How is Perishable Food Transported?

In perishable food transport, the logistics of fresh produce is fraught with risks compared to most other types. There are risks of deterioration, loss of quality and staleness in this type of transport.

Refrigerated trailers or reefer containers are generally used in perishable food transportation. This transportation; It covers the movement of goods such as fruit, vegetables, seafood, some pharmaceutical products, dairy and bakery products, meat and plants. This type of transport helps connect farmers, bakers, meat processing plants and pharmaceutical companies to the market. Thanks to perishable food transportation, goods can be stored fresh and of good quality, even in places far from the end customer.

Which Factors Are Important in Food Transportation?

When transporting perishable food, some factors need to be considered, such as the mode of transportation, type of container, temperature settings and transportation time to keep the products fresh. Foods that have problems with the mode of transportation or the type of container may deteriorate. In order not to disrupt the cold air chain, the food should be loaded into containers with suitable cooling conditions.

In food transport, if even one of the transport requirements is not met, the goods may deteriorate and become unfit for processing and consumption. In order not to encounter such problems, the logistics company should be given complete product information, and a detailed plan should be drawn up about the exit and destination points. All instructions and procedures should be clearly stated to the logistics company to ensure that perishable foods arrive at their final destination intact.

 

 

Complete Product Information in Perishable Food Transportation

Clear information sharing with storage and shipping partners is required to ensure fresh, safe and trouble-free transportation of perishable products. Here are the important points that logistics teams should share about perishable food;

• Best method and mode of transport for logistics
• Temperature requirements (OptiSet or Intelliset temperature settings)
• Tolerable transit time in case of product delay
• Product specific food safety requirements
• Required documents if importing or exporting

Finding the right market for perishable foods is important. Getting this product to market quickly and securely is financially beneficial. For this reason, places and seasons that will see high demand for your product should be considered.

 

Instructions, Communication and Insurance in Perishable Food Transportation

Once the logistics company has been selected, it is important to clearly convey product-specific instructions. It should be known how the product will be handled, the temperature that must be maintained during transportation, which products cannot be kept side by side and which are not suitable for transportation. In case of multimodal transportation, all providers should be followed and if possible, a single provider should provide the entire service.

Another important point in the field of perishable food transportation is the establishment of communication with the buyer. Know how to store and manage goods after they are safely delivered to their destination. These storage and management activities must comply with the instructions.

Finally, adequate insurance coverage is an important issue in perishable food transportation. There is always a risk that these goods will spoil on the way. For this reason, insurance will prevent financial losses.

How is Cold Food Transportation Made?

Temperature control during perishable food transportation is an extremely important issue. In this transport area, temperature-controlled intermodal cargo containers are usually transported by sea. This is the most preferred mode when considering cargo volumes and costs. Refrigerated containers, called reefers, are insulated transport vehicles equipped with temperature monitoring and data loggers. Cold food transportation is generally done by these vehicles.

The temperature in such containers can be adjusted at desired levels to maintain the quality of the product. Using these containers for foods such as seafood, meat products, vegetables and fruit is the ideal option. The temperature value varies according to the type of cargo carried and the manufacturer’s demand.

Refrigerated containers are used to transport meat and seafood at -30°C. The same container can be used to transport foodstuffs in the environment at +24°C after necessary cleaning.

It is also important for the quality of the product that the chain does not deteriorate in the field of cold food transportation.

 

What Should Be Considered in Food Transportation Logistics Processes?

 

Perishable food transportation involves many different risk factors. The globalizing world requires a product to arrive at any destination quickly and safely. Perishable food transportation is a sensitive area of ​​the logistics process. There are many issues to be considered in the operational process. In the field of food transportation, which is affected by environmental conditions, the product can be transported around the world using various modes. This logistics time there are four basic issues to be considered in the management of jinn. These can be listed as follows;

• Concentration
• Timing
• Quality control and technology
• Instructions and labeling

 

Concentration in Perishable Food Transportation

 

Condensation is the main cause of spoilage of perishable foods and their packaging. Therefore, every effort should be made to avoid condensation in the loading and unloading processes. The difference in temperature between the warehouse and the container indicates the most susceptible to condensation.

In perishable food transport, reefer containers must be pre-cooled before the goods are loaded. After container loading, it should have enough space for air circulation. In some cases, dry containers are lined with insulated liners or vacuum panels to maintain the temperature of the goods being loaded, but this may not be a very effective method for transporting perishable goods over a long distance.

 

Timing in Perishable Food Transportation

 

Timing is one of the most important factors in perishable food transportation. While determining the delivery time, customs clearance, waiting at the port, shipping and similar processes should be taken into account.

Delays not included in the delivery time may result in expiration of stock. Better ways can be chosen for the transportation of perishable goods. Perishable products with limited shelf life should be left and retrieved exactly as scheduled. Where a delay is anticipated or encountered, arrangements should be made for their temperature-controlled storage.

 

Quality Control and Technology in Perishable Food Transportation

 

The fact that the goods sent are clean and their packaging is intact is another important point in terms of the operational process. Damaged and leaking packages will cause deterioration. In addition, the floor, interior walls and doors of the container carrying such goods must be clean. It should be free from microscopic fungi and other organisms.

The cold chain of perishable cargo must be maintained throughout the journey. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), shipment tracking, etc. to track a shipment and schedule accordingly. Various technologies can be used, such as Temperature and humidity sensors and monitors help detect failure of refrigeration equipment on the road and take immediate action to protect goods.

 

Instructions and Labeling for Perishable Food Transportation

 

An important factor when shipping perishable cargoes is to give clear instructions to the goods handlers. Labels showing handling and storage instructions can help maintain the quality and condition of perishable cargo. All key stakeholders, especially the customer, should be informed about the storage and transportation conditions of the goods.

In addition to these, the shipper and the service provider must provide suitable storage space, labor and equipment to handle the cargo, etc. should discuss and decide on alternative arrangements to be made in the event of an unexpected situation such as

 

Determining the Right Logistics Company in Food Transportation

 

In perishable food transportation, the correct management of goods during transportation is very important. When this management is not done by an expert team, the quality and shelf life of the goods may be adversely affected. For this reason, determining the right mode of transportation is among the important factors.

The selection of the logistics company should also be done carefully in the selection of the right mode of transportation. While choosing a logistics company, the following issues should be considered;

• Does the company have the necessary experience and references?
• Is equipment maintained and cleaned regularly?
• Is the team specialized and trained in this field?
• Is it possible to change the container in case of failure?
• Is the proposed transit time sufficient?
• Does the firm have the capacity to be flexible enough in the operational process?

While making this choice, it will be advantageous for the logistics company to offer more than one service (storage, etc.). Especially if a multi-modal transport is to be made, the company should consist of a team of experts.

Providing logistics services to more than a hundred countries, Turkey Cargo Global Forwarding has an experienced and trained staff in perishable food transportation. With flexible operational process management; offers integrated solutions in air, sea and road transport. You can also contact Turkey Cargo for a safe logistics process in perishable food transportation.