Properly Transporting Vegetables
Joe Dickman | May 15th, 2023
To keep vegetables at the maximum freshness while transporting and ensure they are safe to eat after harvest, you should consider the following factors outlined below:
Proper Containers
The right container is critical to ensuring the safety and quality of recently harvested vegetables. Plastic or heavy-duty cardboard containers are your best options to maintain the proper temperature and protect the vegetables from damage during transport. You should also consider size – too small and the vegetables may get crushed against each other – too large, and the container may be difficult to load or handle and could add to your fuel costs.
Proper Packing
Use foam or paper-cushioning materials to keep the vegetables from bruising or getting damaged. You should also group similar vegetables – root vegetables should be together but separated from leafy vegetables.
Proper Preparation
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling any vegetables. Remove any damaged or bruised areas. Rotten vegetables should be discarded. Wash all remaining produce thoroughly under running water with no detergents or soaps.
Refrigerated Trucks and Vans for Safe Transport
Emerald Transportation Solutions has refrigerated trucks and vans that can haul many vegetables and other food. Whatever event, function, or retailer your business is catering to, our fleet of reefer trucks (semi-trucks pulling refrigerated trailers) and vans can ensure that the food gets there safely and makes a positive impression on your clients.
Contact us today to discuss your transportation needs.
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What does under DOT mean?
Questions regarding DOT requirements come up often. 10,000 lbs GVW (gross vehicle weight) and over are commercial vehicles that fall under the Department of Transportation regulatory requirements.
What is the difference between GVW and payload?
GVW or Gross Vehicle Weight is the entire weight of the vehicle including the payload. The payload weight represents the amount of cargo you are hauling.
What is a self-powered unit and a vehicle-powered unit?
A self-powered unit has its own fuel source and will run independent of the truck. This is the heaviest and most expensive option. While vehicle-powered units run off the engine via a compressor mounted on the engine. These are less expensive and lighter in weight but you must run the truck or plug the electric standby into shore power.
What does K-factor mean and why is that important?
K-factor is a term that stands for the overall insulating value of the container (truck body). Quite simply the lower the K-factor the better the truck body will be able to maintain a given temperature and require less energy to do so.
How much lighter is a Poly Van vs a US spec body?
Poly Van bodies are very light. On average we estimate we are 75-150 lbs per foot lighter than a traditional sheet and post foamed in place body. These weight savings translates to less fuel burn and less CO2 emissions, along with added payload, the most important benefit.
