Consumers may take it for granted, but produce transportation is one of the most important jobs contributing to human health. Expertise in innovative logistics solutions for the produce sector is also critical in delivering fresh, healthy perishables for human consumption.
VCPB Transportation doesn’t take anything related to the transportation of produce for granted. Our company was built by produce haulers and used that experience to grow to be an industry-leading provider of innovative transportation solutions.
The best produce transportation providers know the requirements for various produce types like the backs of their hands. At VCPB Transportation, we’re experts in the temperature, humidity, and handling requirements for everything from apples to zucchini, and we customize logistics solutions based on the unique attributes of different produce types.
(For your information, Washington state produces more than half of the country’s apples and has been the leading apple-growing state since the 1920s. Apples must be transported at 32 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain the highest quality.)
Coordinating the delivery of produce from a dock in one region of the country to a distribution center in another utilizing more than one mode of transportation is complicated. Optimizing each step of the produce transportation process is imperative to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product quality.
“The intricate web of global food transportation is a testament to the scale and complexity of feeding the world,” port operator PSA International said, adding that innovative solutions to preserve perishable goods during sea transport remain a critical issue. “The journey of food is not just a matter of transportation but a complex interplay of economic, environmental, and logistical considerations.”
At VCPB Transportation, we’re obsessed with every detail of the produce transportation process so shippers don’t have to be. We assess specific transportation needs; overcome all produce transportation challenges; implement best practices for handling perishables; choose the best transportation methods to ensure flawless delivery every time; and leverage advanced technology for real-time visibility of the produce from pickup to delivery.
The days of just filling a truck with loose fruit or vegetables are gone. Packaging solutions have advanced to protect produce from damage and spoilage while in transit.
Some tried-and-true transport methods remain in use. Fruits and vegetables that require careful handling are often transported in cardboard or wooden boxes to provide rigidity and protect them from damage, according to Fruitline. Root crops such as beets, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage can be stowed in mesh or film bags and transported on pallets.
At VCPB Transportation, we gained experience in the industry by physically loading produce trucks, and we are well-versed in packaging solutions, both old and new.
Logistics experts determine the most efficient transportation routes and modes to minimize travel time and exposure.
“Efficiency is central to optimizing routes; hence, focusing on the fastest, most logical routes is paramount. Speedy deliveries ensure the produce maintains its maximum freshness, which is a key sales driver in this industry,” Produce Leaders said.
The best produce transportation providers utilize the most advanced GPS and temperature-monitoring tools to make informed decisions on the fly and adjust routes and scheduling based on real-time data.
At VCPB Transportation, we combine technology and experience to deliver on time every time. Our produce shipping experts also are available in real time, providing 24/7/365 service to promptly address any issues.
Technology is also critical in the cold chain to ensure produce remains at optimal temperatures from pickup to delivery. Maintaining optimal temperature settings during transportation is imperative to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Even slight temperature deviations can lead to significant losses.
Technological advancements in cold chain transportation to help preserve that quality and extend the shelf life of produce have included real-time monitoring and sensor technologies; cold chain management solutions; GPS tracking and route optimization; and data analytics and predictive analytics.
At VCPB Transportation, we check, double-check, and triple-check the status of perishable goods every leg of the journey using our state-of-the-art tech stack.
Industry-leading produce transportation providers use predictive analytics to forecast demand and adjust supply chain operations accordingly, ensuring alignment with market demand and minimizing waste.
The peak season for produce transportation in the United States typically begins in June and continues through December in major growing regions like California and Arizona. During this period, the high volume of shipments can lead to capacity constraints – and potentially affect the quality of produce upon delivery.
At VCPB Transportation, we also stay informed on the status of fruits and vegetables growing in all regions of the United States – and the impacts of weather – to prepare for peak shipping periods.
There are various techniques for maximizing load efficiency, including pallet optimization and load consolidation, to reduce transportation costs and environmental impact.
But, it is essential to understand the product mix. “When delivering agricultural products over long distances, it is necessary to observe the rules of commodity neighborhood – one refrigerator section can only accommodate fruits or vegetables with the same storage conditions and appropriate ethylene compatibility,” Fruitline said. “Fruits that emit a large amount of ethylene are recommended to be transported separately from perishable products that are sensitive to it since the gas facilitates the maturation processes. For example, green bell pepper, placed next to apples, quickly turns brown and gets shopworn.”
Security protocols should be implemented to safeguard against theft and contamination during transit.
Risk Strategies said produce transportation providers should:
Safety measures include limiting access to cargo to prevent the transport of illegal goods hidden among fruits and vegetables. In one 2022 case, U.S. Customs and Border Protection found nearly $3 million worth of methamphetamine hidden inside a truckload of onions at the U.S.-Mexico border.
All transportation practices must comply with food safety and transport regulations to mitigate risks and legal issues.
Produce Leaders noted that maintaining consistent temperatures throughout transport “helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on the fresh produce, thus ensuring the integrity of the goods at the point of arrival.”
To ensure excellence in produce transportation, choose the right logistics partner, one that understands the complexities of perishables delivery and can offer specialized solutions.
Strategic collaboration among all parties in the logistics process can streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of the produce supply chain.
At VCPB Transportation, we work closely with produce shippers to ensure their perishables are delivered in pristine condition every time.
Moving produce is one of the most important tasks in logistics and transportation. At VCPB Transportation, we make sure produce arrives in excellent condition every time. We supply all the major terminal markets and supermarket chains in the United States and also serve produce growers and food processors.
We utilize advanced packaging techniques; optimize routing; leverage real-time data; use the latest technology for cold chain management; conduct forecasting to anticipate market needs; enhance load efficiency; implement security measures; and adhere to safety and regulatory standards.
At VCPB Transportation, we have taken advantage of all the latest and most advanced technology to deliver temperature-controlled produce in the absolute best condition. We work tirelessly to ensure produce arrives in excellent condition every time with our technology-powered temperature controls, real-time tracking, and 24/7/365 service.
While we’re widely known as a specialist in hauling for the produce industry, we’re also experts at over-the-road, intermodal, overweight and oversized, drayage management, cross-border moves, and transloading.
VCPB is your partner for superior produce transportation. Start shipping with us today.
VCPB Transportation
600 Meadowlands Pkwy Secaucus, NJ 07094
(201) 770-0111
