June 19, 2023 (All day) to June 21, 2023 (All day)
Washington, District Of Columbia, United States
Program
Education Sessions
The following policy issues and topics relevant to the cold chain will be highlighted during the educational program at the 2023 Cold Chain Policy Forum. Check back for updates on specific education sessions as they are confirmed.
Chemicals and Environment
Policies regarding chemicals and the environment have a big impact on the cold chain industry. Regulations on ammonia and other refrigerants can place a large burden on facilities. GCCA actively works with industry and regulators to promote sound regulatory policies and improve safety and compliance.
Key issues include: Process Safety Management, Risk Management Program, Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards, Montreal Protocol, HFC refrigerant policies.
Food and Agriculture
The cold chain plays a critical role in protecting the foods families love. Strong food safety systems are fundamental for GCCA and its members. GCCA works closely with USDA, FDA and partners across the food supply chain to advance science-based food policy. GCCA also develops important compliance assistance resources to help industry deliver consistent food safety and quality.
Key issues include: Food Safety Modernization Act, FSIS Public Health Information System, meat and poultry export procedures, and food traceability.
Occupational Safety and Labor
GCCA and its members place a high priority on worker safety. GCCA has an active alliance with OSHA to promote safety and compliance across the cold chain. GCCA is also active on labor issues, working with the NLRB and Congress to advance balanced labor policies. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, GCCA is actively working on issues involving workplace safety, including emergency temporary standards.
Key issues include: Process Safety Management, recordkeeping, joint employer status, overtime, unionization.
Taxes
GCCA members are subject to a wide variety of tax policies ranging from federal income and estate taxes to state sales taxes. GCCA advocates for tax policies that treat the third-party logistics industry fairly and recognize the important role played by companies across the cold chain.
Key issues include: tax reform, estate tax, healthcare, state treatment of warehousing.
Transportation and Infrastructure
The success of the cold chain is dependent on an efficient transportation system and sound infrastructure. GCCA works closely with regulatory agencies, Congress and industry partners to advance policies that will strengthen truck, rail and marine transportation.
Key issues include: hours of service, ELDs, sanitary transportation of food, demurrage and infrastructure investment.
Trade and Global Issues
With members in over 80 countries around the world, the cold chain is truly global, and international trade is a growing part of many GCCA members’ businesses. GCCA is actively involved in coalitions and other efforts to promote free trade under the Biden Administration.