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FUTURE PLANS
AUFTAC LTD is presently reviewing and
developing initiatives to position the organisations and members for the
challenges of the future. It continues to lobby on issues that
disadvantage members in their daily business as well as being proactive
to ensure members can sustain growth and prosper in the coming years.
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As more and more emphasis is placed
on the supply chain, there is a need for all parties involved to
ensure the cold chain is effectively established and maintained.
In some situations, that will require upgrading of infrastructure,
better management and control along the continuum and the use of
systems that effectively link together, reducing the risk of
improper temperature management. AUFTAC's
1996/2000 Code of Practice for the Road Transportation of Fresh
Produce is a risk management tool which is developed around the
cold chain. Currently under development are plans for Quality in
Service, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental
Management. |
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FOOD
SAFETY
As the industry responds to the pressures of food safety concerns,
many road transport companies are seeking to put in place formally
recognised quality systems which meet the needs of their customer
base. This will place a focus on hygiene, temperature management,
equipment maintenance and loading practices. Integrity of the cold
chain will be the only acceptable outcome, given the moves to
address food safety nationally. The new generic Food Safety Plan
for the Distribution of Horticultural Products based on HACCP
focuses on those aspects of the supply chain that involve a
transport company.
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| PERFORMANCE
AUFTAC initiated the formation of the Refrigerated Transport
Manufacturers Forum, with RWTA, to develop performance-based
specifications for refrigerated transport equipment, used to
transport fresh produce and other food products. Today, it is
necessary to ensure that food has been distributed in equipment of
satisfactory standard and with the correct operational practices.
The Forum confirmed the objectives were to:
develop a national system of refrigerated transport equipment
specifications for chilled and freezer food products that is
performance-based
and to develop a methodology for implementation.
This Forum has representation from
trailer and refrigeration manufacturers, AUFTAC, RWTA, CSIRO and
warehouse operators. |
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Technology
AUFTAC is supporting the current move by the RWTA to seek 2.6m
wide trailers in Australia. Major benefits would flow from this
small increase in vehicle width. They include better refrigeration
performance, reduced operational costs, reduced environmentally -
dangerous emissions, improved management of temperature sensitive
food products and compatibility with ISO pallets. Huge advances in
electronic communications have occurred within the last decade and
it is projected that this will continue. AUFTAC envisages
consignors will soon be able to electronically book space, develop
a manifest and invoice as well as transfer funds with their
selected carrier.
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| Educational
Resources
AUFTAC will be busy over the next 12 months developing a series of
in-house training resources to support its members in providing a
professional service. It is planned to develop:
- audio visual training aids, cassettes, slide shows and video's
- a driver's handbook with pertinent information for fresh produce
truck drivers
- fresh produce compatibility charts;
- a register of training providers
AUFTAC will undertake a national
cycle of workshops on the Code of Practice for Road Transportation
of Fresh Produce and the AUFTAC Generic Food Safety Plan for the
Distribution of Fresh Produce, based on HACCP. |
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