Fresh produce is worth considerably more when it arrives in the same condition that it left. In fact, it’s essential that it is delivered in this way if you want to make any money from the produce. Consumers are becoming increasingly discerning regarding the condition of fresh produce.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make sure the produce is transported properly and stays fresh.
The Truck
It is unusual for fresh produce to be loaded onto trains, it is generally transported via truck. The first problem with trucks is that they are enclosed. As the temperature rises the produces will start to sweat, encouraging it to go off. It certainly won’t look as fresh when it arrives.
The way to avoid this is to ensure the truck has ventilation at all times. This means using a truck with a roof to shield from sun damage and open sides to allow air movement. Of course, the sides will need to have mesh to prevent produce falling out or being ‘borrowed’.
This is an effective method, especially if the trip is short. But, to really look after your fresh produce you should consider using a reputable refrigerated transport Sydney. This will ensure it stays at a constant temperature, regardless of how long the journey is.
Packing
Transporting fresh produce successfully means knowing the size of the truck you’re going to use. This ensures you can use crates that will allow every piece of space to be used properly. Every container needs to be sturdy enough to take the weight of the ones above it and protect the fresh produce inside it.
You may also need to ensure there is adequate ventilation for each container. Packing tightly helps to prevent movement damage but can’t increase the temperature of the produce. Make sure everything is stacked on pallets to allow some airflow around the truck.
Don’t forget that you need to load the truck backward, the first drop must be at the back of the truck, the last loaded first at the front of the truck.
The Courier
It’s also important to choose a firm that is concerned about getting your produce there in good condition, not just as fast as possible. You can verify this by checking their reputation with other people moving fresh produce. It can also be beneficial to look on social media, in case a lot of people have had negative experiences with specific transport service. Just remember that most comments should be positive but some negative is good.
Speed
Speed is not of the essence for the truck driver. A few minutes are not going to make a huge difference, especially if you’ve opted for refrigerated transport. But, speed is important when you’re picking your fresh produce.
You need to know how long it will take to pick the produce and pack it. This will ensure the truck can be booked and is ready as soon as you are. Nothing will damage your fresh produce more than having it sat around waiting for collection.