On The New Warehouse Podcast episode, Kevin welcomes Troy Strawhecker, Chief Strategy Officer and Partner at JT Logistics. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, JT Logistics is a third-party logistics (3PL) provider specializing in warehousing, transportation, and value-added services. While they operate across various industries, a significant focus is on food-grade warehousing—a sector that demands rigorous compliance and precision. Troy provides insight into what makes a warehouse food-grade, the complexities of handling food supply chain logistics, and how JT Logistics ensures compliance while scaling its operations.

Understanding Food-Grade Warehousing: More Than Meets the Eye 

When people hear food-grade warehousing, they often assume it’s limited to temperature-controlled environments. However, JT Logistics operates at the front end of the food supply chain, handling fundamental ingredients like corn, soybeans, and spices.

“Most of our food supply customers are at the front end of the food supply chain with fundamental basic ingredients that get into the food supply chain,” says Troy. Unlike warehouses storing finished food products, JT Logistics’ facilities handle raw materials that later become consumer products. To qualify as food-grade, warehouses must meet stringent regulatory requirements, including pest control, structural integrity, and sanitation standards.

Each facility must pass a state-regulated certification process, which varies but typically includes inspections for pest control systems, proper lighting, door sealing, and cleanliness protocols. “There’s a need for a regulated and regular pest control system… any opening in the building, whether it be a dock delivery door or a person door, has to be sealed.”

Investing in Technology for Compliance and Efficiency 

Food safety and supply chain efficiency go hand in hand. JT Logistics leverages advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) and security measures to ensure compliance and traceability.

“Our various warehouse management systems really help ensure every step along the way is measured and that nothing gets missed,” explains Troy. JT Logistics is transitioning to Datex as its primary WMS, which enables real-time inventory tracking, lot traceability, and compliance management. “If there’s ever an allergen question or recall, we have to know exactly where that product is. Traceability is critical.”

Another key investment is Verkada, a security camera system that provides real-time monitoring of warehouse activities, ensuring all handling processes align with regulatory standards. “Every one of our dock handlers has an iPad where they take a photo of inbound and outbound shipments to ensure quality and compliance,” he notes. This level of visibility helps prevent errors and provides clients with documented proof of proper handling.

Ensuring Best Practices in Food-Grade Warehousing

Maintaining food-grade standards is not just about the warehouse—it’s about the people running it. JT Logistics has built a culture of continuous improvement by prioritizing staff training and quality control.

“Our quality team does a download from our client to ensure everything that needs to be done is documented,” says Troy. The team undergoes rigorous training on standard operating procedures, often observing the client’s operations or reviewing process videos before implementation.

Beyond initial training, quality checks are reinforced daily. Warehouse monitors display key performance indicators (KPIs) and compliance reminders in multiple languages to accommodate diverse teams. “There’s just constant reinforcement—signage, video monitors, and real-time feedback to ensure every step is followed.”

For high-risk operations, JT Logistics implements additional safeguards. In one cleanroom environment for spice repackaging, strict hygiene protocols mirror those of a surgical suite, including gloves, foot coverings, and monitored sanitation stations. “It’s on camera, it’s monitored, and employees have to wash in and out.”

Key Takeaways

• Food-grade warehousing extends beyond refrigeration—JT Logistics specializes in handling raw materials for the food supply chain.
• Every food-grade warehouse requires individual certification and must meet strict structural and sanitation requirements.
• Advanced technology, including WMS and security cameras, ensures full traceability and compliance.
• Continuous training and multilingual quality controls maintain rigorous safety and handling standards.
• JT Logistics’ cleanroom operations for spice packaging require strict hygiene and monitoring, which is comparable to medical environments.