Port Houston has been granted official authorization by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to directly handle cold treatment (CT) cargo. This significant development is set to boost cargo volume and expand business opportunities for drayage companies and related industries in the region.
John Moseley, Chief Commercial Officer at Port Houston, emphasized the transformative impact of this new designation. “This new USDA designation improves the cold chain for importers in Texas and surrounding states by shortening transit time and reducing cost, ultimately improving product quality for importers using Port Houston,” Moseley stated. “This new designation is a major step change for consumers and importers using Port Houston. It will allow Port Houston to handle perishable, reefer cargo that completes its treatment while in transit.”
Enhanced Cold Treatment Process
The cold treatment process is essential for mitigating the risk of pests in fresh produce. By maintaining specific temperatures for a designated period, CT ensures that fruits and vegetables can be safely imported into the United States without introducing harmful pests from other countries. This process is especially crucial for produce originating from regions such as South America, South Africa, southern Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Previously, CT cargo had to complete its treatment at a transshipment port before being shipped to Houston or was imported through distant ports and then trucked to Texas. This often led to increased transit times and costs. With the new USDA approval, Port Houston can now receive and manage shipments from vessels that complete the CT process while in transit on the water.
Implications for Trucking and Storage
“This is a positive improvement for truckers, and it translates to more business for drayage companies, more volume,” Moseley added. “And with our new express lane program and improvements made at our terminals, which are experiencing sub-45-minute turn times for transactions inside our facilities, this will be a bonanza for the trucking communities and cold storage facilities that have recently opened or expanded in Houston.”
The authorization opens the door for Port Houston to accept a wider array of perishable products, including citrus fruits, grapes, and other high-value produce that require stringent temperature controls during transportation. This expanded capability is expected to enhance the efficiency of supply chains and provide a competitive edge for importers and distributors relying on Port Houston.
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