Transport & Delivery Conditions
Aligned with BRCGS for Storage and Distribution – Issue 4, Section 4.8
Requirement Overview
BRCGS for Storage and Distribution Issue 4, Section 4.8, requires companies to implement procedures that ensure products are transported and delivered under controlled conditions to protect product integrity, safety, legality, and quality throughout the supply chain.
Clause 4.8.1: “The company shall have procedures for all products to ensure that they are transported under conditions that maintain product safety and integrity.”
These requirements apply to ambient, chilled, frozen, and temperature-sensitive products, as well as non-temperature-controlled deliveries where hygiene and protection from damage remain critical.
Key Compliance Objectives
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✓ Ensure vehicles are suitable and clean before loading
✓ Maintain appropriate product-specific transport conditions
✓ Monitor and document transport temperatures when required
✓ Prevent contamination, damage, or spoilage during delivery
✓ Validate delivery procedures and traceability at receiving points
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1.Define Product-Specific Transport Conditions
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Key Factors to Determine:
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• Required temperature ranges (e.g., frozen ≤ –18°C, chilled 0–5°C)
• Protection from contamination, cross-contact, or damage
• Secure loading methods and segregation (e.g., allergens, chemicals, non-food items)
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Product transport requirement specifications
• Delivery SOPs for each category (ambient, chilled, etc.)
• Equipment calibration and condition reports
- • Required temperature ranges (e.g., frozen ≤ –18°C, chilled 0–5°C) • Protection from contamination, cross-contact, or damage • Secure loading methods and segregation (e.g., allergens, chemicals, non-food items)
- • Product transport requirement specifications • Delivery SOPs for each category (ambient, chilled, etc.) • Equipment calibration and condition reports
2. Verify Vehicle and Container Suitability
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Checks Prior to Loading:
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• Cleanliness and sanitation of trailers/containers
• Working refrigeration units or insulation (if applicable)
• Absence of pests, foreign materials, or odors
• Compatibility with load type and quantity
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Pre-shipment inspection logs
• Vehicle cleaning records
• Transport suitability checklist
- • Cleanliness and sanitation of trailers/containers • Working refrigeration units or insulation (if applicable) • Absence of pests, foreign materials, or odors • Compatibility with load type and quantity
- • Pre-shipment inspection logs • Vehicle cleaning records • Transport suitability checklist
3. Maintain and Monitor Transport Conditions
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Control Measures Include:
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• Continuous or trip-based temperature monitoring
• Tamper-evident seals or locking mechanisms
• Segregation of allergenic or hazardous goods
• Vehicle door closure verification before departure
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Temperature logs with validation signatures
• Seal numbers and security checks
• Transport deviation reports and corrective actions
- • Continuous or trip-based temperature monitoring • Tamper-evident seals or locking mechanisms • Segregation of allergenic or hazardous goods • Vehicle door closure verification before departure
- • Temperature logs with validation signatures • Seal numbers and security checks • Transport deviation reports and corrective actions
4. Manage Delivery and Receiving Protocols
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Receiving Site Expectations:
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• Cross-check delivery against purchase/spec sheets
• Verify product temperature on arrival
• Document condition, integrity, and any delivery issues
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Delivery verification forms
• Receiving temperature and inspection logs
• Non-conformance and rejection reports
- • Cross-check delivery against purchase/spec sheets • Verify product temperature on arrival • Document condition, integrity, and any delivery issues
- • Delivery verification forms • Receiving temperature and inspection logs • Non-conformance and rejection reports
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| No defined temperature specs for transport | Create and document product-specific transport condition profiles |
| Incomplete or missing temperature logs | Implement automated or manual monitoring with backup logs |
| Dirty or unsuitable delivery vehicles | Establish vehicle inspection and sanitation protocol |
| No seal integrity tracking | Introduce tamper-evident seal logs and shipment ID tracking |