The transportation of produce freight is very complex, and every party involved must work together seamlessly so that the product can make it to the end consumers in perfect condition. With increasing consumer demand for the freshness of consumables, these issues become difficult and frustrating for motor carriers. Logistic services should understand the requirements necessary to complete a produce shipment safely and legally. Produce packaging, humidity, and other factors should also be considered. These ensure it stays fresh and intact throughout the transition. Although the concept of transporting produce seems simple, there are many complications, and every year billions of dollars are lost as produce spoils during the transportation process. Below, Deol Freight Lines discuss the challenges of transporting produce freight.
Inventory management
The major challenge logistic companies face when transporting produce freight is clearing inventory levels before they spoil or lose the freshness that consumers demand. To optimize inventory, every party involved must work together to monitor inventory levels. More so, they must track it all concisely from pick up to the delivery point. Failure to do so results in late delivery, damaged product, customer dissatisfaction, which eventually decreased profits.
Temperature and humidity
Temperature and humidity should be controlled and kept at the perfect levels to produce fresh and sage while being shipped. Products must retain their freshness throughout the transportation process. These will prevent bacteria and pathogens from growing inside them. When there is an increase in temperature, fruits like oranges and grapes are stored at temperatures 0 to 2 degrees Celsius and 95% to 100% humidity. Produce such as banana, mango, on the other hand, are sensitive to cold. Therefore, they must be kept under a temperature of 13 to 15 degrees Celsius and between 85% to 90% humidity. Keeping produces fresh and safe varies by product and is very specific, hence difficult for transporters to optimize their shipping.
Transportation issue
Every year, manufacturers lost billions of dollars due to produce spoilage during the transportation process. According to a survey, more than 25% of produce is damaged or wasted every season, and fresh produce spends about half of its shelf life in the shipping process.
Quality control and maintenance
When it comes to transporting produce freight, a smooth and well-organized fast delivery is required. Research has shown that most produce spoils because of late delivery. Other causes include poor storage conditions, messy warehousing, and many more that affects the product quality. That is why it is important to practice strict tracking of product conditions.
Impact damage
One of the common challenges of transporting produce freight is impact damage. Shocks and vibrations during shipping can seriously damage the product if they are not packaged and loaded well. These can sometimes be inevitable but controlled through perfect storage conditions and proper maintenance. Cutting costs by over-burdening trucks with produce can also be the culprit. No one wants to purchase a partially bruised or damaged product. Therefore, produce that gets damaged during the shipping process never makes it to the store.
