Shipping fresh produce also remains an artistic task, considering that the products involved are usually sensitive to various circumstances that may prevail at the time of shipment. At Alliance Shipping, we know how to move fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and others to their destinations just as fresh as they were originally. Dive deeper into this guide on shipping fresh produce and take a look at recommendations to keep the quality of your products at the highest level.
Step 1: Planning the Shipment
Proper time planning is crucial to make sure that the fresh produce shipped from the distributor or supplier is fresh and delivered on time. Start with a decision on route, delivery time, and some needs of the type of fresh produce to be shipped. Fruits and vegetables require different time periods and temperatures and hence, the correct carrier and service level are necessary. At Alliance Shipping, we have shipping fresh produce services for such categories of perishable foods, as we also provide cross stuffing service.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Transit Time: Choose the quickest, most efficient route possible to minimize time in transit.
- Temperature Control Requirements: Select an appropriate temperature range tailored to the type of produce.
- Specialized Carriers: Work with experienced carriers in fresh produce logistics, like those in Alliance Shipping’s network, who understand the requirements of perishable goods.
Step 2: Ensuring Produce Quality Before Shipping
The pursuit of shipping fresh produce involves inspection from the beginning, which will eliminate any jeopardizes the quality of the end product. This way, proper quality and freshness of the items to be shipped are guaranteed to prevent cases of spoilage and deliver value for customers.
Visual Inspection: There are always some spoils such as those with some slight injuries such as discoloration which should be eliminated.
Freshness Indicators: Firmness takes the least time when determining product quality and is usually accompanied by smell and or color.
Quality Control Standards: To incorporate a high level of uniformity in quality as far as batches or deliveries are concerned.
Step 3: Coordinating Temperature-Controlled Transport
Fresh produce requires consistent temperature management throughout its journey. Shelf life preservation requires careful transportation in fridges, or refrigerated trailers/trucks/warehouses etc.
Our network currently contains temperature control cargo, and they are well-equipped with monitoring systems. These systems help to maintain the temperatures of fresh produce so that the temperature stays perfect right up to the actual delivery of the produce. We work very closely with carriers to ensure our clients and the receivers are confident in the state of their products.
Step 4: Real-Time Tracking for Transparency and Assurance
Real-time tracking is especially valuable for businesses that ship fresh produce because it affords you insight into the condition of your shipment in case of a delay. Alliance Shipping also has clear, visible means of tracking shipments with real-time updates for clients. Besides that, it increases accountability and lets you notify customers about the new estimated delivery time of their orders.
Step 5: Compliance with Industry Regulations
Shipping fresh produce comes with certain health and hygiene measures that must be followed later to avoid compromise, and these are usually enforced by the FDA. These legal provisions are familiar to Alliance Shipping, and every consignment is made in adherence to the present legal provisions concerning the safe handling and transport of food items.
Relevant FDA Guidelines:
- Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
- Sanitary Equipment Standards
- Records and Documentation
The Costs of Shipping Fresh Produce
Transport costs for shipping fresh produce are relatively high compared to an ordinary good, as the former requires a reefer or a refrigerated means of transportation. In general, reefer trucks cost $2.17 – $2.79 per mile depending on the route, the volume of shipment, and the time of year. Ever wondered of shipping trucks or any kind of vehicle for shipping fresh produce door-to-door? If yes, you can hire us for reliable Ro-Ro shipping.
Factors Influencing Costs:
- Distance and Fuel Costs: Longer hauls and fluctuating fuel prices impact overall rates.
- Carrier Demand: High demand for reefer carriers, especially during peak seasons, may raise costs.
- Volume of Freight: Larger loads can lower per-unit costs, while smaller loads may increase rates.
Shipping Fresh Produce with Alliance Shipping
At Alliance Shipping, we believe in shipping fresh produce to consumers through farm-to-table packing for our clients shipping fruits, vegetables, and perishable goods. Having a special focus on fresh produce, we guarantee that your products are transferred most professionally. Alliance Shipping is committed to giving clients timely and efficient transportation from harvest to the doorstep.
