Why TASCC Matters for Irish Agricultural Transport Operations

For transport operators handling grain, feed, or other bulk agricultural materials in Ireland, TASCC accreditation has become a decisive mark of quality.

It’s widely recognised across the supply chain, from farmers and merchants to mills and processors, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining food and feed safety standards.

In an increasingly regulated landscape, Irish hauliers need systems that not only help them comply with assurance schemes such as TASCC, but also streamline the operational complexity that comes with agricultural transport. This is where a Transport Management System (TMS) becomes essential.

This article explains what TASCC is, why it’s valuable for transport operators in Ireland, and how TMS software can make compliance simpler, more efficient, and easier to demonstrate during audits.

What Is TASCC?

The Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC) is an independently audited programme designed to ensure high levels of safety, traceability, cleanliness, and quality throughout the transport, storage, and testing of combinable crops and animal feed materials.

It covers four main areas:

1. Haulage

Ensuring vehicles, trailers, tanks, and equipment meet strict hygiene standards, with full records of previous loads and clean-down processes.

2. Storage

Setting protocols to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling of grains and feed materials.

3. Merchants

Providing transparency and traceability at every stage of the supply chain.

4. Testing Facilities

Supporting accurate sampling and analysis of grain and feed products.

Although TASCC originated in the UK, its relevance extends directly into Ireland’s grain, feed, and agricultural transport sector, especially with industry-wide recognition of its hygiene and traceability standards.

Why TASCC Matters to Hauliers in Ireland

Whether operating regionally or cross-border between Ireland and the UK, being TASCC accredited provides tangible advantages that go beyond basic compliance.

1. Trusted Standard for Agricultural Logistics

For grain merchants, co-ops, mills, and feed producers, TASCC serves as a trusted signal that an operator manages goods safely and to industry-approved standards. This credibility carries significant weight when tenders or long-term contracts are awarded.

2. Access to More Lucrative Contracts

Many buyers in the agricultural sector now require TASCC-accredited transport as part of their procurement process. For Irish hauliers specialising in bulk commodities, this can open access to higher-value work throughout Ireland and cross-border markets.

3. Clear Traceability Throughout the Supply Chain

TASCC’s focus on traceability helps maintain transparency from collection to delivery. Operators must document:

• vehicle and trailer history
• last carried loads
• cleaning and washout records
• movements between sites

This detailed audit trail is essential for managing risk and protecting product integrity.

4. Reduced Contamination Risks

Strict protocols around hygiene, cleaning schedules, and unsuitable previous loads ensure product safety. For operators carrying grain or feed materials, contamination can lead to rejected loads, reputational damage, or costly investigations, TASCC provides a structured way to avoid this.

5. Stronger Cross-Border Compliance

Irish hauliers who serve both Ireland and the UK benefit from TASCC’s acceptance across both markets, particularly in industries where assured status is mandatory.

The Role of a Transport Management System (TMS) in TASCC Compliance

Managing TASCC manually is time-consuming. A TMS digitises and automates much of the process, helping hauliers meet the scheme’s requirements with less admin and greater accuracy. Here’s how.

1. Digital Traceability Records

A TMS maintains a complete digital history for every vehicle, trailer, and job. This includes:

• Previous loads
• Cleaning and washout logs
• Maintenance checks
• Job history
• Driver information

These records feed directly into TASCC audits and allow hauliers to prove compliance instantly.

2. Clean Audit Trails Without the Paperwork

TASCC audits require structured, consistent documentation. With a TMS:

• Job sheets
• Proof of delivery (POD)
• Load confirmation
• Weighbridge certificates
• Cleaning evidence

…are stored, organised, and accessible in seconds.

No folders, no manual filing, no lost paperwork.

3. Driver Apps for On-the-Ground Compliance

Driver mobile apps ensure all required information is captured at the point of work, including:

• Delivery signatures
• Timestamps
• Photographs for washouts or inspection checks
• Load condition notes
• Farm access information

This ensures every job is logged correctly and fully compliant.

4. Load History & Exclusion Checks

Operators must prove that vehicles haven’t carried unsuitable or prohibited loads. A TMS makes this straightforward by:

• Storing full load history
• Restricting planners from assigning non-compliant trailers
• Flagging any potential risk automatically

It’s a reliable way to prevent contamination and ensure safe allocation.

5. Integrated Weighbridge and Scale Data

For many agricultural hauliers, weighbridge integration is crucial. A TMS can:

• Import weight results automatically
• Attach them to the job record
• Reduce manual entry errors
• Provide complete evidence for buyers and auditors

This supports both traceability and business efficiency.

6. Seamless Planning for Farm and Rural Deliveries

Agricultural jobs often involve remote areas, seasonal workloads, and unpredictable access. A TMS helps with:

• Route planning
• Real-time driver instructions
• Delivery point mapping
• Handling bulk order splitting
• Scheduling cleaning time between loads

This ensures smoother operations and a more professional service for customers.

7. Real-Time Tracking and Customer Visibility

Telematics-enabled TMS platforms provide:

• real-time vehicle locations
• ETA updates
• live job progress
• alerts for delays or route changes

Customers benefit from greater visibility, and operators have stronger evidence for audits and KPIs.

Conclusion

For operators across Ireland’s agricultural supply chain, TASCC accreditation is an essential part of running a professional, trusted, and compliant transport business. Achieving it demands rigorous record-keeping, but with the right TMS, it becomes significantly easier.

By digitising traceability, maintaining load history, capturing driver data, and simplifying audits, a TMS gives hauliers the tools they need to meet TASCC standards confidently and operate more efficiently day-to-day.

Eureka TMS is built with agricultural transport in mind, helping operators deliver safe, compliant, and traceable services across Ireland and beyond.