Fruits and vegetables have long been recognized as a cornerstone for any healthy diet. But for many, they aren’t aware of the threats one must overcome to get their greens to the store safely. This article of CargoLink will help you better understand and draw some effective methods for shippers, carriers, drivers to transport fresh products quickly and safely.
About the shelf life
As soon as a new product starts to ripen, getting it on store shelves as quickly as possible is already a fierce race for any shipper. Fruits and vegetables, raw foods, etc. can lose their taste, nutrients and even make you sick if they are not stored properly by the owner.
About the weather
Natural disasters and bad weather can destroy crops and delay deliveries. Of course, the shipping company will often do whatever it takes to get the food to the store, even if it’s later than originally planned.
About communication
It is important for shippers and consignees to always control the quantity and quality of products available to avoid under- or over-ordering. Good communication can also help strengthen the relationship between buyer and seller.
Harvest
The farmer who harvests the produce is not only responsible for selecting the best looking, best tasting produce, but also for making sure it can survive transit. Therefore, they should pay attention to the standard factors in harvesting: color, hardness, … to minimize the risk of affecting product quality.
Ideally, we should pick the fruit in the morning, shade the product from the sun so it doesn’t dry out. Finally, remember to be as gentle as possible to avoid unnecessary damage during the harvesting process.
Packaging
The next step after picking the produce is packing for shipping. Fruit and vegetables need to be packed in open containers to allow air to circulate. While some fruits can be stacked, some produce, such as tomatoes and peaches, should be packed in individual layers to prevent bruising. In addition, the product needs to be cleaned before packing for delivery.
Vehicle
The means of delivery used to transport the product is also a very important factor. The refrigerated truck has a special refrigeration unit designed to keep frozen products fresh within a safe temperature range. It also helps prevent the sun from getting in and spoiling the food before we have a chance to enjoy it.
Vehicle inspection is always a necessary step before the vehicle starts running. One common thing to look out for during these inspections is standing water. This can lead to high humidity, mold and possibly damage to the indoor unit if not repaired in time.
There are many ways the fresh produce marketplace can use trucks and refrigerated trucks to ensure consumers receive safe and healthy food. At CargoLink, we can absolutely help you find those rich and diverse vehicles. Don’t forget to follow CargoLink to read the next interesting articles!