Fruits and vegetables have long been considered the foundation of a healthy diet. However, many people are unaware of the dangers that need to be overcome to get vegetables safely to the store in custom printed gable boxes. Many hazards threaten the quality of the food we depend on. Here are some best practices for shipping perishable foods.
Challenges that come across.
Companies shipping fresh produce face some challenges. Once the produce is ripe, the race begins to get it to stores as quickly as possible. Fruits and vegetables past their ripening stage lose their flavor and nutrients and may no longer be available.
Another difficulty in the transportation of agricultural products is the weather. Natural disasters can damage products and delay deliveries. When delays occur, shipping companies often do what they can to get food to stores, even if it is later than originally planned.
Finally, there is a communication difficulty to overcome. Producers and buyers always need to know where products are located. It helps them not to order too much or too little. Good communication also strengthens the relationship between buyers and sellers.
Harvesting of the vegetables
Produce isn’t just harvested at the grocery store. This step is very important because eating stale foods, especially fruits and vegetables, can lead to some health problems. Mold forms on stale fruits and vegetables, and there are concerns that microbes ingested through the mouth could cause serious illness.
The reaper needs to know what to harvest. Color and firmness are clues to the correct harvest time. Workers harvesting fruit are not only responsible for picking the most delicious products but also for making sure it survives in transit. This step is critical to the shipping process. The reason is that the product can be damaged during shipping.
Some steps need to be taken to comply with best harvesting practices. Pick in the morning when there is still condensation on the plants. Shade must also be provided to prevent the vegetables from drying out. When picking fruit, do so carefully but firmly to avoid unnecessary damage. A product left unattended for an hour loses its shelf life by a day.
Packaging of Fresh Vegetables
The next step after harvest is to package the product for shipping. These are usually custom gable boxes, but plastic tubs with holes will also fit. Some fruits can be stacked, but keep in mind that some products, such as tomatoes and peaches, must be packaged separately to avoid damage. In most cases, produce is cleaned and sanitized before being packaged for shipment.
Vehicle to transfer Vegetables
Distribution vehicles used to transport agricultural products are critical to the entire transportation process. To ensure the product is transported to its destination, the experts recommend refrigerated vehicles. Refrigerated trucks, also known as “refrigerated” trucks, are equipped with special cooling systems to keep refrigerated food fresh. It also prevents sunlight from hitting the food, which could spoil it before serving.
The main reason for using refrigerated trucks is that they help keep products within a safe temperature range during transport. For most fresh fruits and vegetables, a safe temperature range is from 35°C to 45°C. The benefit of this is that more produce can transport before being collecting and delivering later. By installing racks, goods can be kept off the ground, and it is easier to locate orders in the vehicle.
Depending on the type of delivery requested, your vehicle may require prior inspection. One of the most common findings during this inspection is moisture buildup. It can lead to high humidity and mildew that can damage the cooling unit if not repaired in time. It can be a precursor to a more serious problem with the cooling system or engine.
Document for proper shipping
It is important to document and report any problems with the delivery vehicle. It will facilitate planned maintenance and follow-up of vehicle defects. A document like this will make it easier to replace your old car because it will give you an idea of what to expect from the new car based on the old one.
Another best practice when shipping perishable goods is to keep temperature records. It is another way to determine if refrigeration equipment and engines struggle to cope with demand. Another possible cause of temperature fluctuation is damage vehicle seals. Drivers should also keep in mind that cold air escapes with every delivery. Therefore, by keeping the doors closed as much as possible, you can save fuel and extend the life of your vehicle.
Documents should be retained throughout the delivery process, as should other delivery orders. Documentation can show where the product came from, where it’s going, and how much money it should have. Documenting all of this makes it much easier to resolve disputes.
Conclusion
At the fresh produce shipping market, refrigerated trucks and vans ensure everyone has access to safe and healthy food. Fruits and vegetables should be stored in well-ventilated custom packaging boxes Transportation Solutions specializes in customizing refrigerated trucks for a variety of industries. Visit our store page now to see how our refrigerated trucks can help you grow and protect your business.
