What does it mean when "FISH" is printed on a truck?

[KristaTX]

The thread about "N/R" reminded me of something I occasionally wonder and have meant to ask here. Does anyone know what it means when a semi or other kind of truck has "FISH" (in all caps) printed on it? Surely it doesn't mean there is fish being hauled in it .

 

[freckles and boo]

I have never seen that before. Maybe it is some kind of Christian reference like the fish symbol some people put on cars. Or maybe it is a company name. Or maybe it is a secretive cult.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

"You stole my Jesus fish".....Puddy to Elaine in Seinfeld

 

[MosMom]

At the Lights, Motor, Action Stunt Show there is a truck with Poissons de la Mer printed on the side. Maybe it is the same idea.

 

[mickeyboat]

I think there may really be fish inside - you know maybe a company or agency that restocks lakes and streams?

 

[freckles and boo]

I was curious so I googled. Here is a completely unscientific, unofficial random answer

http://answer.google.com/answers/threadview?id=539353

I'm posting this as a comment because I've spent an hour searching and
still can't find the exact regulation, so can't really post this as an
answer. However, I called my sister, who's been an over-the-road truck
driver for over 19 years, more than half of that time spent hauling
"reefers," or perishable goods in refrigerated boxes. She said that
trucks hauling fish are required to be especially identified because
of the danger of cross contamination if the containers are used for
other products, as well as odor control and other safety/hygienic
issues. She said the FDA regulates this, as they do other food
labeling/identifcation issues, and truckers hauling fish are subject
to inspection by the FDA as well as the normal DOT authorities, and
having the boxes labeled "FISH" facilitates this.

 

[KristaTX]

Hmmm. Maybe it really does mean there is fish inside. I always wondered that if that's the case, then why don't some say "BEEF", "CHICKEN", "TURKEY", etc. . I guess it could just be some weird regulation. It's the all caps that throws me off every time - it looks like an acronym and I drive behind the truck trying to make up phrases it could be an acronym for. Just like I have to do sometimes on the DIS .

 

[Sleepy]

Around here there are a few trucks with "NASTI" seafood and "F.A.R.T" icecream written on them. I swear it is true. I think it is the name of the companies. Being of Italian origin, they don't see the humor I do.