Proper transport of fresh fruits and vegetables

To complete the process of shipping fresh fruits and vegetables well, there are a number of rules that must be followed. The result is considered excellent as the one that passes with the least possible loss of external and taste qualities of the products. After all, quite a lot of factors are poured into transportation: this is the choice of a car, and the initial state of the product for transportation over a long distance. This means that there will definitely be losses, but it is quite possible to minimize their number.

An important part of successful cargo transportation is planning

Product suppliers are engaged in cargo transportation to retail outlets according to a pre-agreed plan with the carrier company. Logistics is the first in this point of the plan. The route of cargo transportation always takes into account the place of harvest and its further unloading point. In addition, the choice of route is also influenced by:

• storage period of products;
• time of day;
• number of points of sale;
• auto state;
• quality of the roadbed.

The second part of the plan is the choice of equipment and transport. Transportation with refrigerated trucks is quite an effective way to keep the quality of products fresh. At the same time, refrigeration equipment for cargo transportation is made in order to maintain a constant temperature. For some products, this is a very necessary condition in order to maintain an optimal level of humidity.

Also, a particularly important point in transport planning is choosing what time of day to transport products. A very relevant issue during the mass harvest season, when products begin to deteriorate as quickly as possible. Night transportation of goods in summer is a very necessary measure.

We extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables during transportation

The rules that help preserve the presentation of fruits, berries, herbs and vegetables have been developed taking into account the characteristics of fruits. For example, peaches and pineapples will need different packages, and in order for apples not to affect the ripening of bananas, they are transported separately. For maximum preservation of the appearance and taste of fruits, the carrier company takes into account:

There are a few rules that help preserve the original presentation of fruits and vegetables. Such rules are created taking into account the characteristics of the fruit. For example, peaches and pineapples need different packaging, and so that apples do not affect the ripening state of bananas, they should be transported separately. The carrier company takes into account the following points to preserve the appearance and taste of products:

• route distance;
• time between harvesting and loading into the car;
• The level of maturity of fruits and vegetables.

The shipping company is never responsible for goods that have been improperly stored outdoors or even in warehouses. Following from this, when loading goods, sorting and a thorough examination are always carried out with an assessment of the product upon arrival at the point of unloading.

Packing the goods and its further fixation in the cargo compartment is undoubtedly on the list of tasks of the carrier company. Since different fruits have different shelf life, the packaging materials used are completely different:

• strawberries, kiwi, grapes and other types of berries are sorted into portioned plastic containers;
• delicate fruits, such as nectarines, peaches and apricots, are sorted into a soft canvas with shock-absorbing properties (or just multi-layered cardboard);
• Root crops, cucumbers and all types of cabbage are transported in cardboard boxes or nets.

Plastic boxes are selected with enough air holes. In this case, sealed polyethylene can also be used when it is necessary to isolate one product from another.

Types of transportation of fruits and vegetables

Transportation is always divided into international and regional. In these categories, the standards of cargo transportation are quite different from each other. All fruits for export are carefully selected – if they are vegetables and fruits, and the container and the cab of the car are well disinfected before shipment.

Among regional transportations, both flatbed trucks and refrigerated transportations can be used for cargo transportation. Refrigeration rooms are equipped with hygrometers, thermographs and refrigerators. These cars are great for long distance transportation. But flatbed trucks are used only for close distances and provided that the weather conditions are good.

Fruit and vegetable shipments are almost always divided into same-type and assortment shipments. The same type suggest one type of fetus in one cargo compartment. But assortment cargo transportation can transport different types of fruits and vegetables in one cabin.