Fruit cargo is one of the most commonly transported goods by sea. Many different types of fruits and vegetables are carried by sea, but this article specifically focuses on how to transport fruit cargo safely.
What is the fruit cargo?
The cargo holds a special significance, as it is perishable, especially for fruit production companies. Hence, the crew members should handle the fruit cargo with care and caution. They will ensure they are delivered safely at the destination port so they are not spoiling or damaged during transit.
Fruit cargo is transported in refrigerated containers and, therefore, needs to be maintained at the right temperature levels throughout its journey. The fruit should also be protected from mechanical damage and high humidity levels during the course of transportation.
To ensure the safe transport of your valuable consignments on board our vessels, we have framed these guidelines for you:
What about the temperature of fruit cargo?
The temperature of the cargo is one of the most important factors to consider when transporting it.
Fruit cargo, especially fresh fruit and vegetables, must be kept at a specific temperature throughout transportation. The recommended requirement for most types of fruits and vegetables is that they are transported between 0˚C (32˚F) and 4˚C (39˚F).
Any deviation from these temperatures will cause damage to the fruit or vegetable, which can lead to spoilage or, even worse: mold growth on your produce!
The benefit of humidity control in a refrigerated container
The fruit cargo is more sensitive to temperature and humidity than other cargoes. To make the cargo stay healthy, it must be properly stored in a refrigerated container with a suitable temperature and humidity.
There are two types of fruit cargo: fresh fruits (such as apples and oranges) and dried fruits (such as raisins). The former needs to be kept in a cool place with low moisture content. Therefore, if you are transporting fresh fruits from south China to north China or South America, you must ensure enough ventilation.
Dried fruits should not be kept too long due to their high water content. Also, note that some types of dried fruit contain preservatives that may affect other types of fresh food during transport.
Shipping your goods worldwide may seem like an easy process. Still, many considerations need to be taken into account when doing so! This article will discuss some important things you should know before shipping your products abroad, so they arrive safely at their destination location without any issues whatsoever!
How to protect from mechanical damage during transportation?
To protect your cargo from mechanical damage during transportation, you will need to use a container that is strong enough to withstand the weight of the fruit and has a good seal. The container should also be designed to withstand stacking on top of each other as this will help with protection from mechanical damage during transportation.
Types of containers for fruit cargo
A number of factors, such as the transportation route, temperature, and humidity, determine the type of container.
Container selection is also influenced by mechanical damage (due to rough handling) and biological damage caused by pests and pathogens.
If you are transporting bananas from Ecuador to Mexico, you will want to use an insulated container. It can maintain the required temperature for your fruit without needing any refrigeration equipment along the way. A non-insulated container would not be suitable for this type of transport.
Conclusion
Fruit cargo is a very important commodity for many countries. Therefore, the transportation must be done properly to ensure no damage to this cargo. This can be achieved by using containers designed specifically for this purpose.
