. This adjustment will require flexible logistics solutions to maintain efficiency and reliability.
  • Health Benefits: Some health experts suggest that eliminating DST could reduce sleep disruptions and associated health risks.
  • Economic Impact: While Trump cites cost savings as a reason for abolishing DST, the actual economic impact is a topic of debate among economists.
  • Daily Life: Permanent standard time would result in earlier sunrises and sunsets during the summer months, potentially affecting various aspects of daily life and business operations.

As Trump prepares to take office, it is anticipated that his administration will work with Congress to introduce legislation aimed at abolishing daylight saving time. The specifics of such legislation, including whether the U.S. would adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time, remain to be clarified.

How RWI Logistics Can Help

Strategic Solutions for Tariff Challenges

RWI Logistics is equipped to help businesses minimize the impacts of tariffs through strategic freight management and cost-effective solutions. Our expertise in route optimization and trade compliance ensures minimal disruptions and maximum efficiency for your supply chain.

  • Time-Optimized Operations: A shift away from Daylight Savings Time will demand adaptive scheduling and a proactive approach to avoid delays. With real-time tracking and advanced logistics technology, RWI Logistics ensures that your shipments stay on track, regardless of timing adjustments.
  • Nationwide Network for Seamless Coverage: RWI Logistics combines a robust nationwide network with localized expertise to ensure your goods reach their destinations efficiently, even amid policy shifts. Our strategic planning and operational flexibility enable businesses to stay ahead of evolving demands.

Technology-Driven Innovation for Smarter Logistics

At RWI Logistics, technology is at the core of our operations. We offer:

  • Real-Time Tracking: Stay informed about your shipments every step of the way.
  • Predictive Analytics: Anticipate disruptions and make proactive decisions.
  • Cost Optimization: Reduce logistics expenses without sacrificing quality.

While technology is critical, it’s the people behind it that make the difference. Our team of logistics experts collaborates closely with clients to create tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. We’re not just a service provider; we’re a partner in your success.

Why Choose RWI Logistics in 2025?

With new policies likely to reshape the logistics landscape, RWI Logistics is ready to help your business adapt and thrive. Whether it’s mitigating the impacts of tariffs or adjusting to scheduling changes, our commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer focus makes us the ideal partner for your supply chain needs.

Looking ahead, RWI Logistics is more than just a logistics solution provider – we’re your ally in navigating change and driving growth. Let’s tackle 2025 together and position your business for long-term success!

Ready to embrace the future of logistics? Visit RWI Logistics today to learn more about our services. Trust us to help you adapt, innovate, and succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

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