Produce Transportation 101:
A Temperature & Humidity Guide for Fruits & Vegetables
In this modern world—where global markets thrive and fresh produce is available year-round—the journey from the farm to consumers’ plates is a complex and fascinating one. Behind every succulent fruit and crisp vegetable lies a carefully orchestrated process of produce transportation and shipping, connecting farmers, distributors, retailers, and consumers worldwide. Each of these stakeholders demands end-to-end visibility to know the location and condition of their shipments throughout the supply chain journey—and for a good reason: without real-time tracking of perishable foods, they risk massive waste, customer dissatisfaction, and reputational damage.
To put this into perspective, the Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations reports that approximately $400 billion is lost annually between harvest and the retail market—and likely a substantial portion of that can be attributed to temperature or humidity excursions in the supply chain, either in warehousing or produce transportation. What’s even worse is when a problem isn’t discovered until after fresh produce reaches a retailer’s shelves. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as of early June 2023, there had been more than 40 food and beverage recalls in the U.S.—many related to contaminated or spoiled produce.
How to Transport Fresh
Vegetables & Fruits
Produce shipping encompasses the logistics network for transporting fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods from origin to various destinations. From the moment a seed is planted in the fertile soil to the moment the final product reaches a local grocery store or a dinner table, numerous steps are involved in ensuring the safe and timely delivery of fresh produce—to ensure that it retains the utmost quality.
At the heart of produce shipping are the key players: farmers, shippers, carriers, logistics partners, and retailers. Farmers devote their expertise, dedication, and hard work to cultivating bountiful harvests. At the same time, shippers coordinate the logistics of packaging, storing, and preparing produce for transport—and then tracking shipments throughout the journey. Carriers, including trucking companies, shipping vessels, and air cargo services, transport these goods across vast distances, navigating through intricate supply chains. Finally, retailers play a crucial role in receiving, displaying, and distributing produce to consumers, using special refrigerated market areas to ensure its freshness and quality.
However, the process of fresh produce transportation is fraught with challenges. Delicate fruits and vegetables are highly perishable and require precise temperature and humidity control, proper handling, and careful monitoring to maintain their freshness and nutritional value. Factors such as distance, weather conditions, transportation infrastructure, and regulatory compliance—namely, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act and subsequent Final Rule on Traceability Records—add additional layers of complexity.
Produce transportation is complex due to its delicate nature. Any disruption in the cold chain (the process of maintaining optimal conditions throughout the transportation process) can lead to:
Delays and damage to your OTIF rate
Rejected loads and food waste
Loss of revenue
Customer dissatisfaction
Reputational damage
Added costs associated with replacing shipments and
handling freight claims
handling freight claims
Temperature & Humidity
Each type of fresh produce has specific temperature and humidity requirements, which makes it challenging to transport different types of produce together in one truckload.
Specialized Packaging
Specialized packaging is crucial to prevent spoilage or contamination. Any damage to the packaging can impact freshness—and potentially freeze the product instead of just keeping it cold.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance is essential to avoid financial and legal issues. Shippers must maintain—and be able to promptly access—digital records proving product has been kept at the proper temperature and condition throughout its lifecycle.
Highly Competitive
The fresh produce market is highly competitive, and companies must find ways to innovate while improving supply chain efficiency—and reducing costs.
In High Demand
The demand for fresh, nutritious food is rising, and shippers must be prepared to handle any increases in demand. Those who invest in supply chain technology that provides end-to-end visibility and real-time tracking experience higher customer satisfaction.
Specialized Labor
Specialized labor, which is increasingly scarce due to labor shortages, is necessary for handling fresh produce.
Inventory Management
Effective inventory management is vital due to the limited shelf life of fresh produce. Too much inventory can result in a lack of storage space and waste, while too little inventory can lead to missed sales opportunities.
Transport Conditions
Shippers must track multiple factors—including temperature, humidity, light exposure, and shock absorption—during transit to ensure optimal conditions throughout the shipment's journey.
Optimizing Operations
Processing and analyzing data accurately is essential for identifying trends or patterns that can help optimize operations.
Temperature &
Humidity Ranges
Humidity Ranges
Temperature and relative humidity during produce transportation are two of the most critical factors in maintaining the quality and safety of fresh produce freight. Temperature affects the rate of respiration, ethylene production, and spoilage. Relative humidity affects the moisture content of produce, which can affect its texture, appearance, and shelf life. The tables that follow detail the ideal temperature, humidity levels, and packaging requirements by commodity shipped.
Ideal Relative Humidity
by Produce Type
by Produce Type
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air, often called “relative humidity.” While humans usually loathe the oppressiveness of high humidity—think of those sweltering, steamy days when you step outside and immediately sense the need for another shower—fresh fruits and vegetables thrive in conditions where water is abundant in the air.
High relative humidity helps fresh produce retain its weight, appearance, nutritional quality, and flavor. On the opposite end, low relative humidity leads to higher transpiration rates—the loss of water from the produce—resulting in mold, bacteria, wilting, softening, and reduced juiciness. No one wants dry oranges, shriveled grapes, wilted lettuce, etc.
Ideal Temperature & Humidity Ranges to Maximize Shelf Life
Apples
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
1–12 months
Bananas
Temperature:
50–59°F (10–15°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
6 weeks
Broccoli
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
90–95%
Shelf Life:
3–4 weeks
Cucumbers
Temperature:
45-50°F (7–10°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
1–2 weeks
Green Beans
Temperature:
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Humidity:
90–95%
Shelf Life:
7–10 days
Lemons
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
3–4 weeks
Oranges
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
3–8 weeks
Peaches
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
2 weeks
Potatoes
Temperature:
40–50°F (7–10°C)
Humidity:
75–85%
Shelf Life:
2–3 months
Peppers
Temperature:
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
2 weeks
Tomatoes
Temperature:
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
Up to 10 days
Avocados
Temperature:
50–59°F (10–15°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
2–4 weeks
Blueberries
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
2–3 weeks
Cantaloupe
Temperature:
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
Up to 3 weeks
Grapes
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
1–12 weeks
Honeydew Melons
Temperature:
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
12–15 days
Limes
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
3–4 weeks
Papayas
Temperature:
50–59°F (10–15°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
3–4 weeks
Pears
Temperature:
32–38°F (0–3°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
12 months
Pineapples
Temperature:
50–59°F (10–15°C)
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
2–3 weeks
Pumpkins
Temperature:
50–59°F (10–15°C)
Humidity:
75–85%
Shelf Life:
2–6 months
Watermelons
Temperature:
50–59°F (10–15°C
Humidity:
85–95%
Shelf Life:
Up to 3 weeks
Why Packaging is Vital in the Transportation of Fruits & Vegetables
Packaging plays a crucial role in the distribution and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables: it helps protect the produce from damage, provides convenience for handling and storage, and ensures product quality.
It's worth noting that packaging practices can vary depending on the type of produce, market requirements, and sustainability considerations. Many efforts aim to develop environmentally friendly packaging options—such as biodegradable materials or reusable containers—to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of packaging in the fresh produce industry.
Cartons
Widely used for packaging fruits and vegetables, cartons are typically made of paperboard or corrugated cardboard and come in various sizes and shapes. Cartons provide good protection and stackability and can be customized with ventilation holes or liners to control moisture and airflow.
Crates
These rigid containers are made of wood, plastic, or metal, and have slatted sides or bottoms to allow for air circulation and drainage. Crates are commonly used for transporting bulk quantities of produce, especially heavier fruits and vegetables such as melons or root crops. They offer durability and are reusable.
Pallets
Pallets are flat platforms used for stacking and moving large quantities of packaged fruits and vegetables. They are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, and are compatible with forklifts or pallet jacks. Produce is often loaded onto pallets in cartons, crates, or bins for efficient handling and storage.
Hampers
These baskets are made from wicker, bamboo, or plastic, and are often used for premium or specialty produce, including berries, cherries, or gourmet vegetables. Hampers provide an attractive presentation and excellent airflow, making them ideal for gift packs or retail displays.
Bins
Also known as bulk bins or totes, these large containers are used for storing and shipping bulk quantities of produce. They are typically made of plastic or wood, and can hold several hundred kilograms of fruits or vegetables. Bins have a sturdy construction and multiple access points—which makes them practical for products such as apples, citrus fruits, or potatoes.
Bags & pouches
Certain fruits and vegetables are often packaged in bags or pouches made of various materials, including plastic, mesh, or breathable films. These packages provide protection and visibility—and can be easily sealed and resealed. Shippers involved with produce transportation often use them for products such as onions, citrus fruits, or leafy greens.
Common Shipping Packaging by Commodity
Apples
45 lb 11⁄8 bushel cartons, loose
40–45 lb cartons, tray-pack
40 lb bushel cartons, tray- or cell-pack
40 lb bushel cartons, loose
40 lb cartons, ten 4 lb bags
40 lb cartons, eight 5 lb bags
40 lb cartons, sixteen 8-count trays, overwrapped 38–42 lb cartons, loose
37–43 lb cartons, cell-pack
36 lb cartons, twelve 3 lb bags
20 lb half-bushel cartons, loose
40–45 lb cartons, tray-pack
40 lb bushel cartons, tray- or cell-pack
40 lb bushel cartons, loose
40 lb cartons, ten 4 lb bags
40 lb cartons, eight 5 lb bags
40 lb cartons, sixteen 8-count trays, overwrapped 38–42 lb cartons, loose
37–43 lb cartons, cell-pack
36 lb cartons, twelve 3 lb bags
20 lb half-bushel cartons, loose
Beans
All Types
26–31 lb bushel crates/hampers 25–30 lb cartons/crates, including semi-telescope types
Snap Beans
20–22 lb cartons 15 lb cartons
Yellow Wax Beans
30 lb bushel hampers/crates
26–31 lb bushel crates/hampers 25–30 lb cartons/crates, including semi-telescope types
Snap Beans
20–22 lb cartons 15 lb cartons
Yellow Wax Beans
30 lb bushel hampers/crates
Blueberries
11 lb flats, twelve 1 pint cups
9 lb flats, twelve 250 gram cups 5 lb flats, twelve 8 oz baskets
9 lb flats, twelve 250 gram cups 5 lb flats, twelve 8 oz baskets
Brussels Sprouts
25 lb cartons, loose 10 lb flats/cartons
Carrots
Topped
50 lb cartons/bags, loose
50 lb cartons, ten 5 lb bags
48 lb master bags, containing forty-eight 1 lb, twenty-four 2 lb, or sixteen 3 lb bags
26 lb cartons, bunched
25 lb bags, loose
24 lb cartons, containing twenty-four 1 lb bags 15 lb cartons, containing twenty 12 oz bags
Bunched
26 lb cartons/crates, 24s
Baby Whole
24 lb cartons, containing twenty-four 1 lb film bags 20 lb cartons, containing twenty 1 lb bags 15 lb cartons, containing twenty 12 oz bags
50 lb cartons/bags, loose
50 lb cartons, ten 5 lb bags
48 lb master bags, containing forty-eight 1 lb, twenty-four 2 lb, or sixteen 3 lb bags
26 lb cartons, bunched
25 lb bags, loose
24 lb cartons, containing twenty-four 1 lb bags 15 lb cartons, containing twenty 12 oz bags
Bunched
26 lb cartons/crates, 24s
Baby Whole
24 lb cartons, containing twenty-four 1 lb film bags 20 lb cartons, containing twenty 1 lb bags 15 lb cartons, containing twenty 12 oz bags
Corn
50 lb cartons/crates/bags 42 lb cartons/crates/bags 37 lb mesh bags
Grapes
Bunch 24 lb crates, eight 2-quart baskets 22–23 lb cartons/lugs
21 lb lugs
20 lb 12-quart baskets
16 lb lugs,16 lb bagged/wrapped
Muscadines
12 lb flats, twelve 1 pint cups
21 lb lugs
20 lb 12-quart baskets
16 lb lugs,16 lb bagged/wrapped
Muscadines
12 lb flats, twelve 1 pint cups
Water Melons
Cantaloupe
1,000 lb pallet bins
800 lb pallet bins
80 lb jumbo crates
60 lb 13⁄4 bushel cartons 54 lb cartons
45–50 lb wirebound crates
40 lb cartons/crates
40 lb 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates
Casaba and Crenshaw
32–34 lb cartons, 4s, 5s & 6s 48–51 lb flat crate, 5s & 6s
Honeydew
35 lb flat crates 30 lb cartons
Watermelon
1,000 lb pallet bins
100 lb cartons
85 lb cartons, various counts 40 lb cartons
35 lb cartons (Mickey Lee)
1,000 lb pallet bins
800 lb pallet bins
80 lb jumbo crates
60 lb 13⁄4 bushel cartons 54 lb cartons
45–50 lb wirebound crates
40 lb cartons/crates
40 lb 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates
Casaba and Crenshaw
32–34 lb cartons, 4s, 5s & 6s 48–51 lb flat crate, 5s & 6s
Honeydew
35 lb flat crates 30 lb cartons
Watermelon
1,000 lb pallet bins
100 lb cartons
85 lb cartons, various counts 40 lb cartons
35 lb cartons (Mickey Lee)
Onions
Bulb
50 lb cartons/bags/crates, loose
50 l2 lb cartons, containing ten 5 lb bags
48 lb cartons, containing sixteen 3 lb bags or 24 2 lb bags
45 lb cartons, containing fifteen 3 lb bags
40 lb cartons, containing twenty 2 lb bags
40 lb cartons, loose 36 lb cartons, containing twelve 3 lb bags
32 lb cartons, sixteen 2 lb bags
25 lb bags/cartons, loose
24 lb cartons, containing twelve 2 lb bags
10 lb bags, loose
Green
28 lb cartons, bunched 12s, bulb-type
20 lb cartons/crates, bunched 24s, bulb-type 13 lb cartons, bunched 48s
11 lb cartons, bunched 36s
50 lb cartons/bags/crates, loose
50 l2 lb cartons, containing ten 5 lb bags
48 lb cartons, containing sixteen 3 lb bags or 24 2 lb bags
45 lb cartons, containing fifteen 3 lb bags
40 lb cartons, containing twenty 2 lb bags
40 lb cartons, loose 36 lb cartons, containing twelve 3 lb bags
32 lb cartons, sixteen 2 lb bags
25 lb bags/cartons, loose
24 lb cartons, containing twelve 2 lb bags
10 lb bags, loose
Green
28 lb cartons, bunched 12s, bulb-type
20 lb cartons/crates, bunched 24s, bulb-type 13 lb cartons, bunched 48s
11 lb cartons, bunched 36s
Peas
Green
30 lb bushel baskets/crates/hampers 30 lb 1 1/9 bushel crates/cartons
Snow, China, Sugar, Sugar Snap
10 lb cartons
Southern
25 lb bushel hampers
30 lb bushel baskets/crates/hampers 30 lb 1 1/9 bushel crates/cartons
Snow, China, Sugar, Sugar Snap
10 lb cartons
Southern
25 lb bushel hampers
Potatoes
100 lb bags
50 lb cartons/bags
50 lb carton, containing five 10 lb or ten 5 lb bags
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins
50 lb cartons/bags
50 lb carton, containing five 10 lb or ten 5 lb bags
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins
Radishes
Topped
40 lb bags, loose
25 lb bags, loose
14 lb cartons, containing fourteen 1 lb bags
12 lb baskets/cartons, containing thirty 6 oz bags
Bunched
35 lb cartons/crates, 48s, 24s
30 lb 4/5 bushel cartons/lugs
20 lb cartons/crates, containing 24 bunches 15 lb cartons/crates, 24s
40 lb bags, loose
25 lb bags, loose
14 lb cartons, containing fourteen 1 lb bags
12 lb baskets/cartons, containing thirty 6 oz bags
Bunched
35 lb cartons/crates, 48s, 24s
30 lb 4/5 bushel cartons/lugs
20 lb cartons/crates, containing 24 bunches 15 lb cartons/crates, 24s
Squash
Summer
42 lb bushel and 1 1/9 bushel carton 35 lb cartons/crates
30 lb 3⁄4 bushel cartons/crates
26 lb cartons/lugs
21 lb 1⁄2 or 5⁄9 bushel baskets/cartons/crates 10 lb 8-quart baskets/cartons
Winter
50 lb 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates 40 lb cartons/crates
35 lb cartons/crates
12 lb flats, 6 quarts
42 lb bushel and 1 1/9 bushel carton 35 lb cartons/crates
30 lb 3⁄4 bushel cartons/crates
26 lb cartons/lugs
21 lb 1⁄2 or 5⁄9 bushel baskets/cartons/crates 10 lb 8-quart baskets/cartons
Winter
50 lb 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates 40 lb cartons/crates
35 lb cartons/crates
12 lb flats, 6 quarts
Tomatoes
Cherry
15 lb flats, containing twelve 1-pint cups
5 lb cartons, containing nine 250-gram cups
Mature Green
25 lb cartons, loose
20 lb cartons, loose or layered 10 lb cartons, loose
Greenhouse
15 lb flats, 1-layer
Plum or Roma
25 lb cartons, loose
15 lb flats, containing twelve 1-pint cups
5 lb cartons, containing nine 250-gram cups
Mature Green
25 lb cartons, loose
20 lb cartons, loose or layered 10 lb cartons, loose
Greenhouse
15 lb flats, 1-layer
Plum or Roma
25 lb cartons, loose
Asparagus
30 lb pyramid cartons/crates, bunched or loose 28 lb cartons/crates, bunched
25 lb lugs/cartons, loose
24 lb cartons, sixteen 11⁄2 lb packages
21 lb lugs/cartons, loose
20 lb pyramid cartons/crates
20 lb cartons, bunched
15–17 lb pyramid cartons/crates, bunched or loose 14 lb cartons, loose
12 lb cartons, loose
12–13 lb cartons/crates, bunched
11 lb cartons/crates, loose
25 lb lugs/cartons, loose
24 lb cartons, sixteen 11⁄2 lb packages
21 lb lugs/cartons, loose
20 lb pyramid cartons/crates
20 lb cartons, bunched
15–17 lb pyramid cartons/crates, bunched or loose 14 lb cartons, loose
12 lb cartons, loose
12–13 lb cartons/crates, bunched
11 lb cartons/crates, loose
Beets
50 lb mesh bags
45 lb wirebound crates/cartons, bunched in 12s 38 lb cartons/crates, bunched in 12s
35 lb half crates, loose
32 lb 4/5 bushel crate
25 lb bags, loose
20 lb cartons/crates, bunched in 12s
45 lb wirebound crates/cartons, bunched in 12s 38 lb cartons/crates, bunched in 12s
35 lb half crates, loose
32 lb 4/5 bushel crate
25 lb bags, loose
20 lb cartons/crates, bunched in 12s
Broccoli
Bunched
21 lb cartons/crates, 14s and 18s
Crown-Cut
20 lb cartons, loose
Florets
10 lb film bags 5 lb film bags
21 lb cartons/crates, 14s and 18s
Crown-Cut
20 lb cartons, loose
Florets
10 lb film bags 5 lb film bags
Cabbage
Green and Red
2,000 lb bulk bins
1,000 lb bulk bins
50–60 lb flat crates
50 lb 13⁄4 bushel crates/cartons/bags 45 lb cartons
40 lb cartons/bags
Savoy
40 lb 13⁄4 bushel crates
Chinese
80–85 lb crates 45–54 lb crates 50–53 lb carton
2,000 lb bulk bins
1,000 lb bulk bins
50–60 lb flat crates
50 lb 13⁄4 bushel crates/cartons/bags 45 lb cartons
40 lb cartons/bags
Savoy
40 lb 13⁄4 bushel crates
Chinese
80–85 lb crates 45–54 lb crates 50–53 lb carton
Cauliflower
60 lb wirebound crates
50 lb cartons/crates (Long Island Type) 25–30 lb cartons,12s and 16s film-wrapped and trimmed
50 lb cartons/crates (Long Island Type) 25–30 lb cartons,12s and 16s film-wrapped and trimmed
Cucumbers
Pickling
55 lb 1/9 bushel cartons/crates
Slicers
50 lb bushel cartons/crates 30 lb cartons, 48s
28 lb 5⁄9 bushel cartons/crates 24 lb cartons, 36s and 42s
22 lb cartons, 24s
Greenhouse
16 lb cartons, loose, film-wrapped
12 lb flats/cartons, loose, film-wrapped
Greens
30–35 lb 1 2/5 bushel and 1 3/5 bushel crates 20–25 lb bushel baskets/crates/cartons 20–25 lb 12-24 bunches per crates/cartons
55 lb 1/9 bushel cartons/crates
Slicers
50 lb bushel cartons/crates 30 lb cartons, 48s
28 lb 5⁄9 bushel cartons/crates 24 lb cartons, 36s and 42s
22 lb cartons, 24s
Greenhouse
16 lb cartons, loose, film-wrapped
12 lb flats/cartons, loose, film-wrapped
Greens
30–35 lb 1 2/5 bushel and 1 3/5 bushel crates 20–25 lb bushel baskets/crates/cartons 20–25 lb 12-24 bunches per crates/cartons
Lettuce
Iceberg
50 lb cartons, 30s, 24s, 18s 30 lb cartons
20 lb cartons
50 lb cartons, 30s, 24s, 18s 30 lb cartons
20 lb cartons
Okra
30 lb bushel baskets/crates/hampers
23 lb 3⁄4 bushel hampers
15 lb 1⁄2 w 5⁄9 bushel baskets/crates/lugs/ clamshells
23 lb 3⁄4 bushel hampers
15 lb 1⁄2 w 5⁄9 bushel baskets/crates/lugs/ clamshells
Peaches
38 lb 3⁄4 bushel cartons/crates 35 lb cartons
26 lb cartons
25 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates 22 lb 2-layer carton
11 lb crates/flats, 1-layer tray pack 10 lb cartons
9 lb cartons, 1-layer
26 lb cartons
25 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates 22 lb 2-layer carton
11 lb crates/flats, 1-layer tray pack 10 lb cartons
9 lb cartons, 1-layer
Peppers
Bells
35 lb 1 1⁄4 bushel cartons
30 lb cartons/crates
28 lb bushel and 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates 25 lb cartons
14–15 lb half-bushel cartons
11 lb flat cartons
Jalapenos and Chilies
16–25 lb 1⁄2 and 5⁄9 bushel cartons/crates, loose 20 lb cartons, loose 10 lb cartons, retail packs
35 lb 1 1⁄4 bushel cartons
30 lb cartons/crates
28 lb bushel and 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates 25 lb cartons
14–15 lb half-bushel cartons
11 lb flat cartons
Jalapenos and Chilies
16–25 lb 1⁄2 and 5⁄9 bushel cartons/crates, loose 20 lb cartons, loose 10 lb cartons, retail packs
Pumpkins
1,000 lb bins
50 lb cartons/crates/bags
25 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates
50 lb cartons/crates/bags
25 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates
Spinach
32 lb 1 2⁄3 bushel cartons/crates 25 lb bushel carton/crates
20 lb cartons, 24s
12 lb bags
10 lb 24-quart baskets
8 lb cartons, twelve 10 oz bags
20 lb cartons, 24s
12 lb bags
10 lb 24-quart baskets
8 lb cartons, twelve 10 oz bags
Sweet Potatoes
800 lb bulk bins
40 lb cartons/crates
40 lb cartons, containing eight 5 lb bags 20 lb boxes
10 lb boxes
5 lb cartons/bags
28 lb 1⁄2 or 4⁄7 bushel cartons
25 lb cartons, loose
20 lb cartons/flats, loose or layered
40 lb cartons/crates
40 lb cartons, containing eight 5 lb bags 20 lb boxes
10 lb boxes
5 lb cartons/bags
28 lb 1⁄2 or 4⁄7 bushel cartons
25 lb cartons, loose
20 lb cartons/flats, loose or layered
Turnips
50 lb bushel basket/bags
40 lb cartons, bunched
25 lb half-bushel baskets/cartons/crates/bags 24 lb cartons, twenty-four 1 lb bags
20 lb cartons, bunched 12s
40 lb cartons, bunched
25 lb half-bushel baskets/cartons/crates/bags 24 lb cartons, twenty-four 1 lb bags
20 lb cartons, bunched 12s
Eggplant
Chinese
26 lb lugs
25 lb cartons
15 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates
Italian
26 lb lugs
15 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates
Japanese
15 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates
26 lb lugs
25 lb cartons
15 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates
Italian
26 lb lugs
15 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates
Japanese
15 lb 1⁄2 bushel cartons/crates
Best Practices for
Produce Logistics
Following are some additional tips to help maintain the quality and safety of fresh produce during shipping. By following these tips, shippers can help to ensure that fresh produce arrives at its destination in good condition and ready to be consumed.
Package Promptly
The longer produce sits at ambient temperatures, the more likely it is to spoil.
Use Proper Packaging
The type of packaging material you use can help protect fresh produce from damage and spoilage. For example, pack fruits and vegetables in boxes or bags lined with a moisture-proof material.
Keep Cool & Humid
Use a temperature-controlled shipping container or truck to help maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels.
Inspect Regularly
Inspect produce regularly for signs of spoilarrge—such as mold, discoloration, or soft spots. If you find any signs of spoilage, discard the produce immediately.
Track Conditions
Real-time tracking of shipment conditions—including temperature and humidity—during produce transportation is a must.
The Value of Visibility in Produce Shipping
Tive, a multi-award-winning innovator of real-time trackers and supply chain visibility solutions, understands the importance of monitoring temperature and humidity during produce transportation. This guide—combined with Tive’s technology and customer support—are invaluable resources for shippers tasked with safeguarding fresh fruits and vegetables from farm to fork with the highest degree of quality assurance.
Tive in Action
Shippers using Tive’s Solo 5G trackers and cloud platform can monitor real-time data and get alerted the moment temperature or humidity excursions occur—enabling them to take swift and decisive action to save loads. These examples and this on-demand webinar demonstrate that it is possible to measure the return on investment and make the business case for real-time visibility