Straight from Tommy O

Review your company invoice to verify accuracy with terms, disclosures, and correct PACA trust language

From time to time it is a good business practice for you review your pre-printed language on your company invoice to make sure it contains the necessary contract terms, conditions and disclosures. As I have stated in past blogs, your invoice memorializes and documents your understanding of the contract negotiated between you and your customer

Tom Oliveri May 10 2017 in Collections and PACA Support

Record Keeping and Retention of Documents

A question that I often receive from our shipper members is, how long do they need to retain records before they can be destroyed? The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Market Enforcement Branch and the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) both require specific record keeping requirements under their respective regulations.

Tom Oliveri Apr 26 2017 in Collections and PACA Support

When A Claim Is Not A Claim

If you as a shipper have a vendor agreement with a buyer that calls for specified arrival conditions such as maximum pulp temperature than this is a blog for you!

Tom Oliveri Apr 12 2017 in Collections and PACA Support

Shippers/Loaders: Do You Meet the FDA Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food Requirements?

I am pleased to share a guest contribution from my Western Growers colleague, Ken Gilliland, Director, International Trade & Transportation. This blog will highlight the new FDA Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food Requirements.

Tom Oliveri Mar 29 2017 in Collections and PACA Support

Minimize Potential Losses While Assessing Documentation for Responsibility for Claim Purposes

No one relishes the idea of dealing with problem shipments or claims, however these situations must be addressed head on. Unfortunately, procrastination is not a good business strategy. For this reason I continue to address in my blogs the importance of taking quick action in order to minimize any loss; and then take the appropriate steps in reviewing all valid documents to assess liability, and if, any claim exits. So please let me apologize in advance if this all sounds familiar.

Tom Oliveri Mar 15 2017 in Collections and PACA Support

Contract Terms of Sale and Disclosure Requirement at Time of Negotiations for Exclusion of any Specific Condition Defects

When you are negotiating your sales contract with your buyer, you must disclose and negotiate any condition and quality defects exclusions which will not be a factor for determining contract compliance at destination. Most sales contracts that Western Growers shippers enter into with their customers are either FOB or Delivered sales No Grade contracts with Good Delivery standards applying.

Tom Oliveri Mar 01 2017 in Collections and PACA Support

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Produce Price Index

Think farmers are making most of the money from your grocery bill? Think again. Use the Produce Price Index (PPI) to find out the difference between how much you spend on fruits and vegetables and how much actually goes back to the farmer.

Visit the PPI