Tropical Products Transport Handbook

Agriculture Handbook No. 668

By Brian M. McGregor
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
-Abstract
-Acknowledgements
-ontents
-Requirements for Tropical and Subtropical Fruits & Vegetables and
Specialty Products
-Requirements for Potted Flowering and Foliage Plants
-Requirements for Cut Flowers and Florist Greens
For a copy of this in book format or for technical questions about the information found
in this handbook, please contact Brian McGregor.
http://www.ams.usda.go/tmd/!ropical/inde".htm
#$!%&'()!#&$
!he purpose of this handbook is to proide transportation recommendations for fruits
and egetables, lie plants, and cut flowers produced in tropical and subtropical as well
as areas with temperate climates. Guidelines on grading, packaging, precooling, and
storage are included, because transportation is merely one part of an integral system of
maintaining product quality from the field to the consumer. #n order to emphasi*e the
essentials of successful transportation of these perishable products, the information is
presented in a brief manner with many illustrations. + summary of information is
proided for the products that are listed in the table of contents. !he market for tropical
fruits and egetables and specialties has e"panded beyond +sian, ,ispanic, and other
ethnic communities as indiiduals hae become more interested in their personal health,
food preparation, and ariety in their diet. +n increasingly wider choice of fresh
products is aailable in food stores and fancy restaurants, thanks to the marketing efforts
of members of the produce industry. Many of these products are in consumers hands
within - days of harest in another part of the world. !ransportation and packaging are
the key to this success.
+dances in transportation and packaging also hae helped to increase the aailability
of potted plants and e"otic cut flowers. )onsumers now purchase these items from
roadside endors and in food stores as well as traditional flower shops and nurseries.
.lants and flowers are increasingly used to brighten up businesses and homes.
!he regions of the world which produce the largest ariety and year/round supply of
these products hae tropical or subtropical climates. Many of the items coered in this
book are only produced in these areas. Most of the general recommendations in this
handbook, howeer, apply to all perishable agricultural products, whereer and
wheneer they are produced. +dances in greenhouse management, irrigation,
biotechnology, and transportation hae increased fle"ibility in the location of production
areas.
!he areas which produce the most perishable products//)alifornia, Florida, !e"as,
+ri*ona, ,awaii, .uerto %ico, Me"ico, )entral +merica, the )aribbean, 0outh +merica,
and 0outheast +sia//face marketing challenges due to their distance from the ma1or
markets of 2astern and )entral (nited 0tates, )anada, the Far 2ast or 2urope. !hat is
why the emphasis of this handbook is on maintaining product quality through proper
handling, packaging, transportation, and storage//from the field to the consumer.
.3+$ +,2+' B2F&%2 G%&4#$G +$' 0,#..#$G
+griculture is a ery competitie, risky business. !o minimi*e risk, growers and
shippers must plan ahead and obtain as much information as possible. )ommunication
with goernment authorities, importers, and carriers is necessary5 both before growing
tropical fruits and egetables, plants, and cut flowers5 and thereafter. !he grower and
shipper must determine the following:
#s the product permitted to enter the destination country, region or 0tate6
#s there a market for the product6
4hat are the requirements for quantity, quality, packaging, documentation, and
frequency of shipments6
4ill the pro1ected price receied coer production, packaging, transportation,
insurance, and marketing costs and allow for a profit6
4ill the right kind of transportation equipment be aailable when the product is
ready for shipping6
!he (.0. 'epartment of +griculture 7(0'+8, +nimal and .lant ,ealth #nspection
0erice 7+.,#08 proides information on regulations goerning the entry of foreign
products to the (nited 0tates and ice ersa. +lmost all plant products must hae a
permit in order to enter the (nited 0tates. 0ome countries require a phytosanitary
certificate for (.0. products. .ermits and certificates are issued only to the (.0.
importer or (.0. e"porter. Appendix 1 proides an outline of all (.0. Goernment
regulatory and market information.
Growers and shippers should isit with importers to ascertain their reliability and obtain
firsthand market information on product quantity, quality, packaging, pricing, and
regulations. Most importers will not deal with a shipper who proes to be unreliable in
terms of timing, olume, quality, or documentation.
)ommunication with importers and the firms that monitor their financial status should
be maintained throughout the year. !imely and accurate information is necessary to
minimi*e the risks of shipping the wrong product or shipping the right product at the
wrong time.
)ost information should be obtained from suppliers of equipment, packaging, and other
materials. Freight rates should be negotiated with carriers. !his information can then be
compared to pro1ected production costs and estimated product prices. !his will allow an
estimate to be made of the potential profit and loss in the enture.
+ir and ocean carriers request that shippers consult with them well in adance to ensure
that the necessary equipment will be aailable at the right time, with freight rates at a
leel the product can support. Most carriers are willing to work with shippers to try to
make a deal work. 0hippers can form associations to negotiate time and olume rates
with ocean carriers. .ort authorities and trade publications of origin and destination
countries are the best sources of current information on serices proided by competing
air and ocean carriers.
!%+$0.&%! &$39 !&. :(+3#!9 .%&'()!0
(nder the best circumstances, the quality of fruits, egetables, lie plants, and cut
flowers can only be maintained, not improed, during transportation. Most of these
products are high/alue and ery perishable. !herefore product quality should be the
highest possible.
.roducts in top quality condition:
,ae a longer shelf life.
+llow more time for transportation, storage, and marketing.
0atisfy importers, brokers, and consumers.
#ncrease repeat sales and profits.
,elp e"pand markets.
Bruised, decaying, or oerripe products can ruin an entire shipment and reduce
importers confidence in the grower and shipper. .roducts in this condition:
0pread decay to other products in the load.
.roduce more ethylene gas which causes further ripening and decay.
.roduce more heat 7respiration8 which causes further ripening and decay.
3ose more water which results in shrieling and wilting.
'iscourage repeat sales.
%educe profits.
'uring transportation, storage, and marketing, products may be e"posed to:
%ough handling during loading and unloading.
)ompression from the oerhead weight of other containers of products.
#mpact and ibration during transportation.
3oss of moisture to the surrounding air.
,igher than recommended temperatures.
3ower than recommended temperatures.
2thylene gas from ehicle e"haust or product ripening.
&dors from other products or residues.
By selecting and packing only top quality products, shippers can help ensure good
arrial condition of fruits and egetables, plants, and cut flowers transported oer long
distances. Grading, good packaging, precooling, and proper transportation equipment
are essential to maintaining product quality from the field to the consumer.
2$0(%2 :(+3#!9 )&$!%&3 4#!, G%+'#$G
#mporters and consumers of fruits and egetables, plants, and cut flowers demand high
quality fresh products in return for the high prices they pay. Growers and shippers
should use the buyer;s specifications for grading to monitor quality, condition, si*e, and
maturity. 4hile not all products hae official grade standards, common sense techniques
can be used to ensure the packing and transportation of only high quality items.
0ince most of these products are new to many people, uniform high quality in
appearance and taste is essential to increasing importer and consumer willingness to try
the products and buy them again. .acking, precooling, refrigerating, transporting,
storing, and selling poor quality products wastes time, money, and materials.
G%+'#$G .%+)!#)20
)lean and treat products only as necessary:
4ash off dirt and debris from harest operations.
'iscard bruised, cut, decayed, insect infested, odd si*ed, immature, or oerripe
items.
(se only officially approed fungicides/bactericides to limit decay on certain
products, strictly in accordance with the label instructions.
(se only officially approed wa" coatings to reduce moisture loss on certain
products, strictly in accordance with the label instructions.
(se only officially approed pesticides or procedures for certain products to
eliminate insect pests, strictly in accordance with the label instructions and
health and safety regulations.
%emoe field heat 7precool8 as soon as possible after harest.
(se ethylene gas for certain products to ripen and improe color.
0ort and package produce by si*e and leel of maturity:
(se oluntary grade standards or buyer;s specifications.
.lace only uniform si*es or amounts in each shipping container.
.lace only products with a uniform leel of maturity in each container.
)learly mark the grade, si*e, weight, or count on the container.
2quipment manufacturers can proide adice on haresting, washing, sorting, si*ing,
weighing, wa"ing, drying, precooling, and packaging equipment suitable for a particular
operation. !he (.0. Food and 'rug +dministration 7F'+8, the 2nironmental
.rotection +gency 72.+8, and chemical companies can proide the most current
information on (.0. regulations for fungicides, bactericides, wa"es, and pesticides.
Foreign countries that regulate the use of these chemicals also can proide information.
+.,#0 must monitor any necessary quarantine treatments of imported and e"ported
products.
G%+'2 0!+$'+%'0
!he (0'+ +gricultural Marketing 0erice 7+M08 maintains <=> standards coering ?=
products as well as inspection instructions. !hey are listed in +ppendi" -. !he standards
and instructions gie guidance on si*e, color, shape, te"ture, maturity, cleanliness, and
defects. !he standards are oluntary e"cept in the case of the products mentioned below.
(nder (0'+ domestic marketing orders only the following items are sub1ect to
mandatory grade, si*e, quality, or maturity regulations:
aocados kiwifruit
#rish potatoes dates
limes prunes
filberts canned ripe olies
raisins grapefruit
onions tomatoes
table grapes oranges
walnuts
%egulations for imports of the aboe items must conform to the domestic marketing
orders and apply only when the marketing orders are in effect. 0hippers and importers
must keep abreast of the changing dates and scope of the orders.
0ome (.0. 0tate goernments and industry trade associations hae grade standards or
regulations for particular products. 2"amples are ,awaiian grades for ginger root,
papaya, and pineapple5 .uerto %ican grades for coconuts5 and industry grades for
bananas.
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#nspections for grade, condition, si*e, or maturity may be requested by shippers,
receiers, importers, or any other financially interested party. !he inspections can be
done at the shipping point, receiing market, and in the case of imports, at the port of
entry. %egardless of whether the inspection is oluntary or mandatory, licensed federal
or federal/state agricultural employees will perform the inspection and issue an official
inspection certificate. + fee is charged for these inspections. +ll domestic and imported
raw or processed fruit and egetables are sub1ect to inspection by the F'+ for illegal
pesticide residues or other contamination according to tolerances established by the
2.+. !hese tolerances are called @defect action leels.@ .roducts with prohibited or
e"cessie pesticide residues or contamination must be reconditioned, re/e"ported, or
destroyed.
+ll imported fruits, egetables, plants, cut flowers, and other plant material are sub1ect
to inspection by +.,#0 for harmful insects, diseases, and prohibited items at the (.0.
port of entry. +.,#0 requests <- hours notice prior to the arrial of the ship, plane, or
truck in order to hae inspectors on hand. By prior arrangement, +.,#0 will inspect
products in the country of origin under a pre/clearance program. Fees are charged for
this serice.
'epending on type of product, insect, or disease, shipments are either released, treated
with pesticide and released, destroyed, or re/e"ported. #mporters attempting to bring in
prohibited items are sub1ect to fines. !he (.0. )ustoms 0erice assists +.,#0 in
ensuring that agricultural products are properly cleared through the port of entry.
4hen requested by the receiing country, e"ports of (.0./grown fruits, egetables,
plants, or cut flowers are inspected for insects or disease and proided with a
phytosanitary certificate by +.,#0 or (.0. 0tate 'epartments of +griculture. +M0
proides certifications of grade and quality for fresh products and a erification program
for fro*en or otherwise processed agricultural products.
:uality control with grading helps growers and shippers to meet the needs of different
markets, pass inspections, become reliable suppliers, and receie higher prices for their
products. :uality control reduces the risk of financial loss from downgraded or re1ected
shipments.
M+#$!+#$ :(+3#!9 4#!, 2FF2)!#A2 .+)B+G#$G
.roper packaging of fruits and egetables, plants, and cut flowers is essential to
maintaining product quality during transportation and marketing. #n addition to
protection, packaging in the form of shipping containers, seres to enclose the product
and proide a means of handling. #t makes no sense to ship high quality, high alue,
perishable products in poor quality packaging which will lead to damage, decay, low
prices, or outright re1ection of the products by the buyer.
.ackaging must withstand:
%ough handling during loading and unloading.
)ompression from the oerhead weight of other containers.
#mpact and ibration during transportation.
,igh humidity during precooling, transit, and storage.
M+!2%#+30
.ackaging materials are chosen on the basis of needs of the product, packing method,
precooling method, strength, cost, aailability, buyer specifications, and freight rates.
#mporters, buyers, and packaging manufacturers proide aluable recommendations.
Materials used include: / fiberboard bins, bo"es 7glued, stapled, interlocking8, lugs,
trays, flats, diiders or partitions, and slipsheets.
4ood bins, crates 7wirebound, nailed8, baskets, trays, lugs, pallets.
.aper bags, sleees, wraps, liners, pads, e"celsior, and labels.
.lastic bins, bo"es, trays, bags 7mesh, solid8, containers, sleees, film wraps,
liners, diiders, and slipsheets.
Foam bo"es, trays, lugs, sleees, liners, diiders, and pads.
Bins, bo"es, crates, trays, lugs, baskets, and bags are considered shipping containers.
Baskets, howeer, are difficult to handle in mi"ed loads of rectangular bo"es. Bags only
proide limited product protection. !he fiberboard bo" is the most widely used
container. 0tyles include:
&ne piece slotted bo" with the glued, stapled, or self/locking flaps 7Fig. 18.
!wo piece half slotted bo" with a coer 7Fig. 28.
!wo piece half slotted bo" with a full telescoping coer, proiding strong walls
and corners 7Fig. 38.
!hree piece Bliss style bo" featuring stapled or glued ends proiding strong
corners 7Fig. 48.
&ne piece bo" with a full telescoping coer 7Fig. 58.
&ne piece bo" with a tuck/in coer 7Fig. 68.
0elf/locking tray (Fig. 78.
#nterlocking bo" with wire or fiberboard tabs or hardboard end inserts and
plastic end caps, proiding stacking strength and alignment. 7Fig. 88.
+ minimum <?C> k.a 7-D= lb/in-8 bursting test strength fiberboard is recommended for
bo"es intended for e"port. !he strength is needed for the handling, transport conditions,
and high humidity the bo"es must endure.
F#B2%B&+%' B&E 0!9320
Figures
M+!2%#+30
Fiberboard bo"es for products which are packed wet or with ice must be wa"/
impregnated or coated with water resistant material. !he compression strength of
untreated fiberboard can be reduced more than one half in conditions of CF percent
relatie humidity. #n addition to maintaining bo" strength, wa" helps to reduce the loss
of moisture from the product to the fiberboard. +ll glued bo"es should be made with a
water resistant adhesie.
,oles are proided in most fiberboard bo"es to proide entilation of product heat
7respiration8 and allow circulation of cold air to the product. ,andholds proide a means
of handling bo"es during loading and unloading. +ll holes must be designed and placed
in a manner that does not substantially weaken the bo".
4ood crates are still popular with some shippers due to the material strength and
resistance to high humidity during precooling, transit, and storage. 4ood crates are
constructed in a manner that allows a lot of air circulation around the packed product.
!he ma1ority of fiberboard bo"es and wood crates are designed to be stacked top to
bottom. )ompression strength and product protection are sacrificed when bo"es or
crates are stacked on their ends or sides. Misaligned bo"es can lose up to GF percent of
their strength, while cross/stacked bo"es can lose up to =F percent of their top to bottom
compression strength.
Aarious materials are added to shipping containers to proide additional strength and
product protection. 'iiders or partitions and double or triple thickness sides and ends
in fiberboard bo"es proide additional compression strength and reduce product
damage.
.ads, wraps, and sleees and e"celsior also reduce bruising. .ads also are used to
proide moisture as with asparagus5 proide chemical treatment to reduce decay as with
sulfur dio"ide pads for grapes5 and absorb ethylene as with potassium permanganate
pads in bo"es of bananas and flowers.
.lastic film liners or bags are used to retain moisture. .erforated plastic is used for most
products to allow e"change of gases and aoid e"cessie humidity. 0olid plastic is used
to seal the products and proide for a modified atmosphere by reducing the amount of
o"ygen aailable for respiration and ripening. !his is done for bananas, strawberries,
and tomatoes.
.aper and polystyrene foam liners help to insulate the product from hot or cold
temperatures when they are shipped in unrefrigerated air cargo holds. 4et newsprint is
used to proide moisture to fresh cut herbs and flowers.
0hippers should check with +.,#0 prior to utili*ing packing materials made out of
plant parts such as straw or leaes. 0ome items are prohibited entry into the (nited
0tates and other countries. 0oil also is restricted.
M2!,&'0
.acking methods include:
Field packing//products are placed in fiberboard bo"es or wood crates during
haresting. 0ome products are wrapped. !he filled containers are then taken to a
precooling facility to hae the field heat remoed.
0hed packing//products are processed or packed indoors or under coer at a
central location. !he product is brought from the field to the packing shed in
bulk in field crates, bins, or trucks. !he products are precooled either before or
after they are placed in shipping containers.
%epacking//products are taken out of one container, regraded, and placed in
another. !his is often done to make smaller containers for the retailer or
consumer packages.
!9.20 &F .+)B0
!ypes of packs include:
Aolume fill//products are placed by hand or machine into the container until the
desired capacity, weight, or count is reached.
!ray or cell pack//products are placed in molded trays or cells which proide
separation and reduced bruising.
.lace pack//products are wrapped and carefully placed in the container. !his
proides reduced bruising and a pleasing appearance.
)onsumer pack or prepack//relatiely small amounts of product are packaged,
weighed, and labeled for retail sale.
Film or shrink wrap//each fruit or egetable is indiidually wrapped and sealed
in film to reduce moisture loss and decay. !he film may be treated with
fungicides or other chemicals.
Modified atmosphere//indiidual consumer packs, shipping containers, or pallet
loads of containers are sealed with plastic film or bags. !he o"ygen leel is
reduced and the carbon dio"ide leel is increased. !his reduces product
respiration and slows the ripening process.
0hipping containers must be si*ed and filled correctly. )ontainers which are ery wide
and weigh more than -G kg 7=F lb8 encourage rougher handling, product damage, and
container failure. &erfilling causes product bruising and e"cessie bulging of the sides
of the container, which leads to decreased compression strength and container failure.
(nderfilling also causes product damage. !he product is bruised as it moes around
inside the shipping container during transport and handling.
2FF2)!#A2 .+)B+G#$G 4,+! .+)B+G#$G M(0! 4#!,0!+$'
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2FF2)!#A2 .+)B+G#$G !9.20 &F .+)B0
.hotos
0!+$'+%'#H+!#&$
'ue to the large number of different container si*es in use, bo" standards hae been
deeloped by the fruit and egetable and floral industries. 0tandardi*ed containers:
%educe container inentory for manufacturers and growers.
(tili*e, with other containers, CF to <FF percent of the surface of the widely used
<F<> mm " <-<C mm 7IF in " I? in8 standard pallet, with no oerhang and little
underhang.
.roide unit loads and more stable mi"ed pallet loads.
%educe transportation and marketing costs.
.ro1ect M(M was deeloped by the fruit and egetable industry and the (0'+ to
encourage container standardi*ation and unit loads. !he acronym stands for
Modulari*ation, (niti*ation, and Mechani*ation. !able < shows << recommended M(M
containers arranged on a standard pallet and !able - lists current produce shipping
containers and their proposed M(M replacements.
0tandardi*ed shipping containers proide stable unit loads as shown on the left and will
help reduce unstable mi"ed loads as shown on the right.
0!+$'+%'#H+!#&$ !+B32 <. %ecommended M(M container si*es, listed by
outside length and width, arranged on a standard pallet, <F<> mm " <-<C mm 7IF in "
I? in8.
0!+$'+%'#H+!#&$ !+B32 -. )urrent produce shipping containers and their
proposed M(M replacement.
.age < of !able- 7+ocados / 3emons8
.age - of !able - 73ettuce / .ears8
.age G of !able - 7.eppers / Hucchini8
Source: Turczyn and Anthony (29).
($#! 3&+'0
+ large number of shippers and receiers hae switched from handling indiidual
shipping containers to unit loads on pallets. Most distribution centers are set up to store
palleti*ed loads in three tier racks.
(nit loads proide for:
%educed handling of indiidual shipping containers.
3ess damage to the containers and the products inside.
Faster loading and unloading of transportation equipment.
More efficient distribution center operations.
%educed pilferage of products.
(nit loads may include some of the following features:
0tandard wood pallets or slipsheets, <F<> " <-<C mm 7IF " I? in8.
Fiberboard, plastic or wire ertical interlocking tabs between bo"es.
Bo"es with holes for air circulation, which align when the bo"es are stacked
squarely on top of one another, corner to corner.
Glue between bo"es to resist hori*ontal slipping.
.lastic netting around the pallet load of bo"es.
Fiberboard, plastic, or metal cornerboards.
.lastic or metal strapping around the cornerboards and bo"es.
.+332!0
4ood pallets must be strong enough to allow storage under load in three tier racks.
.roisions for forklift and pallet 1ack handling are necessary. !he design of the bottom
of the pallet should not block air circulation.
.allets must hae an adequate number of top deck boards to support fiberboard bo"es.
&therwise the bo"es may collapse between deck boards from the oerhead weight of the
other containers, crush the products, and cause the entire load to lean or fall off the
pallet. + sheet of fiberboard with holes for air circulation can be used to distribute
weight across the pallet.
Bo"es must not oerhang the edges of the pallets. &erhang can reduce the strength of
fiberboard bo"es by one/third. !his condition also can lead to collapse of the entire
load, crushing of the product, and make loading, unloading, and storage in racks
difficult. &n the other hand, bo"es which utili*e less than CF percent of the pallet
surface and do not align with the pallet edge can shift in transit.
.allet loads of shipping containers which are not strapped or netted should hae at least
the top three layers of containers cross/stacked to proide stability. 0ome shippers use
film wrap, tape, or glue on the top layers in addition to cross/stacking. !he containers
must be strong enough to be cross/stacked without collapsing. Film wrap should not be
used on shipping containers of products that need entilation.
($#! 3&+'0
.hotos
03#.0,22!0
0lipsheets are used by some shippers because they cost less than pallets. !hey also
eliminate the cost of transporting and returning pallets. + special forklift is needed to
transfer slipsheet loads to and from the pallets at the shipper;s and receier;s distribution
center. #f a receier does not hae the proper handling equipment, the packages are
unloaded by hand onto pallets for placement in storage. 0hipping containers on
slipsheets are cross/stacked, film wrapped, or otherwise uniti*ed with cornerboards and
strapping.
0lipsheets made of fiberboard or plastic must be strong enough to be clamped and
pulled onto the forklift tines or plate for lifting while fully loaded. Fiberboard slipsheets
should be wa" impregnated when used in wet conditions. 0lipsheets used in
transportation equipment should hae holes for air circulation under the load. !he use of
slipsheets in refrigerated transportation equipment with shallow floor channels is not
recommended due to the need for adequate air circulation under the load.
3+B23#$G +$' B%+$'#$G
3abeling of shipping containers helps to identify and adertise the products and assists
receiers in storing and retrieing them. Fiberboard bo"es can be colorfully preprinted
with labels. &ther container materials require glued, stamped, or stenciled labeling.
0ome high quality fruit and egetables are indiidually branded for consumer
identification with small colorful trademark stickers. 0ome shippers also proide
selection, storage, and recipe brochures for the consumer. +ll containers should be
clearly labeled and branded in the language of the destination country with the
following information:
)ommon name of the product.
$et weight, count, and/or olume.
Brand name as well as name and address of the packer or shipper.
)ountry of origin.
0i*e and grade, when standards are used.
%ecommended storage temperature.
0pecial handling instructions.
$ame of (.0. approed fungicides or bactericides used in packaging.
3abeling of consumer packages is mandatory under F'+ regulations. #n addition to the
name of product, net weight, and name and address of the manufacturer, packer or
distributor5 processed items must hae all ingredients listed. !he (.0. )ustoms 0erice
requires the outermost container in which the products will ordinarily reach the ultimate
(.0. purchaser must be marked to show the country of origin. .ackaging helps sell
tropical fruits and egetables, plants, and cut flowers5 especially when the shipping
containers are attractiely labeled and proide the necessary product protection.
.%2)&&3 .%&'()2 !& 2$0(%2 :(+3#!9
%emoal of field heat by the process of precooling to a recommended storage
temperature and relatie humidity is absolutely necessary to maintain the quality of
fruits, egetables, plants, and cut flowers. !he quality of most products will rapidly
deteriorate if field heat is not remoed before loading into transportation equipment.
!he rate of respiration and ripening increases two to three times for eery <F ) 7<? F8
aboe the recommended storage temperature.
%efrigerated transportation equipment is designed to maintain temperature and should
not be used to remoe field heat from products packed in shipping containers. !he
refrigeration units also are not capable of raising or controlling the relatie humidity.
+ high temperature difference between the refrigeration unit eaporation coil and the
product will increase the loss of product moisture. !his will cause the eaporator to
frost and the products to shriel or wilt and weigh much less. Most fruits and egetables
hae a water content between ?F and C=J.
F+)!&%0
.recooling e"tends product life by reducing:
Field heat.
!he rate of respiration 7heat generated by the product8.
!he rate of ripening.
!he loss of moisture 7shrieling and wilting8.
!he production of ethylene 7ripening gas generated by the product8.
!he spread of decay.
!he success of precooling is dependent on:
!ime between harest and precooling.
!ype of shipping container if product is packed beforehand.
#nitial product temperature.
Aelocity or amount of cold air, water, or ice proided.
Final product temperature.
0anitation of the precooling air or water to reduce decay organisms.
Maintenance of the recommended temperature after precooling.
.recooling should occur as soon as possible after harest. ,aresting should be done in
early morning hours to minimi*e field heat and the refrigeration load on precooling
equipment. ,arested products should be protected from the sun with a coering until
they are placed in the precooling facility.
Many products are field or shed packed and then precooled. 4irebound wood or nailed
crates or wa" impregnated fiberboard bo"es are used for packed products that are
precooled with water or ice after packing. .recooling of products packed in shipping
containers and stacked in uniti*ed pallet loads is especially important as air circulation
around and through the packaging may be limited during transportation and storage.
.recooling is particularly important for products which produce a lot of heat. !he
following are e"amples of products which hae high respiration rates and short transit
and storage lies:
artichokes brussels sprouts onions, green
asparagus carrots, bunched okra
beans, lima corn, sweet parsley
beans, snap endie peas
bean sprouts kale raspberries
blackberries lettuce spinach
broccoli mushrooms strawberries
watercress
M2!,&'0
!he choice of precooling method depends on the nature, alue, and quantity of the
product as well as the cost of labor, equipment, and materials. .recooling methods
include:
%oom cooling: stacking containers of products in a refrigerated room. 0ome
products are misted or sprayed with water during room cooling.
Forced air cooling or wet pressure cooling: drawing air thru stacks of containers
of products in a refrigerated room. For some products, water is added to the air.
,ydrocooling: flushing product in bulk tanks, bins, or shipping containers with a
large quantity of ice water.
Aacuum cooling: remoing heat from products packed in shipping containers by
drawing a acuum in a chamber.
,ydroacuum cooling: adding moisture to products packed in shipping
containers before or during the acuum process, to speed the remoal of heat.
.ackage/icing: in1ecting slush or crushed ice into each shipping container of
product. 0ome operations use bulk containers.
.ortable ice plants, hydrocoolers, acuum coolers, forced/air coolers, and package/icing
machines are aailable for use in the fields. !his equipment is useful for remote or small
scale operations that cannot 1ustify inestment in a fi"ed precooling facility. Mounted
on skids or dollies, the equipment can follow the harest from field to field and be
shared by many growers.
,ydrocooling and acuum cooling are the fastest cooling methods. )ooling times of
one half hour are possible. .roducts and packaging must be able to withstand direct
water contact in hydrocooling. #n acuum cooling, it is necessary the products hae a
large surface area, low density, and high moisture content. !he bo"es and wrapping
must allow entilation of heat.
Forced air cooling can take < or - hours depending on the amount of packaging, while
room cooling may take -I to D- hours. .ackaging must allow entilation of heat for
these methods to be successful. .ackage/icing proides effectie cooling and a high
relatie humidity for products and packaging that can withstand direct contact with ice.
Many tropical fruit, egetables, plants, and cut flowers require much less cooling than
products which are cooled to F ) 7G- F8. +ll products should be precooled as near as
possible to the recommended storage temperature and relatie humidity. .roduct
temperatures should be taken in sample shipping containers by inserting an electronic
thermometer into the product. !he data should be recorded for future reference.
!ables in the sections on Fruits, Aegetables, and 0pecialty .roducts5 .otted .lants5 and
)ut Flowers and Florist Greens proide lists of products and their recommended
temperatures, relatie humidities, and appro"imate transit and storage lies.
%ecommended precooling methods also are gien for indiidual fruits and egetables.
.lants and flowers are room cooled. )ut flowers also are forced/air cooled after
packing.
.%2)+(!#&$0
0ince most tropical products are sensitie to chilling in1ury, care must be taken not to
precool or store the products below the recommended temperature. &ften the isible
effects of chilling in1ury are delayed until the product is offered for retail sale. !hese
effects include failure to ripen properly, pitting, decay, watery breakdown, and
discoloration in fruits and egetables. Flowers and plants lose florets or foliage, fail to
open, discolor, or wilt.
+ll products are sensitie to decay. .recooling equipment and water should be saniti*ed
continuously with a hypochlorite solution to eliminate decay producing organisms. )are
also must be taken not to allow products to warm up after precooling. )ondensation on
cool product surfaces at higher air temperatures also spreads decay.
!he method of transportation, condition of the transport equipment, loading method,
and transit and storage practices affect the success of precooling. #f the recommended
temperature and relatie humidity are not maintained after precooling, product quality
will deteriorate.
.%2)&&3 .%&'()2 .%2)&&3#$G 2:(#.M2$!
.hotos
),&&02 !,2 B20! M&'2 &F !%+$0.&%!+!#&$
+fter precooling, the products must be properly loaded and transported at or near the
recommended storage temperature and relatie humidity to maintain quality. !he design
and condition of the transport equipment, and the loading method used are critical to
maintaining product quality. !he mode of transportation and the carrier should be
chosen carefully.
F+)!&%0
!he mode of transportation and type of equipment used should be based on:
'estination.
Aalue of the product.
'egree of product perishability.
+mount of product to be transported.
%ecommended storage temperature and relatie humidity.
&utside temperature conditions at origin and destination points.
!ime in transit to reach destination by air, land, or ocean transport.
Freight rates negotiated with the carriers.
:uality of transportation serice.
%eliability and quality of transportation serice proided by different carriers must be
carefully considered along with the rates charged. 0erices and schedules are
established or modified weekly. 0ometimes serice is abruptly withdrawn. 0hippers
should contact air and ocean port authorities at their origin and destination locations to
receie the most current information on aailable serices. 3ocal trade publications also
are e"cellent sources of information, as many carriers and their agents adertise their
schedules and destinations.
%efrigerated trailers and an containers are recommended for most high olume
products with transit and storage lies of a week or more. +fter transit, there must be
enough remaining product life for marketing. )arriers utili*ing trailers and containers
can offer a door/to/door serice. !his reduces handling, e"posure, damage, and theft of
the products.
+ir cargo containers also can be used to proide a door/to/door serice. .roducts
transported by air are generally high/alue and highly perishable. Freight costs are
higher by air. !ransit times, howeer, are in terms of hours instead of days.
Many products are shipped in unrefrigerated air containers or on air cargo pallets. !his
requires close coordination at the origin and destination airports to protect the products
when flights are delayed. )old storage facilities at airports are needed to ensure product
quality. %efrigerated air containers are aailable and should be used when possible.
.roducts which can be shipped in refrigerated trailers and an containers are sometimes
shipped by air to take adantage of brief market opportunities, such as the beginning of
a season when prices are high and supply is limited. &ften an importer who is first to
receie a certain product is able to build goodwill and increase sales throughout the
season.
2:(#.M2$!
!he following transportation equipment is aailable:
+ir cargo containers//for air and highway transport.
+ir cargo pallets with netting//for air and highway transport.
,ighway trailers//for highway transport only.
.iggyback trailers//for rail, highway, and roll/on/roll/off ocean transport.
Aan containers//for rail, highway, and lift/on/lift/off ocean transport.
General cargo ocean essels//handling palleti*ed or indiidual shipping
containers in refrigerated holds of the ship.
%ail bo"cars//handling palleti*ed or indiidual shipping containers.
#nformation on the cubic capacity and weight limits of air cargo containers and pallets,
and refrigerated trailers and an containers is gien at the end of this section.
%2F%#G2%+!#&$ 090!2M0
!he following refrigeration systems are aailable:
Mechanical//using diesel generated electric power oer the road and aboard
ocean essels. Aan containers are plugged into electrical power at depots and
aboard ships.
)ryogenic//using liquid or gaseous nitrogen or carbon dio"ide, which is ented
into the cargo compartment. 0ome products such as leafy green egetables are
not compatible with carbon dio"ide refrigeration.
'ry ice//using solid blocks of carbon dio"ide in special trays or compartments
in the cargo area or within indiidual shipping containers. 0hippers must check
with airlines prior to using dry ice. #f permitted, the containers and
accompanying documents must be properly marked to show the amount of dry
ice used. 0ome products such as leafy green egetables are not compatible with
dry ice. 'irect contact with dry ice will in1ure fresh products.
4et ice//using ice within indiidual shipping containers or on top of a load of
containers, either as a supplement or instead of mechanical refrigeration. Many
airlines refuse to handle shipping containers with wet ice due to the risk of
e"pensie damage from leaking containers. +irlines that do permit wet ice
require that it be placed in sealed polyethylene bags inside a leakproof container
with a moisture absorbent pad.
Gel refrigerant///using fro*en containers of chemical eutectic gel to maintain
temperature within shipping containers. !his is the refrigeration system
preferred by most airlines.
Aentilation//using fresh air e"change in the refrigeration system or separate
ents to protect products from a buildup of carbon dio"ide or ethylene.
Multitemperature//using a mechanical or cryogenic system to proide two or
three temperature conditions in separate compartments of a trailer.
Modified atmosphere//adding a specific percentage of nitrogen or carbon
dio"ide gas to pallet bags or the cargo compartment of refrigerated trailers or
an containers to reduce product decay, respiration, and ripening of certain
products.
#$0(%+$)2
%egardless of the method of transportation and refrigeration chosen, shippers should
purchase trip insurance for each load to reduce their risk of loss. !he liability of carriers,
importers, brokers, and receiers is often limited. #t is difficult to proe negligence
when the products are handled by so many different parties from the field to the
consumer. 0hippers should plan on placing a temperature recorder in the cargo
compartment during loading to monitor air temperature during transportation. !he use
of these recorders is described in the section on .roper 3oading.
'20#G$ F2+!(%20
3ong distance transportation through tropical and frigid climates requires rugged well/
designed equipment to withstand the transit enironment and protect the products.
'esirable features in refrigerated trailers up to <I.> m 7I? ft8 long and an containers up
to <- m 7IF ft8 long include:
I<,?IG k1/h 7IF,FFF B!(/h8 refrigeration capacity at G? ) 7<FF F8 ambient, - )
7G= F8 return air temperature.
+ continuously operating high capacity eaporator blower for more een
product temperatures and higher relatie humidities.
+ solid return air bulkhead at the front of the trailer to ensure air circulation
throughout the load.
Aertical ribs on the rear door to assist in air circulation.
+dequate insulation and proisions for heating, when used in areas with e"treme
weather.
'eep floor grooes or channels, from =< to D> mm 7- to G in8 in depth to proide
an adequate cross/sectional area for air circulation under loads placed directly on
the floor.
0upply/air temperature sensing of the operation of the refrigeration unit to
reduce product chilling and free*ing in1ury.
.roisions for entilation to preent ethylene or carbon dio"ide buildup,
particularly in loads of:
o +pples
o Brussels sprouts
o .lants
o +pricots
o )abbage
o Biwifruit
o +ocados
o )auliflower
o 3eafy greens
o Bananas
o )herimoya
o 3ettuce
o Belgian endie
o )ucumbers
o .lantains
o Broccoli
o )ut flowers
.roisions for application of modified atmospheres with reduced o"ygen and
eleated carbon dio"ide leels, particularly in loads of:
o +pples
o Bananas
o Mangoes
o +sparagus
o )herries
o .ears
o +ocados
o Biwifruit
o 0trawberries
+ir/ride suspension to reduce the amount of shock and ibration transfered to
the shipping containers and the products inside.
!%+$0.&%! 2:(#.M2$!
.hotos
!he capacities and dimensions of air cargo containers, air cargo pallets, refrigerated
trailers, and refrigerated an containers ary from carrier to carrier due to differences in
equipment design and manufacture. )arriers should be consulted well in adance of
shipping for specifications, aailability, and rates. Many carriers proide aluable
assistance and information on loading and operating their equipment.
%oom for air circulation must be proided in transport equipment loaded with
agricultural products. !he nature of the product, type of packaging, and loading method
affect air circulation as well as the total weight and the olume occupied by the load.
Ma"imum cargo weights are limited by carriers to comply with restrictions on particular
transport and handling equipment or limits enforced by Goernment agencies to protect
roads and bridges. 'ue to light product density or load limits, many loads do not utili*e
the ma"imum rated weight capacity of the transport equipment.
AIR CARGO CONTAINERS:
%efrigerated:
3'G:
Ma"imum cargo weight: <IFF kg 7GF?F
lb8
'ry ice system: => kg 7<-= lb8 )&-
#nternal measure: <I>F " <IGF " <I<F
mm 7=D " => " == in8
(seable olume: G.= cu m 7<-- cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, +GFF,
+G<F, D>D

3'D/C:
Ma"imum cargo weight: =I=F kg
7<-,FFF lb8
'ry ice system: C< kg 7-FF lb8 )&-
#nternal measure: -CIF " -F-F " <IGF
mm 7<<= " DC " => in8
(seable olume: ?.> cu m 7GF= cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, DFD and
')? freighters

3'=/<<:
Ma"imum cargo weight: G-FF kg 7D<FF
lb8
'ry ice system: => kg 7<-= lb8 )&-
#nternal measure: -CIF " <IGF " <IGF
mm 7<<= " => " => in8
(seable olume: >.F cu m 7-<F cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F
#nsulated:
3'G:
Ma"imum cargo weight: <IFF kg 7G<FF
lb8
#nternal measure: <=GI " <=>- " <>-F
mm 7>F " >- " >I in8
(seable olume: G.D cu m 7<G< cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, +GFF,
+G<F, D>D
'ry 7uninsulated8:
3'G:
Ma"imum cargo weight: <=FF kg 7GGFF
lb8
#nternal measure: <I=F " <I=G " <==F
mm 7=? " =C " >< in8
(seable olume: I.G cu m 7<=G cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, +GFF,
+G<F, D>D

3'D/C:
$on/structural igloo pallet container,
contoured or rectangular, with fabric
weather coer and full net. 0tructural
igloo pallet container, contoured or
rectangular
Ma"imum cargo weight:
IG=F kg 7C>FF lb8 on DID aircraft
GDFF kg 7?<=F lb8 on 3<F<< aircraft
#nternal measure: -<>F " G<FF " <==F
mm 7?= " <-- " >< in8
(seable olume: <F cu m 7GI? cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, DFD and
')? freighter

3'<<:
0tructural igloo pallet container,
contoured or rectangular
Ma"imum cargo weight:
-CFF kg 7>IFF lb8 on DID and ')<F
-=FF kg 7==FF lb8 on 3<F<< aircraft
#nternal measure: <IDF " G<FF " <==F
mm 7=? " <-- " >< in8
(seable olume: D cu m 7--C cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F
Fibeb!"d "i #"g! #!n$"ine%& %'ippe %(pp)ied:
Fiberboard containers can be lined with <C mm 7G/I in8 polystyrene foam board or hae
a polystyrene foam bo" insert. For refrigerated shipments, the containers are wa"
impregnated and lined with a film bag before the foam board is put in place.
%efrigeration should be supplied with dry ice or gel pack, as many air carriers do not
permit water ice on board. !hose that do permit ice require it be sealed in plastic bags
and the container be leakproof.
Fibeb!"d "i #"g! #!n$"ine%
E*:
Ma"imum cargo weight: <G- kg 7-CF
lb8
2"ternal measure: C-F " =>F " =>F mm
7G> " -- " -- in8
Ma"imum top loading capability: -D-
kg 7>FF lb8
+ircraft: +ll

E:
Ma"imum cargo weight: -<? kg 7I?-
lb8
2"ternal measure: <FDF " DIF " >=F
mm 7I- " -C " -= in8
Ma"imum top loading capability: -D-
kg 7>FF lb8
+ircraft: +ll

CO8:
Ma"imum cargo weight: ?>> kg 7<CFC
lb8
2"ternal measure: <F>F " <IDF " <<IF
mm 7I- " =? " I= in8
Ma"imum top loading capability: -D-
kg 7>FF lb8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, +GFF,
+G<F, D>D

C+7:
#nsert for 3'G containers
Ma"imum cargo weight: <G>F kg 7GFFF
lb8
2"ternal measure: <I?F " <I-F " <I?F
mm 7=D " => " =D in8
Ma"imum top loading capability: =II
kg 7<-FF lb8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, +GFF,
+G<F, D>D
+#% )+%G& .+332!0
,1,:
2"ternal Measure: --IF " G<?F mm 7??
" <-= in8
Ma"imum cargo weight:
I=FF kg 7CC-F lb8 on DID aircraft
G?>F kg 7?=<F lb8 on 3<F<< aircraft
Ma"imum loaded height: <>GF mm 7>I
in8, lower deck
(seable olume: <F cu m 7GI< cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, +GFF
Supplied with cargo nets.
,6,:
2"ternal measure: -IGF " G<DF mm 7C>
" <-= in8
Ma"imum cargo weight: I=FF kg 7CC-F
lb8
Ma"imum loaded height, main deck:
-IG? mm 7C> in8
(seable olume, main deck: <> cu m
7=>< cu ft8
Ma"imum loaded height, lower deck:
<>GF mm 7>I in8
(seable olume lower deck: << cu m
7G?? cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, +GFF,
+G<F, D>D
,-,:
2"ternal measure: <=GF " G<?F mm 7><
E <-= in8
Ma"imum cargo height:
GFCF kg 7>?<F lb8 on DID and ')<F
->G= kg 7=?<F lb8 on 3<F<< aircraft
Ma"imum loaded height: <>GF mm 7>I
in8, lower deck
(seable olume: ? cu m 7-=> cu ft8
+ircraft: DID, 3<F<<, ')<F, +GFF
0upplied with cargo nets.
REFRIGERATE. TRAI/ERS:
Many trailers are intermodal. !heir upper coupler is designed for piggyback loading on
railroad flatcars with deck/mounted hitches, attachment to similar hitches on roll/
on/roll/off barges and essels, and transport oer the highway.
12 0
Ma"imum cargo weight: --,>?F kg
7=F,FFF lb8
7IF ft8 #nternal measure:
<- " -.-> " -.IC m
7GC.GG " D.I- " ?.<D ft8
(seable olume: >- cu m 7-<?? cu ft8

13.7 0
Ma"imum cargo weight: --,>?F kg
7=F,FFF lb8
7I= ft8 #nternal measure:
<G.?I " -.<C " -.G> m
7I=.I- " D.<D " D.D= ft8
(seable olume: >> cu m 7-G-? cu ft8

14.6 0
Ma"imum cargo weight: --,>?F kg
7=F,FFF lb8
7I? ft8 #nternal measure: <I.-> " -.I= "
-.=F m
7I>.DD " ?.FI " ?.-< ft8
(seable olume: ?F cu m 7-?-= cu ft8
REFRIGERATE. 1AN CONTAINERS:
)ontainers are intermodal. !hey are stacked on ocean container essels and transported
one/high on railroad flatcars 7)&F)8 or two/high in double/stack railcars. 4hen
mounted on chassis, they are transported on roll/on roll/off ocean essels, highways,
and railroad flatcars 7!&F)8. 'ue to refrigerated container shortages, some carriers
require containers to be unloaded at their terminals in the importing country.
6 0
Ma"imum cargo weight: <C,F=F kg
7I-,FFF lb8
7-F ft8 #nternal measure:
=.-C " -.<? " -.F- m
7<D.>D " D.-C " >.D= ft8
(seable olume: -G.?I cu m 7?I- cu ft8

12 0
Ma"imum cargo weight: -F,?>> kg
7I>,FFF lb8
7IF ft8 #nternal measure:
<<.GG " -.-? " -.<C m
7GD.<D " D.=F " D.<C ft8
(seable olume: =>.D- cu m 7-FFG cu
ft8

12 0
,igh )ube, -.C m 7C.= ft8 high
7IF ft8 Ma"imum cargo weight: -F,I<-
kg 7I>,FFF lb8
#nternal measure:
<F.?C " -.<? " -.G- m
7G>.GG " D.-C " D.D= ft8
(seable olume: =?.<I cu m 7-,F=G cu
ft8
),2)B !,2 !%+$0.&%! 2:(#.M2$! B2F&%2 3&+'#$G
Most carriers check their transport equipment before presenting it to the shipper for
loading. !he condition of the equipment is critical to maintaining the quality of the
products. !herefore, the shipper also should check the equipment to ensure it is in good
working order and meets the needs of the product. )arriers proide guidance on
checking and operating the refrigeration systems.
+ll transportation equipment should be checked for:
)leanliness//the load compartment should be regularly steam/cleaned.
'amage//walls, floors, doors, ceilings should be in good condition.
!emperature control//refrigerated units should be recently calibrated and supply
continuous air circulation for uniform product temperatures.
0hippers should insist on clean equipment. + load of products can be ruined by:
&dors from preious shipments.
!o"ic chemical residues.
#nsects nesting in the equipment.
'ecaying remains of agricultural products.
'ebris blocking drain openings or air circulation along the floor.
0hipper should insist on well maintained equipment and check for the following:
'amage to walls, ceilings, or floors which can let in the outside heat, cold,
moisture, dirt, and insects.
&peration and condition of doors, entilation openings, and seals.
.roisions for load locking and bracing.
For refrigerated trailers and an containers, the following additional checks are
important:
4ith the doors closed, hae someone inside the cargo area check for light//door
gaskets must seal. + smoke generator also can be used to detect leaks.
!he refrigeration unit should cycle from high to low speed when the desired
temperature is reached and then back to high speed.
'etermine the location of the sensing element which controls the discharge air
temperature. #f it measures return air temperature, the thermostat will hae to be
set higher to aoid chilling in1ury or free*ing in1ury of the products.
+ solid return air bulkhead should be installed at the front of the trailer.
+ heating deice should be aailable for transportation in areas with e"treme
cold weather.
2quipment with a top air deliery system must hae a fabric air chute or metal
ceiling plenum in good condition.
(02 .%&.2% 3&+'#$G .%+)!#)20
.roducts requiring refrigeration should be thoroughly precooled prior to loading into
transportation equipment. .roduct temperatures should be taken with an electronic
probe thermometer and recorded on the bill of lading for future reference. !he load
compartment in the equipment also should be precooled to the recommended transport
or storage temperature for the product. #deally, the loading area should be enclosed and
refrigerated with dock seals at the trailer or container doors.
.roper loading practices are critical to maintaining temperature and relatie humidity,
protecting the products from impact and ibration forces in transit, and preenting
insects from entering the load. 0pecial care must be taken when shipping mi"ed loads.
!he products must be compatible.
M2!,&'0
Basic loading methods include:
Bulkloading, by machine or hand, of unpackaged commodities.
,and loading indiidual shipping containers, with or without pallets.
(nit loading of palleti*ed or slipsheet loads of containers with pallet 1acks or
forklifts.
+#% )#%)(3+!#&$
#nadequate proisions for air circulation will ruin a load, een in well designed
transportation equipment. 4hen possible, shipping containers should be kept off
shallow floors and away from flat sidewalls by using pallets, racks, and dunnage. %oom
for air circulation must be proided under, around and through the load to protect the
products from:
,eat gain from the outside air during hot weather.
,eat generated by the produce through respiration.
)oncentrations of ethylene from ripening of the products
,eat loss to the outside air during e"treme cold weather.
)hilling in1ury or free*ing in1ury during operation of the refrigeration unit.
!2M.2%+!(%2 )&$!%&3
0hippers using refrigerated transport equipment should follow the carrier;s
recommendations on loading and setting the temperature of the equipment;s load
compartment to aoid chilling in1ury or free*ing in1ury to the products. 'ischarge air
may be colder than the set/point temperature if the refrigeration system operates on
return air temperature sensing.
Many carriers adise setting the thermostat temperature < to G) 7-/> F8 higher than the
recommended temperature of F) 7G- F8 for chilled products. !his depends on the design
of the transportation equipment. $ewer equipment with supply/air temperature sensing
and good air circulation can be operated closer to the recommended temperature. For
most tropical fruits and egetables and plants which hae recommended temperatures in
the <F to -< ) 7=F/DF F8 range, the thermostat is set at or near the recommended
temperature.
B%+)#$G
3oads should be secured with some of the following materials to preent ibration and
impact damage in transit:
+luminum or wood load locks.
Fiberboard honeycomb fillers.
4ood blocking and nailing strips.
#nflatable kraft paper air bags.
)argo nets and straps.
4ood load gates constructed of -= mm " <F- mm 7< in " I in8 material.
.20! )&$!%&3
0hippers should aoid loading at night. #nsects attracted by light can enter the load and
cause problems upon inspection at destination. !he loading area should be enclosed to
preent insects from reinfesting treated and packaged products.
Fumigations for pest control inside loaded transportation equipment are usually done
under superision by +.,#0 in accordance with the necessary treatment schedule for a
particular product and insect. )old treatment of certain products during transportation
also is used to kill insects. !his inoles strict temperature control throughout the load
for up to - weeks.
+#% )+%G& 2:(#.M2$!
+ir cargo containers are loaded by hand or with forklifts when using fiberboard 3'/G
container inserts. .olystyrene foam triangular inserts, wood blocking and fiberboard
dunnage are recommended to brace shipping containers and proide a leel platform on
the sloped surface of 3'/G containers. %efrigerated air cargo containers should be used
when aailable.
+ir cargo pallets are loaded by hand or with forklifts. !he loads should be uniti*ed with
straps, tape, or cross/stacking of the shipping containers. + weatherproof coer can be
placed oer the load along with the required cargo netting, proided the pallet load is
protected from sunlight.
!%+#32%0 +$' A+$ )&$!+#$2%0
For refrigerated trailers and an containers the following loading practices are
recommended:
.recool the trailer or container to the recommended transport or storage
temperature. !urn off the refrigeration unit during loading if the loading area is
not refrigerated. &therwise the eaporator will frost due to the warm air drawn
in by the unit.
(nit loads must be thoroughly precooled as air circulation to some of the
shipping containers may be limited. !he containers should hae openings for
cooling and entilation of product heat.
+oid loading tightly against flat side walls, use center/line loading for uniti*ed
loads.
0ecure uniti*ed loads with dunnage between the walls and load.
'o not block air circulation at the rear door.
0ecure the rear of both hand/stacked and uniti*ed loads with straps, load gates,
or load lock bars to preent the load from shifting against the rear doors.
Fig(e% -& 1+& "nd 11 illustrate unit loading patterns. Fig(e% 12 "nd 13 illustrate hand
loading patterns.
!&. +#% '23#A2%9
For refrigerated trailers and an containers with top air deliery, these additional
practices are necessary to maintain product quality:
,and/stacked loads should be arranged with lengthwise air flow channels,
eenly spaced, on eery other layer, to entilate product heat 7respiration8. !his
is illustrated in Fig(e 12.
,eader stacks must be proided at the front bulkhead of the trailer or an
container in hand/stacked loads to connect all the lengthwise channels and allow
the air to return to the eaporator (See 2ig(e 123.
Fiberboard bo"es must be strong enough to support the offset shipping
containers stacked aboe.
.allets should be used with hand/stacked loads to proide adequate air
circulation in equipment with flat or shallow grooed floors.
!he load should not block the ceiling air chute or plenum.
B&!!&M +#% '23#A2%9
For refrigerated trailers and an containers with bottom air deliery, these additional
practices are necessary to maintain product quality:
,and/stacked loads of shipping containers should hae bottom to top entilation
slots which align in the stacks. &therwise there should at least be small ertical
air flow channels between containers as a result of the slight bulge in the sides of
the containers.
+t least <G mm 7= in8 of space should be proided at the ceiling for return air
circulation.
!he load should coer most of the floor surface to force more air through the
load. !he floor channels at the rear of the load should be blocked for this
purpose.
!&./#)#$G
!op/ice is used for certain products to supplement mechanical refrigeration and help
maintain a high humidity. %efrigeration units on trailers and an containers cannot
control relatie humidity.
!op/ice on loads should be applied in rows instead of a solid mass, especially in bottom
air deliery equipment. #t is important not to block air circulation. !he thermostat on
top/iced loads should be set at - o) 7G= oF8 to preent free*ing of the ice into a solid
mass which would block air circulation. !able G lists products that should or can be top/
iced. !hese products also can be package/iced.
T"b)e 3: !op/icing of products
0hould be !op/#ced )an be !op/#ced
beets with tops artichokes, globe
broccoli beet greens
carrots with tops beets, topped
corn, sweet brussels sprouts
endie cantaloupes
escarole carrots, topped
green onions celeriac
parsley chard
radishes with tops kohlrabi
turnips with tops leeks
watercress mustard greens
radish greens parsnips
spinach radishes
turnip greens rutabagas
turnips
3&+'#$G .+!!2%$0
Figures
!2M.2%+!(%2 %2)&%'2%0
#n addition to trip insurance, all loads should hae a small air temperature recorder
placed between packages in the area where the warmest temperatures occur. %ecorder
companies recommend placement on top of the load, near a side wall, one/third of the
way in from the rear doors, away from any direct discharge of refrigerated air. %ailcars
should hae two or three recorders. #n loads with top/ice or humidity aboe C= percent,
the recorders should be waterproof or enclosed in a plastic bag. Models are aailable for
fro*en food applications.
0hippers and receiers must follow the temperature recorder companies instructions on
documenting the load, starting the recorder, reading the results, and returning it for
calibration and certification if necessary. !hese steps are essential for settling claims
oer temperature management during transportation.
M#E2' 3&+'0
Groups of products suitable for transportation and storage together hae been identified.
!hey are listed in !able I in the %ecommended !ransit and 0torage section. !ables =/C
list products according to their sensitiity to chilling, free*ing, moisture loss, ethylene,
and odors.
0imilar si*ed shipping containers should be loaded together in mi"ed loads for increased
stability. ,eaier shipping containers of products should be loaded first, distributed
eenly across the floor of the trailer or container. 3ighter shipping containers can then
be placed against or on top of the heaier products. 3oad lock bars, load gates, and
pallets placed in a ertical position can be used to separate and secure stacks of different
si*ed shipping containers. !o facilitate inspection of mi"ed loads at ports of entry, a
representatie sample of each commodity should be aailable near the door. !his can
minimi*e the unloading of cargo for e"amination.
$eer load fruit, egetables, or other food products with non/food cargos that proide
any risk of contamination through transfer of odor or to"ic chemical residues.
!he longer the transit time, the higher the risks in transporting mi"ed loads of
agricultural products. !herefore it is essential that guidelines be followed as much as
possible to maintain quality in distant markets.
M(3!#/!2M.2%+!(%2 3&+'0
!railers with two or three separate compartments can be used to carry loads of products
with different temperature requirements. +dance planning is required when loading
multi/temperature trailers. !he conditions proided by three compartment trailers may
include /<? ) 7F F8, F) 7G-F8, <F ) 7=F F8, or ambient for products not requiring
refrigeration.
!he fro*en compartment is usually located at the front of the trailer ad1acent to the
refrigeration unit. Moable bulkheads are placed between the compartments. 0eparate
eaporators or entilation between compartments proide temperature control for the
nonfro*en products. 0ide doors are needed to access the forward compartments when
the trailers are inspected at ports of entry or used to make multiple delieries on a single
run.
M&'#F#2' +!M&0.,2%2 3&+'0
Modified atmospheres of reduced o"ygen and eleated carbon dio"ide and nitrogen are
proided to trailers and containers after loading is completed. !he trailers and
containers must be equipped with channels at the doorway for a plastic film curtain and
gas ports for the application of the treatment. !he refrigeration unit, walls, ceiling, floor,
and doors must adequately seal the inside of the cargo area from outside air. &therwise
the modified atmosphere will quickly dissipate. 4arning labels must be applied to the
equipment to warn that the atmosphere is not life supporting and that the cargo area
must be properly entilated before personnel enter to unload the cargo.
A2$!#3+!#&$
+tmospheres also are modified by ad1usting ents on the trailers and containers to
reduce either carbon dio"ide or ethylene buildup. 3eafy green egetables are sensitie
to carbon dio"ide, while many products are sensitie to ethylene. #n lieu of entilation,
potassium permanganate pads can be installed in the trailer or container at the
refrigeration unit to absorb ethylene.
3&+'2' 2:(#.M2$!
+ wood load gate is braced against the rear of this load of citrus by wood load locks
which are attached to the side walls of this refrigerated trailer.
0leeed potted foliage plants are stacked against the front bulkhead of this refrigerated
an container. 4ood blocking is used to secure the plants.
.%&.2% 3&+'#$G 3&+'2' 2:(#.M2$!
.hotos
(02 %2)&MM2$'2' !%+$0#! +$' 0!&%+G2 .%&)2'(%20
,aresting and packaging of most products should be closely coordinated with
transportation to minimi*e time in transit and storage and ma"imi*e product freshness in
the hands of consumers. 0ome products, howeer, can be consolidated in storage before
or after transportation to obtain lower freight rates or higher prices.
'uring transportation and storage of loads of one product, the temperature and relatie
humidity should be as close as possible to the recommended leels to achiee the
ma"imum product life. 4hile transport refrigeration unit thermostats are sometimes set
higher to aoid free*ing in1ury, storage facilities are better able to control temperature
and can proide conditions at the recommended leel without damaging the products.
'uring transportation of refrigerated loads in trailers and an containers, the operation
of the refrigeration unit and temperature of the load compartment should be checked
regularly by the carrier. Gauges are proided for this purpose on most equipment. Many
an containers also are proided with an e"terior electronic or mechanical temperature
recorder.
M#E2' 3&+'0 +$' 0!&%+G2
Many products are often transported in mi"ed loads or stored with other products. !hey
must be compatible in terms of:
%ecommended temperature.
%ecommended relatie humidity.
.roduction of ethylene.
0ensitiity to ethylene.
.roduction of odors.
+bsorption of odors.
!he following compatibility and sensitiity tables I/C< take the aboe factors into
account for transit and storage periods of < day or more. )ompromises are made for
temperature and humidity leels. #n any of the groups, the more aluable products
should determine the transit and storage conditions of the other commodities.
#nformation on the compatibility of many tropical fruit and egetables is limited to
temperature and relatie humidity conditions. 0eparate transit and storage are
recommended for bananas, citrus, nuts, potatoes, onions, plants, cut flowers, florist
greens, and nursery stock.
1 Souces of information for the compatiility and sensiti!ity tales are: "eney#
$lac%er# and &edding (')# (ardenurg# )atada# and )ang (*)# +ipton and (ar!ey (1,)#
Safeway Stores# -nc. (2')# Society of American .lorists (2/).
!able I: )ompatability groups Group <: Fruits and egetables, F to - o) 7G- to G> oF8,
CF/C=J relatie humidity. Many products in this group produce ethylene.
apples grapes 7without sulfur dio"ide8 parsnips
apricots peaches +sian pears
horseradish pears Barbados cherry
kohlrabi persimmons beets, topped
leeks plums berries 7e"cept cranberries8
longan pomegranates loquat
prunes cashew apple lychee
quinces cherries mushrooms
radishes coconuts nectarines
rutabagas figs 7not with apples8 orangesK 7Florida and
!e"as8
turnips
KFlorida and !e"as grown. )itrus treated with biphenyl may gie odors to other
products.
Group -: Fruits and egetables, F to - ) 7G- to G> F8, C=/<FFJ relatie humidity. Many
products in this group are sensitie to ethylene.
amaranthK corn, sweetK parsleyK
aniseK daikonK parsnipsK
artichokesK endieK peasK
asparagus escaroleK bean sprouts
grapes 7without sulfur dio"ide8 pomegranate beetsK
raddichio Belgian endie horseradish
radishesK berries 7e"cept cranberries8 Lerusalem artichoke
rhubarb kiwifruit rutabagasK
bok choy kohlrabiK salsify
broccoliK leafy greens scor*onera
brussels sproutsK leeksK 7not with figs or grapes8 snow peas
cabbageK spinachK carrotsK
lettuce turnipsK cauliflower
lo bok waterchestnut celeriacK
mushrooms watercressK celeryK
onions, greenK 7not with figs,
grapes, mushrooms, rhubarb, or corn8
cherries
Kthese products can be top/iced.
Group G: Fruits and egetables, F to - ) 7G- to G> F8, >=/D=J relatie humidity.
Moisture will damage these products.
garlic onions, dry
Group I: Fruits and egetables, I.= ) 7IF F8, CF/C=J relatie humidity.
cactus leaes lemonsK tamarillo
cactus pears lychees tangelosK
caimito kumquat tangerinesK
cantaloupesKK mandarinK ugli fruitK
clementine orangesK yucca root
cranberries pepino
K citrus treated with biphenyl may gie odors to other products.
KK can be top/iced.
Group =: Fruits and egetables, <F ) 7=F F8, ?=/CFJ relatie humidity. Many of these
products are sensitie to ethylene. !hese products also are sensitie to chilling in1ury.
beans kiwano pummelo
calamondin malanga squash, summer 7soft shell8
chayote okra cucumber
olie tamarind eggplant
peppers taro root haricot ert
potatoes, storage
Group >: Fruits and egetables, <G to <= ) 7== to >F F8, ?=/CFJ relatie humidity.
Many of these products produce ethylene. !hese products also are sensitie to chilling
in1ury.
atemoya granadilla papayas
aocados grapefruit passionfruit
babaco guaa pineapple
bananas 1aboticaba plantain
bitter melon 1ackfruit potatoes, new
black sapote langsat pumpkin
boniato lemonsK rambutan
breadfruit limesK santol
canistel mamey soursop
carambola mangoes sugar apple
cherimoya mangosteen squash, winter 7hard shell8
coconuts melons 7e"cept cantaloupes8 fei1oa
tomatillos ginger root tomatoes, ripe
Kcitrus treated with biphenyl may gie odors to other products.
Group D: Fruits and egetables, <? to -< ) 7>= to DF F8, ?=/CFJ relatie humidity.
1icama sweetpotatoesK watermelonK
pears for ripening tomatoes, mature green white sapote
yamsK
K separate from pears and tomatoes due to ethylene sensiity.
Group ?: Flowers and florist greens , F to - ) 7G- to G> F8, CF/C=J relatie humidity.
allium freesia peony, tight buds
aster, )hina gardenia bouardia
hyacinth ranunculus carnation
iris, bulbous rose chrysanthemum
lily squill crocus
lily/of/the/alley sweet pea cymbidium orchid
narcissus tulip adiantum 7maidenhair8
ground pine rhododendren cedar
ile" 7holly8 salal 7lemon leaf8 dagger and wood ferns
1uniper mistletoe accinium 7huckleberry8
gala" mountain/laurel woodwardia fern
Group C: Flowers, I.= ) 7IF F8, CF/C=J relatie humidity.
acacia delphinium orchid, cymbidium
alstromeria feerfew anemone
forget/me/not ornithogalum aster, )hina
fo"gloe poppy buddleia
gaillardia phlo" calendula
gerbera primrose calla
gladiolus protea candytuft
gloriosa ranunculus clarkia
gypsophilla snapdragon columbine
heather snowdrop coreopsis
laceflower statice cornflower
lilac, forced stephanotis cosmos
lupine steia dahlia
marigolds stock daisies
mignonette strawflower iolet
*innia
Group C//)ontinued. Florist greens, I.= ) 7IF F8, CF/C=J relatie humidity.
adiantum 7maidenhair8 eucalyptus myrtus 7myrtle8
asparagus 7plumosa, sprenger8 hedera philodendren
ile" 7holly8 pittosporum bu"us 7bo"wood8
leatherleaf 7baker fern8 pothos camellia
scotch/broomern croton leucothoe, drooping
smila", southern dracaena magnolia
woodwardia fern
Group <F: Flowers and florist greens, D to <F ) 7I= to =F F8, CF/C=J relatie humidity.
anemone eucharis orchid, cattleya
bird/of/paradise gloriosa sweet william
camellia godetia chamaedora
cordyline 7ti8 palm podocarpus
Group <<: Flowers and florist greens, <G to <= ) 7== to >F F8, CF/C=J relatie humidity.
anthurium heliconia poinsetta
ginger orchid, anda diffenbachia
staghorn fern
),#33 02$0#!#A#!9
Most tropical products are sub1ect to chilling in1ury when transported or stored at lower
than recommended temperatures. !his damage often becomes apparent after the
products warm up. .roducts in1ured may show pitting, discoloration, water soaked
areas, decay, and failure to ripen. !he following !able = lists tropical and other products
that sensitie to this in1ury.
!able =: .roducts sensitie to chilling in1ury
atemoya guaas plantain
aocados haricot ert pomegranates
babaco 1aboticaba potatoes
bananas 1ackfruit potted plants
beans 1icama pummelo
bitter melon kiwano pumpkins
black sapote langsat rambutan
boniato lemons santol
breadfruit limes sapodilla
calaba*a malanga soursop
calamondin mamey squash
canistel mangoes sugar apple
cantaloupe mangosteen sweet potatoes
carambola melons tamarillo
chayote okra tamarind
cherimoya olie taro root
cranberries oranges 7)alifornia and +ri*ona8 tomatillo
cucumbers tomatoes custard apple
papaya tropical flowers eggplant
passionfruit ugli fruit fei1oa
pepino watermelon ginger root
peppers white sapote granadilla
pineapples yam grapefruit
F%22H2 02$0#!#A#!9
Many products are recommended to be transported or stored at temperatures only < o to
G ) 7-/> F8 aboe their free*ing points. !hermostats on some trailers and an containers
are set < o to G ) 7-/> F8 higher than the recommended temperature of F ) 7G- F8 for
chilled products. !he following !able > lists a small number of products according to
their sensitiity to free*ing. Most tropical products are damaged by chilling in1ury
before they free*e.
!able >: .roducts susceptible to free*ing in1ury1
Most susceptible Moderately susceptible 3east susceptible
apricots apples beets w/o tops
asparagus broccoli, sprouting brussels sprouts
aocados cabbage, new cabbage, mature or
saoy
bananas carrots w/o tops dates
beans, snap cauliflower kale
berries, e"cept cranberries celery kohlrabi
cucumbers cranberries parsnips
eggplant grapefruit rutabagas
lemons grapes salsify
lettuce onions 7dry8 turnips w/o tops
limes oranges
okra parsley
peaches pears
peppers, sweet peas
plums radishes
potatoes spinach
squash, summer squash, winter
sweet potatoes tomatoes
!he most susceptible products will be in1ured by one light free*ing, moderately
susceptible products will recoer form one or two light free*ings, while least susceptible
products can be lightly fro*en seeral times. Fresh products that are lightly fro*en
should not be handled. !hawing should be done at I ) 7IF F8.
1Source: (ardenurg# )atada# and )ang (*).
M&#0!(%2 3&00 02$0#!#A#!9
Most products need to be transported and stored at a high relatie humidity. 0ome
products are more susceptible to moisture loss than others. Moisture loss results in
wilting and shrieling. !o reduce moisture loss, products must be adequately precooled
before transit. 0ome products also are wa"ed, film/wrapped, package/iced, or top/iced.
%elatie humidity during transit and storage must be maintained as much as possible.
!able D lists products by their moisture loss rate in storage.
!able D: Moisture loss rate of products1
,igh 3oss %ate Medium 3oss %ate 3ow 3oss %ate
apricots aocados parsnipsK apples
blackberries artichokesK pears cauliflower, wrapped
broccoliK asparagus peas cucumbers, wa"ed
cantaloupesK bananas peppers eggplant
chardK beetsK pomegranates garlic
cherries brussels
sproutsK
quinces ginger root
)hinese egetables cabbageK radishesK kiwifruit
figs carrots,
toppedK
rhubarb melons
grapes cauliflower,
unwrapped
rutabagasK onions, dry
green onionsK celeriacK sweet potatoes potatoes
guaas celeryK squash, summer
7soft shell8
pumpkins
kohlrabi coconuts tangerines squash, winter 7hard
shell8
leafy greensK corn, sweetK tomatoes
lychees cranberries yams
mangoes endieK
mushrooms escaroleK
papayas grapefruit
parsleyK green beans
peaches leeksK
persimmons lemons
pineapples lettuce
plums and prunes limes
raspberries nectarines
strawberries okra
cut flowers oranges
egetables with topsK
K can be top/iced.
1Source: largely from Safeway Stores# -nc. (2')
2!,932$2 02$0#!#A#!9
$eer transport or store fruits and egetables that produce a lot of ethylene with
products that are sensitie to it. 2thylene can cause premature ripening of some products
and will ruin others, such as plants and cut flowers. )ucumbers and celery turn yellow
in the presence of ethylene, while lettuce will turn brown. .otassium permangante pads
can be used to absorb ethylene during transit and storage. !able ? lists products that
produce ethylene along with products that are sensitie to it.
!able ?: .roducts that are ethylene producers or ethylene sensitie
2thylene producers: 2thylene sensitie:
apples bananas, unripe
apricots Belgian endie
aocados broccoli
bananas, ripening brussels sprouts
cantaloupes cabbage
cherimoya carrots
figs cauliflower
guaas chard
honeydew melons cucumbers
kiwifruit, ripe cut flowers
mamey eggplant
mangoes florist greens
mangosteen green beans
nectarines kiwifruit, unripe
papayas leafy greens
passion fruit lettuce
peaches okra
pears parsley
persimmons peas
plantains peppers
plums potted plants
prunes spinach
quinces squash
rambutan sweet potatoes
tomatoes watercress
watermelon
yams
&'&% 02$0#!#A#!9
$eer transport or store odorous products with products that will absorb the odors.
!able C lists products that produce odors with products that can absorb them. !able C:
.roducts which produce or absorb odors
&dor produced by: 4ill be absorbed by:
apples cabbage, carrots, celery, figs, onions,
meat, eggs, dairy products
aocados pineapples
carrots celery
citrus fruit meat, eggs, dairy products
ginger root eggplant
grapes fumigated w/ sulfur dio"ide other fruits and egetables
leeks figs, grapes
onions, dry apples, celery, pears
onions, green corn, figs, grapes, mushrooms, rhubarb
pears cabbage, carrots, celery, onions,
potatoes
potatoes apples, pears
peppers, green pineapples
@strongly scented egetables@ citrus fruit
%2)2#A#$G .%&)2'(%20
Before completely unloading a shipment for storage, receiers should check the load to
determine if it meets specifications for quality, grade, and packaging. !he receier also
should note whether the load was adequately braced and the correct temperature was
maintained.
.roduct temperatures in sample shipping containers throughout the load should be taken
and recorded, using an electronic probe thermometer. !he air temperature recorder
should be read if one was placed in the load. 0hippers and carriers should be notified of
any problems with the product, packaging, loading method, or transportation
equipment, so correctie action can be taken.
#f there is a problem with the load, the receier, carrier, or shipper can request an
inspection by a licensed federal or federal/state inspector. (nresoled disputes oer
product quality or payment can be referred to the .erishable +gricultural )ommodities
+ct 7.+)+8 Branch of +M0. Further information is gien in +ppendi" <.
(nloaded products need to be protected from direct sun, condensation, ethylene
produced by equipment e"haust and other products, and contamination. .roducts
needing refrigeration or protection from hot or cold temperatures should be placed in
the recommended storage conditions as soon as possible. &therwise, the efforts of
growers, shippers, and carriers to maintain product quality will hae been in ain.
+#% )#%)(3+!#&$ +$' 0+$#!+!#&$
(niform air circulation in the storage room at the proper temperature and relatie
humidity is important to remoe product heat from respiration and outside heat entering
through door openings and building surfaces. 'oors to refrigerated storage areas should
be protected with plastic strip curtains to reduce heat gain during operations. 4arm air
will quickly reduce relatie humidity in the cold storage area.
!o maintain temperature and relatie humidity, the storage room refrigeration system
should hae a large eaporator surface area, an adequate number of fans, and a
humidifier. !emperature control should be by an electronic thermostat. !he system must
be carefully balanced to aoid free moisture or e"cessie air flow.
2lectric forklifts and pallet 1acks should be used as they do not produce ethylene.
.eriodic sanitation of the storage room walls, ceilings, floor, and refrigeration units is
necessary to reduce decay organisms and odors. )arbon filters can be used to absorb
odors and olatile gases, while potassium permanganate pads can be used to absorb
ethylene.
F4ENTE: Tropical Products Transport Handbook. +griculture ,andbook $o. >>?.
By Brian M. McGregor.+gricultural Marketing 0pecialist
F4ENTE: Tropical Products Transport Handbook. +griculture ,andbook $o. >>?.
By Brian M. McGregor.+gricultural Marketing 0pecialist
F4ENTE: Tropical Products Transport Handbook. +griculture ,andbook $o. >>?.
By Brian M. McGregor.+gricultural Marketing 0pecialist
F(2$!2: Tropical Products Transport Handbook. Agi#()$(e *"ndb!!5 N!. 668.
67 6i"n 8. 8#Geg!.Agi#()$(") 8"5e$ing Spe#i")i%$
Many products that are familiar to consumers such as asparagus, bell peppers, eggplant,
grapefruit, melons, oranges, sweet corn, and tomatoes, are either tropical in origin or
cultiated in areas with tropical and subtropical climates5 in addition to areas with
temperate climates. !hese products are included in this book along with many specialty
products due to their economic importance and consumer demand for a year/round
supply.
Many tropical fruits and egetables are considered specialty products in the trade due to
limited consumer awareness outside of the +sian and ,ispanic communities. 0hippers,
retailers, and trade organi*ations are increasing demand by proiding recipes and
handling information for the consumer. 0mall illustrated brochures are placed in
shipping containers of products for distribution in the food stores. Aideo tapes and
posters also are displayed in the stores. +dertisements, articles, and features are placed
in maga*ines, newspapers, and on teleision.
More research needs to be done on handling, packaging, and transporting many of these
items, especially in the areas of postharest treatments, precooling, and sensitiity to
chilling, free*ing, moisture loss, ethylene, odors, bruising, and decay. For each product
coered in this section, the aailable information< is categori*ed as follows:
0ames: )ommon names and the scientific name of the fruit or egetable are gien to
assist the reader in identification and further research of each product. $ames often ary
by country and region and there is disagreement oer the @correct@ common name for
many products.
A!ailaility: !he time of year products are harested in the (nited 0tates and foreign
countries is gien. $ot all sources of a product are listed. 'ue to (0'+ requirements,
some of these products are not permitted to enter the (nited 0tates from certain
countries until effectie quarantine treatments for destructie insects or diseases are
deeloped. .ermits are sub1ect to change as treatments are deeloped or as new pest and
disease problems arise. + permit from +.,#0 in the name of the (.0. importer is
needed for almost all plant products entering the (nited 0tates. !he permit may require
the product undergo treatment prior to entry. 2ntry may be restricted to certain ports in
the (nited 0tates.
1rades: #n lieu of official or industry grades, descriptions of si*e and appearance are
gien. 0ome products such as pineapple are harested fully ripe, as the ripening process
will not continue after they are picked. #nternational tropical grading standards are
under discussion. (.0. inspection instructions will soon be aailable for many specialty
items.
Treatments: .ostharest treatments are mentioned. !hese treatments must meet the
regulations of the importing country. Growers, shippers, and importers should check
with +.,#0 for the status of chemical or cold temperature quarantine treatments for
insects and diseases. !reatments are required based on the type of product, source of the
product, type of insect or disease, and port of entry.
2recooling: + method is recommended based on the nature of the product. Many
products can be cooled by more than one method.
Temperature 3 &elati!e (umidity: !he recommended product temperature and relatie
humidity to be achieed in precooling, transit and storage, to maintain quality, are
gien. 4hen transporting chilled products, howeer, some carriers recommend setting
the thermostat </G ) 7-/> F8 higher than the recommended temperature of F ) 7G- F8 to
aoid free*ing in1ury. T"b)e 1+ at the end of this section summari*es the recommended
temperature, relatie humidity, and appro"imate transit and storage period for the fruits
and egetables coered in this handbook. #nformation also is gien for other fruits and
egetables.
Sensiti!ity: !he sensitiity of the product to chilling in1ury, free*ing in1ury, moisture
loss, ethylene damage, odors, bruising, or decay is highlighted. Many tropical fruits and
egetables are highly perishable.
Transit 3 Storage +ife: !he time aailable for transit and storage is estimated for
products that are properly packaged and held as close as possible at the recommended
product temperature and relatie humidity. Many tropical fruits and egetables are held
at room temperature at the retail store and in the consumers home for ripening. Bananas
are ripened before retail display as are some aocados, kiwifruit, and tomatoes.
2ac%aging: )ommon package si*es used are listed with appro"imate weights.
&therwise, a recommendation is made. 0tandardi*ed or M(M containers, howeer,
should be used when possible. Many tropical fruits and egetables are low olume items
and can be packaged in I.= kg 7<F lb8 quantities to minimi*e waste and increase
fle"ibility in sales. ,ighly perishable items must be well protected.
Transportation: Based on the transit and storage life, a recommendation is made. 0ince
many tropical products are high/alue and traded in small quantities, they are often
shipped by air, een when surface transportation could be used.
+oading: +ny special loading considerations or methods are mentioned.
$otwithstanding the information presented in this section, shippers should follow the
recommendations of the importer for grade, weight, count, type of packaging and
method of transportation for tropical fruits and egetables, and other specialties. +
number of firms in the (nited 0tates speciali*e in handling these items. !hey can gie
the best information for selling to a particular market.

1 Sources of information for the following product guidelines are: $uishand# (ouwing#
and 4ansen (5)# (ardenurg# )atada# and )ang (*)# 6artin (11)# 6a7well and 6a7well
(12)#(15)# 8rtho $oo%s (1')# 2antastico (1*)# 2i9pers# :onstant# and 4ansen (1/)# The
2ac%er (1;)# 2roduce 6ar%eting Association (2,)# <nited .resh .ruit and =egetale
Association (2/). -nformation also was otained from A2(-S# 4.&. $roo%s 3 Son# -nc.
and .reida>s .inest 2roduce Specialties# -nc.
A)p'"be$i#") Index !2 F(i$% 9 1ege$"b)e%
!able <F: %ecommended temperature and relatie humidity, and appro"imate transit and
storage life for fruits and egetables.
Temperature
Re)"$i:e
'(0idi$7
(pe#en$3
App!xi0"$e
%$!"ge )i2e
,!d(#$
C F
A0""n$' F/- G-/G> C=/<FF <F/<I days
Ani%e F/- G-/G> CF/C= -/G weeks
App)e% /</I GF/IF CF/C= </<- months
Api#!$% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= </G weeks
A$i#'!5e%& g)!be F G- C=/<FF -/G weeks
A%i"n pe" < GI CF/C= =/> months
A%p""g(% F/- G-/G> C=/<FF -/G weeks
A$e0!7" <G == ?=/CF I/> weeks
A:!#"d!%& F(e$e& *"%% D I= ?=/CF - weeks
A:!#"d!%& /()"& 6!!$';1 I IF CF/C= I/? weeks
A:!#"d!%& F(#'%& ,!))!#5 <G == ?=/CF - weeks
6"b"#! D I= ?=/CF </G weeks
6"n"n"%& geen <G/<I =>/=? CF/C= </I weeks
6"b"d!% #'e7 F G- ?=/CF D/? weeks
6e"n %p!($% F G- C=/<FF =/C days
6e"n%& d7 I/<F IF/=F IF/=F >/<F months
6e"n%& geen ! %n"p I/D IF/I= C= D/<F days
6e"n%& )i0"& in p!d% =/> I</IG C= = days
6ee$%& b(n#'ed F G- C?/<FF <F/<I days
6ee$%& $!pped F G- C?/<FF I/> months
6e)gi"n endi:e -/G G>/G? C=/C? -/I weeks
6i$$e 0e)!n <-/<G =G/== ?=/CF -/G weeks
6)"#5 %"p!$e <G/<= ==/>F ?=/CF -/G weeks
6)"#5beie% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= -/G days
6)!!d !"nge I/D IF/II CF/C= G/? weeks
6)(ebeie% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= - weeks
6!5 #'!7 F G- C=/<FF G weeks
6!ni"$! <G/<= ==/>F ?=/CF I/= months
6e"d2(i$ <G/<= ==/>F ?=/CF -/> weeks
6!##!)i F G- C=/<FF <F/<I days
6(%%e)% %p!($% F G- C=/<FF G/= weeks
C"bb"ge& e")7 F G- C?/<FF G/> weeks
C"bb"ge& )"$e F G- C?/<FF =/> months
C"#$(% /e":e% -/I G>/IF CF/C= G weeks
C"#$(% ,e" -/I G>/IF CF/C= G weeks
C"i0i$! G G? CF G weeks
C")"b"<" <F/<G =F/== =F/DF -/G months
C")"0!ndin C/<F I?/=F CF - weeks
C"ni%$e) <G/<= ==/>F ?=/CF G weeks
C"n$")!(p% (3=4;%)ip3 -/= G>/I< C= <= days
C"n$")!(p% (2());%)ip3 F/- G-/G> C= =/<I days
C""0b!)" C/<F I?/=F ?=/CF G/I weeks
C"!$%& b(n#'ed F G- C=/<FF - weeks
C"!$%& 0"$(e F G- C?/<FF D/C months
C"!$%& i00"$(e F G- C?/<FF I/> weeks
C"%'e> "pp)e F/- G-/G> ?=/CF = weeks
C"()i2)!>e F G- C=/C? G/I weeks
Ce)ei"# F G- CD/CC >/? months
Ce)e7 F G- C?/<FF -/G months
C'"d F G- C=/<FF <F/<I days
C'"7!$e %?("%' D I= ?=/CF I/> weeks
C'ei0!7" <G == CF/C= -/I weeks
C'eie%& %!( F G- CF/C= G/D days
C'eie%& %>ee$ /< to /F.= GF/G< CF/C= -/G weeks
C'ine%e b!##!)i F G- C=/<FF <F/<I days
C'ine%e #"bb"ge F G- C=/<FF -/G months
C'ine%e )!ng be"n I/D IF/I= CF/C= D/<F days
C)e0en$ine I IF CF/C= -/I weeks
C!#!n($% F/<.= G-/G= ?F/?= </- months
C!))"d% F G- C=/<FF <F/<I days
C!n& %>ee$ F G- C=/C? =/? days
C"nbeie% -/I G>/IF CF/C= -/I months
C(#(0be% <F/<G =F/== C= <F/<I days
C("n$% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= </I weeks
C(%$"d "pp)e% =/D I</I= ?=/CF I/> weeks
."i5!n F/< G-/GI C=/<FF I months
."$e% /<? or F F or G- D= >/<- months
.e>beie% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= -/G days
.(i"n I/> GC/I- ?=/CF >/? weeks
Eggp)"n$% <- =I CF/C= < week
E)debeie% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= </- weeks
Endi:e "nd e%#"!)e F G- C=/<FF -/G weeks
Fei@!" =/<F I</=F CF -/G weeks
Fig%& 2e%' /F.=/F G</G- ?=/CF D/<F days
G")i# F G- >=/DF >/D months
Ginge !!$ <G == >= > months
G!!%ebeie% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= G/I weeks
G"n"di))" <F =F ?=/CF G/I weeks
G"pe2(i$& C")i2. 9 Ai<. <I/<= =?/>F ?=/CF >/? weeks
G"pe2(i$& F)". 9 Tex"% <F/<= =F/>F ?=/CF >/? weeks
G"pe%& 1ini2e" /< to /F.= GF/G< CF/C= </> months
G"pe%& A0ei#"n /F.=/F G</G- ?= -/? weeks
Geen%& )e"27 F G- C=/<FF <F/<I days
G(":"% =/<F I</=F CF -/G weeks
*"i#!$ :e$ I/D IF/I= C= D/<F days
*!%e"di%' /</F GF/G- C?/<FF <F/<- months
A"b!$i#"b" <G/<= ==/>F CF/C= -/G days
A"#52(i$ <G == ?=/CF -/> weeks
A"22" !"nge ?/<F I>/=F ?=/CF ?/<- weeks
A"p"ne%e eggp)"n$ ?/<- I>/=I CF/C= < week
Ae(%")e0 A$i#'!5e /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= I/= months
Ai#"0" <G/<? ==/>= >=/DF </- months
B")e F G- C=/<FF -/G weeks
Bi>"n! <F/<= =F/>F CF > months
Bi>i2(i$ F G- CF/C= G/= months
B!')"bi F G- C?/<FF -/G months
B(0?("$% I IF CF/C= -/I weeks
/"ng%"$ <</<I =-/=? ?=/CF - weeks
/ee5% F G- C=/<FF -/G months
/e0!n% <F/<G =F/== ?=/CF </> months
/e$$(#e F G- C?/<FF -/G weeks
/i0e% C/<F I?/=F ?=/CF >/? weeks
/! b!5 F/<.= G-/G= C=/<FF -/I months
/!g"nbeie% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= -/G days
/!ng"n <.= G= CF/C= G/= weeks
/!?("$% F G- CF G weeks
/7#'ee% <.= G= CF/C= G/= weeks
8")"ng" D I= DF/?F G months
8"0e7 <G/<= ==/>F CF/C= -/> weeks
8"ng!% <G == ?=/CF -/G weeks
8"ng!%$een <G == ?=/CF -/I weeks
8e)!n%
C"%"b" <F =F CF/C= G weeks
Cen%'"> D I= CF/C= - weeks
*!ne7de> D I= CF/C= G weeks
,e%i"n D I= CF/C= - weeks
8(%'!!0% F G- C= G/I days
Ne#$"ine% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= -/I weeks
O5" D/<F I=/=F CF/C= D/<F days
O)i:e%& 2e%' =/<F I</=F ?=/CF I/> weeks
Oni!n%& geen F G- C=/<FF G/I weeks
Oni!n%& d7 F G- >=/DF </? months
Oni!n %e$% F G- >=/DF >/? months
O"nge%& C")i2. 9 Ai<. G/C G?/I? ?=/CF G/? weeks
O"nge%& F)". 9 Tex"% F/< G-/GI ?=/CF ?/<- weeks
,"p"7"% D/<G I=/== ?=/CF </G weeks
,"%%i!n2(i$ D/<F I=/=F ?=/CF G/= weeks
,"%)e7 F G- C=/<FF -/-.= months
,"%nip% F G- C=/<FF I/> months
,e"#'e% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= -/I weeks
,e"% /<.= to /F.= -C/G< CF/C= -/D months
,e"%& geen F G- C=/C? </- weeks
,e"%& %!($'en I/= IF/I< C= >/? days
,epin! I IF ?=/CF < month
,eppe%& C'i)i (d73 F/<F G-/=F >F/DF > months
,eppe%& %>ee$ D/<G I=/== CF/C= -/G weeks
,e%i00!n%& A"p"ne%e /< GF CF G/I months
,ine"pp)e% D/<G I=/== ?=/CF -/I weeks
,)"n$"in <G/<I ==/=? CF/C= </= weeks
,)(0% "nd p(ne% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= -/= weeks
,!0eg"n"$e% = I< CF/C= -/G months
,!$"$!e%& e")7 #!p <F/<> =F/>F CF/C= <F/<I days
,!$"$!e%& )"$e #!p I.=/<G IF/== CF/C= =/<F months
,(00e)! D/C I=/I? ?=/CF <- weeks
,(0p5in% <F/<G =F/== =F/DF -/G months
C(in#e% /F.=/F G</G- CF -/G months
R"ddi#'i! F/< G-/GI C=/<FF -/G weeks
R"di%'e%& %ping F G- C=/<FF G/I weeks
R"di%'e%& >in$e F G- C=/<FF -/I months
R"0b($"n <- =I CF/C= </G weeks
R"%pbeie% /F.=/F G</G- CF/C= -/G days
R'(b"b F G- C=/<FF -/I weeks
R($"b"g"% F G- C?/<FF I/> months
S")%i27 F G- C=/C? -/I months
S"n$!) D/C I=/I? ?=/CF G weeks
S"p!di))" <>/-F >F/>? ?=/CF -/G weeks
S#!<!ne" F/< G-/GI C=/C? > months
Seed)e%% #(#(0be% <F/<G =F/== ?=/CF <F/<I days
Sn!> pe"% F/< G-/GI CF/C= </- weeks
S!(%!p <G == ?=/CF </- weeks
Spin"#' F G- C=/<FF <F/<I days
S?("%'e%& %(00e =/<F I</=F C= </- weeks
S?("%'e%& >in$e <F/<G =F/== =F/DF -/G months
S$">beie% F G- CF/C= =/D days
S(g" "pp)e% D I= ?=/CF I weeks
S>ee$p!$"$!e% <G/<= ==/>F ?=/CF I/D months
T"0"i))!% G/I GD/IF ?=/C= <F weeks
T"0"ind% D I= CF/C= G/I weeks
T"ngeine%& 0"nd"in%& "nd
e)"$ed #i$(% 2(i$%
I IF CF/C= -/I weeks
T"! !!$ D/<F I=/=F ?=/CF </- months
T!0"$i))!% <G/<= ==/>F ?=/CF G weeks
T!0"$!e%& 0"$(e;geen <?/-- >=/D- CF/C= </G weeks
T!0"$!e%& 2i0;ipe <G/<= ==/>F CF/C= I/D days
T(nip% F G- C= I/= months
T(nip geen% F G- C=/<FF <F/<I days
4g)iD 2(i$ I IF CF/C= -/G weeks
E"$e#'e%$n($% </- G-/G> C?/<FF </- months
E"$e#e%% F G- C=/<FF -/G weeks
E"$e0e)!n% <F/<= =F/>F CF -/G weeks
E'i$e %"p!$e <C/-< >D/DF ?=/CF -/G weeks
E'i$e "%p""g(% F/- G-/G> C=/<FF -/G weeks
Einged be"n <F =F CF I weeks
F"0% <> >< DF/?F >/D months
F(##" !!$ F/= G-/I< ?=/CF </- months
Sources: largely from (ardenurg# )atada# and )ang (*)# also from $uishand#
(ouwing# and 4ansen (5)# 6artin (11)# 6a7well and 6a7well (12)#(15)# 8rtho $oo%s
(1')# 2antastico (1*)# 2i9pers# :onstant# and 4ansen (1/)# The 2ac%er (1;)# 2roduce
6ar%eting Association (2,)# Safeway Stores# -nc. (2')# <nited .resh .ruit and
=egetale Association (5,). -nformation also was otained from 4.&. $roo%s 3 Son# -nc.
and .rieda>s .inest 2roduce Specialties# -nc.
.&!!2' F3&42%#$G +$' F&3#+G2 .3+$!0
!he market for flowering potted plants and potted foliage plants has grown rapidly.
!hese plants are often shipped long distances, for eentual placement in shopping malls,
restaurants, offices and homes. 'uring transportation, plants need protection from
temperature e"tremes, moisture loss, bruising, insects, disease, and ethylene.
)(!!#$G0
%ooted and unrooted cuttings are e"ported for potting and growing in greenhouses and
then transported for sale in domestic and foreign markets for eentual placement in
office, store, restaurant, or home interiors. !he purpose of shipping this plant material in
the form of cuttings is to comply with buyer specifications or, in the case of the (nited
0tates, restrictions on the importation of soil under :uarantine GD. !he restrictions are
necessary to preent harmful insects and diseases from entering the (nited 0tates.
0hippers and importers should check with +.,#0 for current information that may
apply to their products. +lmost all plant material requires a permit to enter the (nited
0tates. Most other countries also require permits and certificates.
)uttings should be washed, sprayed with a (.0. approed fungicide and insecticide
when necessary, and coated with a preseratie wa" based solution to retard moisture
loss. )uttings and other nursery stock can be packed in any of the (0'+ approed
packing materials listed below:
buckwheat hulls perlite
coral sand from Bermuda, when certified polymer stabili*ed cellulose
e"celsior quarry grael
e"foliated ermiculite sawdust
ground cork shaings/wood or cork
ground peat sphagnum moss
ground rubber egetable fiber free of pulp, e"cept sugar cane or cotton
fiber
paper
In addition to any of the above packing materials, cuttings should be wrapped in
newspaper to provide insulation and moisture retention and placed in a strong
one piece or full telescoping waxed fiberboard box, lined with polyethylene film.
When shipping to areas with extremely hot or cold weather, the box can be lined
with polystyrene foam. The box should be sized to fit on a standard 11! x 1"1#
mm $% x %& in' pallet. (anana boxes are popular with some shippers.
Temperatures between 1) to 1& * $!+!) ,' at &)+#- relative humidity should
be maintained during transportation and storage of most cuttings. *uttings
usually are transported by air cargo when they are exported. .ome plants may
benefit from acclimatization prior to being shipped. This process is described for
potted plants.
T/01T203T.
4otted plants re5uire careful handling before, during, and after transportation.
/esearchers have shown that the potted foliage plants benefit when the
following ad6ustments are made before packaging and transportation7
8ight++high light levels should be reduced by 9)- over a ) week period.
Watering++soil should be moist, with water content at )- of soil capacity
during transportation. .oil that is too moist may damage packaging and
lead to diseases, while soil that is too dry will in6ure plant tissues and
lead to a loss of leaves.
4lants should be watered one day before shipping.
,ertilization++initial fertilizer rates should be reduced by ")+:- over a
period of 1 month. 3o fertilizer should be applied within 1 week of
shipping.
These ad6ustments help acclimate plants to darkness in trailers and van
containers as well as low light levels in building and home interiors. 4lants that
are not properly acclimated will suffer a large loss of leaves or chilling in6ury.
2any plants are placed in greenhouses for 1 to : months after being
transported long distances, to regain their vigor or finish growing. .everely
in6ured plants, however, will not recover.
41*;1<I3<
The choice of packaging is based on the size of the plant, the amount of foliage,
the flexibility of the branches and leaves, as well as their tendency to become
entangled or damaged during loading. ,reight rates and desired loading density
are additional factors to be considered.
In deciding the amount of packaging and subse5uent loading procedures,
shippers should keep in mind that unprotected plants are sub6ect to cold air and
the possibility of being damaged and bruised. =amaged plants produce more
ethylene, which causes leaves to yellow, drop, or curl downward. ,lowers on
plants effected by ethylene will fail to open, wilt, or fall off.
4lants must never be shipped or stored with fruits, vegetables, or cut flowers as
these products also give off ethylene. ,lowering plants should be shipped
separately from foliage plants. ,lowers and fruit should be removed from plants
transported overseas in van containers.
2ost potted plants are protected during handling and transportation with kraft
paper or clear plastic sleeves. Woven polyester sleeves also are available. The
sleeves are designed to be grabbed at the top. This provides a means of 5uickly
handling the plants. 8arge plants with pot diameters that are %: mm $19 in' or
greater are wrapped with plastic or paper.
.maller plants also are placed in fiberboard boxes with dividers between plants
and a moisture resistant tray at the bottom of the box. 4olystyrene foam liners
should be used when the plants are shipped to areas with extreme hot and cold
weather. The boxes should be clearly labeled to show origin and destination
and list the contents as live plants, fragile, and perishable. Temperature
recommendations and arrows indicating >this end up> also should be marked on
the box.
(oxes should be sized to fit on the standard 11! x 1"1# mm $% x %& in' pallet.
The boxes can be unitized on the pallets and, if kept out of direct sunlight,
covered with plastic film to reduce moisture loss and ethylene in6ury.
/ecommended standards for potted plant pack sizes and fiberboard box
specifications have been developed by the 4roduce 2arketing 1ssociation and
the .ociety of 1merican ,lorists. These are given in Table 11.
!able <<. #ndustry standards for potted plant pack si*es
,!$ .i"0e$e N(0be !2 ,!$%
D> mm 7G.F in8 -?
<F- mm 7I.F in8 <=
<<I mm 7I.= in8 <=
<-D mm 7=.F in8 <F
<IF mm 7=.= in8 ?
<=- mm 7>.F in8 >
<>= mm 7>.= in8 >
<D? mm 7D.F in8 I
<C< mm 7D.= in8 I
-FG mm 7?.F in8 I
-<> mm 7?.= in8 I
--C mm 7C.F in8 G
-=I mm 7<F in8 -
G=D mm 7<I in8 <
2aterials
2inimum 19"% k4a $") lb?in"' ' bursting test fiberboard.
1!1 g?m" $:: lb?1 ft"' corrugated medium.
* ,lute corrugation, %" flutes per .: m $linear ft', :.) mm $#?!% in' high.
Waterproof adhesive.
,iberboard dividers for long distance transport or high relative humidity.
2oisture resistant wax or plastic impregnated fiberboard tray.
*ut+out hand grips for ease in handling.
Source: Society of American Florists and the Produce Marketing Association.
(28).
4lants also are shipped in racks, trays, or >open,> without sleeves or boxes in
which case the plants are loaded directly on the trailer or van container floor. In
domestic shipments, metal racks are sometimes used which provide a means to
5uickly roll the plants on and off trailers. The loaded racks can be covered with
plastic film.
2olded polystyrene foam trays with legs also are available holding :!+1 pots
ranging in diameter from 1"+1): mm $%+! in'. The plants can be grown and
shipped in these trays which are lightweight and stackable.
/egardless of the packing method, each plant should have a care and handling
tag attached to ensure customer satisfaction. The information provided should
include a color picture, common name, scientific name, recommended light
level, water, and fertilizer re5uirements and recommended day and night
temperatures.
T/13.4@/T1TI@3
(ottom air delivery trailers and van containers with provisions for shelves, cargo
straps, and load locks are recommended for shipping potted plants over long
distances. .leeved plants should be loaded in a pyramid or staggered style with
the pot edges supporting the weight in stacks. @nce half the height of the trailer
has been reached, shelving should be installed to support additional plants.
(oxed plants that are not palletized also may benefit from shelving which
reduces the risk of damage from crushing.
(oxed, sleeved, and unpackaged plants should be braced with load lock bars,
load gates or other wood bracing to keep them from falling and crushing. 8arge
plants can be placed inside old tires for stability.
The general recommended temperature range for shipping potted plants is 1)
to 1& * $!+!) ,' at a relative humidity of &)+#-. 4lants grown in the summer
and shipped during warm months re5uire warmer shipping temperatures. 8ower
than recommended temperatures for many plants will cause chilling in6ury. This
leads to wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Aigher than recommended
temperatures will increase the amount of ethylene produced by the plant while
lower humidities will dry out the plants. 1n air temperature recorder should be
placed in every load to monitor the transit temperature.
(ased on simulated transit research more specific temperature
recommendations for "& different foliage plants are given in Table 1".
Information on brief storage periods are given for many potted plants in Table
1:. 4lants which cannot tolerate dark storage conditions must be unpacked
immediately, watered as necessary and held in lighted conditions at 1&+"% *
$!)+9) ,'. 1ll plants should be protected from cold drafts.
!able <-. 0uggested shipping temperatures for acclimati*ed foliage plants
,)"n$ N"0e
1;15 d"7%G %'ip0en$ 16;3+ d"7% %'ip0en$
C F C F
+galonema, c. Fransher <G/<> ==/>F <>/<? >F/>=
+galonema, c. 0iler :ueen <>/<? >F/>= <>/<? >F/>=
+rdisia crispa <F/<G =F/== / /
+spidistra elatior <F/<G =F/== / /
Brassaia actinophlla <F/<G =F/== <F/<G =F/==
)hamaedorea eleganas <G/<> ==/>F / /
)hrysalidocarpus lutescens <G/<? ==/>= <>/<? >F/>=
)odiaeum ariegatum <>/<? >F/>= <>/<? >F/>=
)ordyline treminalis <>/<? >F/>= / /
'ieffenbachia picta <>/<? >F/>= / /
'racaena fragrans <>/<? >F/>= / /
'racena marginata <G/<? ==/>= <>/<? >F/>=
Ficus bengamina <G/<> ==/>F <G/<> ==/>F
Ficus nitida <G/<> ==/>F / /
,oweia forsteriana <F/<? =F/>= <F/<? =F/>=
$ephrolepis e"altata <>/<? >F/>= / /
.eperomia bicolor <>/<? >F/>= / /
.hilodenderon selloum <G/<> ==/>F / /
.hilodendron selloum <G/<> ==/>F / /
.hilodendron o"ycardium <>/<? >F/>= / /
.hoeni" refle"a <>/<? >F/>= / /
.leomele refle"a <>/<? >F/>= / /
%hapis e"celsa <F/<G =F/== / /
0hefflera arboricola <F/<G =F/== <F/<G =F/==
0cindapsus aureus <>/<? >F/>= / /
0pathiphyllum, Mauna 3oa <F/<G =F/== <G/<> ==/>F
9ucca elephantipes <F/<G =F/== <F/<G =F/==
Source: Hardenurg! "atada! and "ang (#)
!able <G. %ecommended temperature, relatie humidity and storage period for potted
plants not acclimated to darkness
C!00!n n"0e= Scientific name(s)
Te0pe"$(e
Re)"$i:e
*(0idi$7
(,e#en$3
S$!"ge
,ei!d C F
+F%#)+$ A#&32!
Sainpaulia ionanatha
-</-I DF/D= F
+G3+&$2M+
Aglaonema spp.
<>/-< >F/DF >=/?= <F days
+0.+%+G(0
Asparagus densiflorus sprengeri
Asparagus setaceus
<?/-< >=/D= F
+H+32+
&hododendron hyrid
<> >F G days
B2G&$#+
$egonia 7 hiemalis
<>/-< >F/DF F
B%&M23#+'0
+echmea fasciata
$eoregelia carolinae tricolor
-</-D DF/?F F
),%90+$!,2M(M
:hrysanthemum morifolium
- G= ?F/CF = days
)9)3+M2$
:yclamen persicum giganteum
<F =F ?F/CF I days
'#2FF2$B+),#+
"ieffenachia spp.
<>/-< >F/DF ) days
'%+)+2$+
"racaena spp.
:ordyline terminalis
<>/-I >F/D= D days
2+0!2% 3#39 l
ilium longiflorum#
flower uds puffy# white# unopened.
F/G G-/GD <I days
F2%$0
0ephrolepis spp
Adiantum raddianum
Asplenium nidus
2teris cretica
2teris ensiformis
<>/-I >F/D= D=/?= D days
F#)(0
.icus spp.
<G/-< ==/DF >=/?= D days
G3&E#$+
Sinningia speciosa
<> >F DF/CF I days
,#B#0)(0
(iiscus rosa?sinensis
<?/-I >=/D= F
B+3+$),&2
@alanchoe lossfeldiana
<> >F % days
.+3M
:hrysalidocarpus lutescens
:hamaedorea erumpens
:hamaedorea elagans
(oweia forsteriana
2hoeni7 roeelenii
<F/-< =F/DF >=/D= 1 days
.2.2%&M#+
2eperomia spp.
<>/-I >F/D= >=/?= D days
.,#3&'2$'%2$
2hilodendron spp.
<>/-I >F/D= >=/?= D days
.&#$02!!+
Auphoria pulcherrima
<F/<- =F/=I I days
.&!,&0
Scindapsus aureus
<>/-I >F/D= >=/?= D days
%&020
&osa hyrida
</G GI/GD ) days
0),2FF32%+
$rassaia actinophylla
$rassaia aroracola
<G/<? ==/>= D days
B These plants cannot be stored in darkness at lower temperatures. .ource7
.ociety of 1merican ,lorists $"9' except data on 0aster lilies and roses from
Aardenburg, Watada, and Wang $9'.
C4T F/OEERS AN. F/ORIST GREENS
!he market for cut flowers is growing, especially for the more e"otic flowers. Flowers
are ery perishable. :uality must be ery high to ensure time for distribution, consumer
acceptance, and repeat purchases. Maintenance of quality requires careful handling from
harest to display in the consumers home. !he 0ociety of +merican Florists 7-D8 has
deeloped important guidelines in this regard.
!%2+!M2$!0
)ut flowers are harested at arious stages of maturity, depending on the cultiar and
buyer specifications. +sters, bird/of/paradise, carnations, chrysanthemums, gladioli, iris,
roses, and snapdragons are harested in the tight/bud stage to e"tend shelf life. &ther
flowers, such as orchids must be fully deeloped before being cut. 'amaged and
diseased flowers must be immediately discarded as they produce ethylene and spread
decay, ruining healthy flowers.
&ne of the most important steps in postharest treatment of cut flowers is to recut the
flower stems at an angle under warm G? to II ) 7<FF/<<F F8 water and place them in a
plastic container filled with <FF/<=F mm 7I/> in8 of floral preseratie solution of the
same temperature. +t least -= mm 7< in8 of stem should be remoed as well as foliage
that would be below the water line in the container. Foliage in water will decay, causing
damage to the flowers. !ypical solutions contain <J sugar, a biocide 7-FF ppm ?/,:),
?/,:0, or .hysan/-F5 or =F ppm siler nitrate8 and an acidifier 7-FF/>FF ppm citric
acid or aluminum sulfate5 <F/-F ppm when siler nitrate is used8. !he sugar replaces the
flowers; stored foods consumed by respiration, while biocides limit bacteria which plug
up flower stems. +cidifiers aid in the uptake of water by reducing the p, to G.=/I.=.
!he water used in the solutions must be high quality, low in alkalinity and salinity or
total disoled solids 7less than -FF ppm8. 'eioni*ed water is recommended. Flouride
found in most tap water will damage gladioi and gerbera.
,ormones and growth regulators, such as $/> ben*yladenine at <F/-F ppm, are
occasionally added to floral preseratie solutions. 4etting agents to aid in water
uptake, such as sodium hypochlorite at I ppm or F.<J bleach, also may be added.
Floral preseratie solutions should be used at each stage of distribution5 by the grower,
after storage and prior to shipment, and by the wholesaler, retailer, and consumer after
the flowers are receied. !he solutions can either double or triple the shelf life of many
flowers. 0ome florist greens, which hae a longer shelf life to begin with, also benefit
from floral preseratie. !hese include bo"wood, leatherleaf fern, camellia, eucalyptus,
iy, scotch broom, and podocarpus. #n addition to floral preseratie solution, special
solutions are used by growers, wholesalers, or retailers to achiee beneficial effects.
.ulsing solutions containing <F/-FJ sugar are used for <>/-I hours by growers prior to
packaging and transportation to e"tend shelf life and assist in subsequent opening of
carnations, chrysanthemums, gladiola, gypsophila, roses, and bird/of/paradise flowers.
.ulsing also is done by some wholesalers.
Bud/opening solutions containing <.=/-.FJ sugar, -FF ppm biocide, and D=/<FF ppm
acidifier are used at room temperature and high humidity by growers, wholesalers, or
retailers for flowers cut in the tight/bud stage. +fter the flowers open, they should be
returned to the recommended storage temperature.
,ydrating solutions containing -FF/>FF ppm acidifier and F.<J wetting agent are used
for < to - hours to increase the uptake of water by flowers such as roses. !hese solutions
are used by growers, wholesalers, and retailers.
0iler thiosulfate 70!08 conditioning solutions with siler nitrate are used by growers
for < hour on dry flowers and - hours on flowers preiously in water to protect them
from ethylene damage. +lstomeria, anemone, carnations, delphinum, freesia,
gypsophila, enchantment lily, and snapdragon benefit from 0!0 conditioning. Gerbera,
iris, rubrum lily, orchids, star/of/Bethlehem, and tulips also may benefit. +ll of these
flowers should be held away from chrysanthemums, which produce a lot of ethylene.
0!0 should not be applied more than once. 4holesalers or retailers may apply it if the
grower has not. .+)B+G#$G 'epending on flower si*e, desired appearance, or buyer
specifications, flowers are bunched with <F, -= or more blooms per bunch. Gypsophilia,
lilies/of/the/alley, miniature carnations, pompon chrysanthemums, spray type orchids,
statice, and steia are handled in this manner. Bunches are tied or banded loosely to
aoid damage. !hey are also wrapped in moisture resistant paper, wet newspaper, or
placed in clear plastic sleees.
Flowers are packed in bulk or by count, the total amount depending on the bo" si*e and
customer order. + <FIF " -== " <?F mm 7I< " -F " D in8 bo" for e"ample is generally
packed with =FF/>FF carnations, -=F/GFF roses, or G=/IF bunches of pompom
chrysanthemums, <F blooms per bunch.
#ndiidual stems such as bird/of/paradise or chrysanthemum or bunches of stems such
as freesia and tulips are hae their flowers protected with plastic netting or sleees.
More speciali*ed packaging, utili*ing fiberboard, has been deeloped for anthuriums
and gerberas to protect the flower heads and hold the stems straight. &rchids with
solitary blooms are packed in shredded polyester fiber. !he stem ends are placed in
small glass ials filled with floral preseratie solution. !he ials are taped to the
bottom of the bo". !issue paper is used to protect flowers sensitie to condensation such
as carnations and daffodils. Most flowers are packed in full telescoping fiberboard
bo"es lined with polyethylene film or moisture resistant paper to maintain high
humidity. )orrugated plastic bo"es and wirebound wood crates also are used by some
shippers. %oses are packed in polystyrene foam bo"es or fiberboard bo"es which are
lined with either polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam, for insulation from e"treme
hot or cold temperatures.
#ndiidual flowers or bunches of flowers are carefully placed in the bo"es in alternating
layers until the bo" is filled to the desired capacity without bruising or crushing. .aper
padding is used between layers. .lastic liners and moistened shredded paper are used to
cushion e"otic flowers such as anthuriums, bird/of/paradise, heliconia, and red ginger
and proide high humidity.
Mi"ed bo"es of flowers that are compatible in temperature requirements are packed for
retailers selling a limited olume of special or e"otic flowers. ,eaier flowers should be
indiidually wrapped and placed on the bottom of the bo". More fragile flowers should
be placed on top. +ll bo"es of flowers should be full, as filled bo"es hae a higher
humidity.
Flowers are secured in bo"es with < or - strips of wood wrapped with paper or a piece
of polystyrene fastened to the sides of the bo". !he wood cleats are nailed between the
sides of the bo". Bottle caps are used on the outside of the bo" to preent the nail from
pulling through. &nce the flowers are secured they may be coered with additional
newspaper or plastic. !he bo" coer is then secured with string or plastic strapping.
%oses are often packed with ice in plastic bags or gel pack. %oses also are packed @wet@
in bo"es with floral preseratie solutions secured at the bottom of the bo". #n this case
the roses are packed and stored ertically. 4et pack also is used for circium, gerberas,
gypsophila larkspur, lilies, mini/carnations, and mi"ed bouquets. 4et packing is
primarily restricted to flowers transported by highway trailer. Many airlines restrict the
use of ice and water. !hose that permit ice, require that it be packed in leak/proof
containers, utili*ing polystyrene foam or polyethylene film.
0ome flowers must be packed, or stored and transported ertically to preent geotropic
bending in which the plant tip orients itself away from the center of graity. !his is true
for anemone, calendula, daffodils, freesia, gladioli, ranunculus, and snapdragon which
will cure upward when placed hori*ontally.
Florist greens are sometimes package/iced, in wa" impregnated or polyethylene film
lined fiberboard bo"es. 4et newspaper or wa"ed paper also are used to proide high
humidity.
!he 0ociety of +merican Florists and the .roduce Marketing +ssociation hae
recommended standard fiberboard bo" si*es to reduce the large number of arious
containers and packs, proide better stacking and utili*ation of the standard <F<> " <-<C
mm 7IF " I? in8 pallet, and increase oerall efficiency in distribution. !hese
recommendations are gien in !able <I.
!able <I. #ndustry standards for cut flower bo"es
O($%ide .i0en%i!n%
In#'e% Cen$i0e$e%
/ E * / E *
I< E = E DK <FI E <-.= E <?
I< E<F E DKK <FI E -=.= E <?
I< E-F E D <FI E =< E <?
II E = E ?K <<- E <-.= E -F.=
II E<F E ?KK <<- E -=.= E -F.=
II E-F E ? <<- E =< E -F.=
II E<F E >K <<- E -=.= E <=
II E-F E >KK <<- E =< E <=
II E-F E<- <<- E =< E GF.=
I? E<F E >K <-- E -=.= E <=
I? E-F E>KK <-- E =< E <=
I? E-F E<- <-- E =< E GF.=
<G E D EI?KK 7Gladioli8 GG E <? E <--
<G E<G EI? 7Gladioli8 GG E GG E <--
IF E<> E I 7Gerbera8 <F<.= E IF.= E <F
I< E-- E<D.-= 7Gerbera8 <FI E =G E II
GF E<I E CKK 7Greens8 D> E G=.= E -G
GF E<I E<= 7Greens8 D> E G=.= E G?
<G E<G E-I 7#ris, Gypsophila8 GG E GG E ><
<G E<G E-- 74et .ack %oses8 GG E GG E =>
-G E<? E<D.= 7'aisy8 =?.= E I=.= E II.=
K:uarter Bo" KK,alf Bo" )entimeter dimensions are appro"imate
Materials
Minimum <D-I k.a 7-=F lb/in-8 bursting strength fiberboard.
GGD g/m- 7>C lb/<FFF ft-8 weight outer liner.
<>< g/m- 7GG lb/<FFF ft-8 weight corrugated medium.
-F= g/m- 7I- lb/<FFF ft-8 weight inner liner.
) Flute corrugation, I- flutes per F.G m 7linear ft8, G.= mm 7C/>I in8 high.
4ater repellent wa" inner liner for wet product.
4aterproof adhesie.
.roperly stapled.
Source: Society of American .lorists and the 2roduce 6ar%eting Association (2/).
%2F%#G2%+!#&$
.recooling and refrigerated storage of cut flowers and florist greens in high humidity
are equally important in maintaining the quality of cut flowers. .recooling should be
done as soon as possible after harest, either before, during or after treatment with floral
preseratie solutions. Flowers can be placed in a refrigerated room while undergoing
treatment, e"cept in the case of bud/opening solutions, which require the flowers to be
held at room temperature.
0ome flowers are stored dry by growers for brief periods until sufficient quantities are
aailable for shipment during special holidays. .recooling is essential before the flowers
are placed ertically in closed film lined or wa" impregnated fiberboard drums for
storage. 4hen placed in fiberboard bo"es, the flowers can be precooled immediately
after packing, proided sufficient holes are proided in the bo" ends or sides to entilate
field and product heat. 3ow cost forced air precooling equipment has been deeloped to
quickly cool bo"ed flowers in refrigerated rooms. !he equipment consists of a portable
e"haust fan which draws refrigerated air thru the bo"es stacked on either side of an aisle
in front of the fan. + canas or plastic tarp is e"tended across the top of the bo"es to the
floor enclosing the aisle. !he holes in the ends of the bo"es must not be blocked by the
flower packing materials. Forced air precooling can be accomplished in an hour, while
room cooling of packaged flowers can take -I hours or more, reducing shelf life. +ll
flowers should be precooled, stored and transported at their recommended storage
temperatures. !hese are gien in !able <= at the end of this section. 0ome flowers and
florist greens are tropical in origin and are ery sensitie to chilling in1ury if held or
transported at lower temperatures. !hese tropicals and other chill sensitie flowers and
florist greens include:
anthurium ginger chamaedora
bird/of/paradise godetia cordyline 7ti8
camellia heliconia diffenbachia
cattleya orchid poinsetta palm
eucharis protea staghorn fern
euphorbia anda orchid
!%+$0.&%!+!#&$
+ir cargo is used for the e"port of cut flowers. Most of the flowers are shipped without
refrigeration. !his can reduce their shelf life. Fortunately most air transit times are
short//a matter of hours. Minimi*ing product loss requires the use of protectie
packaging, precooling before loading, close coordination at origin and destination
airports, and utili*ation of cold storage facilities near the airport. Flowers should not
remain on the runway in sunlight or be held in unrefrigerated storage prior to official
inspections or pickup by the receier.
Bo"es of cut flowers are uniti*ed on air cargo pallets. .lastic strapping around the bo"es
is recommended to protect the pallet load. !he pallets are then secured with the air
cargo pallet netting. 0ome flowers also are transported in air cargo containers.
%efrigerated an containers are used for the e"port of florist greens. 4ith adequate
precooling, the florist greens can withstand transit times of - to G weeks.
3and transportation of cut flowers and florist greens is handled primarily by refrigerated
highway trailers. !he trailers are either loaded by hand or with pallet 1acks. 0ome
carriers hae installed metal supports on the sidewalls of trailers for wood sheling.
!his helps to reduce crushing and damage of flowers on the bottom of hand/loaded
stacks.
Most trailers make multiple stops as wholesalers prefer to receie small quantities
seeral times a week. !he goal is to minimi*e inentory and time in storage and
ma"imi*e the freshness of the flowers in the hands of consumers.
Flowers and florist greens are shipped in mi"ed loads. Mi"ed loads of cut flowers can
create a handling challenge when tropical items sensitie to chilling in1ury are included.
0ome carriers place these items in the cab of their tractor/trailer. #n this case, howeer,
they are held at higher than recommended temperatures. 4ith increased olumes of
tropical flowers, carriers may consider using multi/temperature trailers, bulkheads, or
insulated coerings or bo"es to protect the flowers from colder temperatures. Flowers
and florist greens must neer be shipped or stored with fruits or egetables. #deally,
florist greens should be handled separately from flowers, as the florist greens are more
sensitie to ethylene, which flowers produce in small amounts.
0!&%+G2
Fruits, egetables, damaged or diseased flowers, flowers held at higher than
recommended temperatures, as well as e"haust gases, produce ethylene which will
cause downward bending of flower foliage, failure of buds to open, or open flowers to
close or fall off. Florist greens will yellow, and leaes and berries will bend downward
or fall off in the presence of ethylene. 'amaged or diseased plant material also gie off
ethylene. !emperature control, entilation, sanitation, and ethylene absorbent pads are
used to minimi*e damage to flowers and florist greens in transit and storage.
Sources for the preceding product guidelines are: (ardenurg# )atada# and )ang (*)#
and Society of American .lorists (2*).
!able <=. %ecommended temperature, relatie humidity, and appro"imate transit and
storage period for cut flowers and florist greens
C($ 2)!>e%
C!00!di$7
S$!"ge Te0pe"$(e App!xi0"$e %$!"ge pei!d
C F
+cacia I IF G/I days
+lstroemeria I IF -/G days
+llium F/- G-/G= - weeks
+nemone I/D IF/I= - days
+nthurium I <G => -/I weeks
+ster, )hina F/I G-/IF </G
Bird/of/paradise D/? I=/I> </G weeks
Bouardia F/- G-/G= < week
Buddleia I IF </- days
)alendula I IF G/> days
)alla I IF < week
)amellia = D I= G/> days
)andytuft I IF G days
)arnation /F.=/F G</G- G/I weeks
)arnation buds /F.=/F G</G- G/I weeks
)arnation, miniature /F.=/F G</G- - weeks
)hrysanthemum /F.=/F G</G- G/I weeks
)larkia I IF G days
)olumbine I IF - days
)oreopsis I IF G/I days
)ornflower I IF G days
)osmos I IF G/I weeks
)rocus F.=/- GG/G> </- weeks
'ahlia I IF G/=
'aisy, 2nglish I IF G days
'aisy, Marguerite - G> </- weeks
'aisy, 0hasta I IF D/? days
'elphinium I IF </- days
2ucharis = D/<F I=/=F D/<F days
Feerfew I IF G days
Forget/me/not I IF </- days
Fo"gloe I IF </- days
Gaillardia I IF G days
Gardenia = F/< G-/GI - weeks
Gerbera </I GI/IF </- weeks
Ginger <G == I/D days
Gladiolus -/= G=/I- =/? days
Gloriosa I/D IF/I= I/D days
Godetia <F =F < week
Gypsophila I IF </G weeks
,eather I IF </G weeks
!able <=. %ecommended temperature, relatie humidity, and appro"imate transit and
storage period for cut flowers and florist greens. )ontin...
C($ 2)!>e% S$!"ge Te0pe"$(e App!xi0"$e %$!"ge pei!d
C!00!di$7 C F
,eliconia <- =I <F days
,yacinth F/F.= G-/GG - weeks
#ris, bulbous /F.=/F G</G- </- weeks
3aceflower I IF G days
3ilac, forced I IF I/> days
3ily F/< G-/GI -/G weeks
3ily/of/the/alley /F.=/F G</G- -/G weeks
3upine I IF <F days
Marigolds II IF </- weeks
$arcissus F/F.= G-/GG </G weeks
&rchid, cattelya I, = D/<F I=/=F - weeks
&rchid, cymbidium /F.=/I G</IF - weeks
&rchid, anda <G == = days
&rinthogalum I IF I/> weeks
.oppy I IF G/= days
.eony, tight buds F/< G-/GI -/> weeks
.hlo" I IF </G days
.oinsettia <F/<= =F/>F I/D days
.rimrose I IF </- days
.rotea I IF D/<F days
%anunculus F/= G-/I< D/<F days
%ose 7in preseratie8 F.=/- GG/G= I/= days
%ose 7dry pack8 /F.=/F G</G- - weeks
0napdragon I IF </- weeks
0nowdrop I IF -/I days
0quill F/F.= G-/GG - weeks
0tatice -/I G=/IF G/I weeksM
0tephanotis = I IF < week
0teia I IF G days
0tock I IF G/= days
0trawflower, fresh -/I G=/IF G/I weeks
0weet pea /F.=/F G</G- - weeks
0weet/ william D I= G/I days
!ulip </= GI/I< G/D days
Aiolet </= GI/I< G/D days
Hinnia I IF =/D days
!able <=. %ecommended temperature, relatie humidity, and appro"imate transit and
storage period for cut flowers and florist greens. )ontin...
F)!i%$ geen%
(de#!"$i:e 2!)i"ge3 C!00!di$7
S$!"ge Te0pe"$(e
App!xi0"$e %$!"ge pei!d C F
+diantum 7maidenhair8 F/I G-/IF
+sparagus 7plumosa8> -/I G=/IF -/G weeks
+sparagus 7sprenger8> -/I G=/IF -/G weeks
Bu"us 7bo"wood8 -/I G=/IF /
)amelia I IF /
)edar > F G- /
)hamaedorea D I= -/G weeks
)ordyline 7ti8 D/<F I=/=F -/G weeks
)roton -/I G=/IF /
'ieffenbachia <G == /
'racaena -/I G=/IF /
'agger N wood ferns > F G- -/G months
2ucalyptus -/I G=/IF </G weeks
Gala" > F G- /
Ground pine > F G- /
,edera -/I G=/IF -/G weeks
#le" 7holly8 > F/I G-/IF G/= weeks
Luniper F G- </- months
3eatherleaf 7baker fern8 </I GI/IF </- months
3eucothoe, drooping -/I G=/IF /
Magnolia -/I G=/IF -/I weeks
Mistletoe F G- G/I weeks
Mountain/laurel F G- -/I weeks
Myrtus 7myrtle8 -/I G=/IF /
.alm D I= /
.hilodendron -/I G=/IF /
.ittosporum -/I G=/IF -/G weeks
.odocarpus D I= /
.othos -/I G=/IF /
%hododendron F G- -/I weeks
0alal 7lemon leaf8> F G- -/G weeks
0cotch/broom I IF -/G weeks
0mila", southern > I IF /
0taghorn fern <G == /
Aaccinum 7huckleberry8 > F G- </I weeks
4oowardia fern F/I G-/IF /
Source: (ardenurg# )atada# and )ang (*).
)ontainer 0pecifications
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I,G-F kg
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>=.? mPG
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-?,<?F kg
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IF; %eefer )ontainer 3:
4:
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0ource: 6aers% +ine
Glossary
Ad 1")!e0//+ccording to alueQ
Ai >"7bi))//+ bill of lading that coers both domestic and international air transport of
goods to a specified destination. !his is a non/negotiable instrument of air transport that
seres as a receipt for the shipper, indicating that the carrier has accepted the goods listed
and obligates itself to carry the consignment to the airport of destination according to
specified conditions.
A)!ng%ide//+ phrase referring to the side of a ship. Goods to be deliered @alongside@ are
to be placed on the dock or barge within reach of the transport ship;s tackle so that they can
be loaded aboard the ship.
6AF (b(n5e "d@(%$0en$ 2"#$!3//+n ancillary charge assessed by carriers on some ocean
container freight shipments to account for fluctuation in fuel cost.
6""$7//+n act committed by the master or mariners of a essel, for some unlawful or
fraudulent purpose, contrary to their duty to the owners, whereby the latter sustain in1ury. #t
may include negligence, if so gross as to eidence fraud.
6i)) !2 )"ding//+ document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a
transportation company under which freight is to be moed between specified points for a
specified charge. (sually prepared by the shipper on forms issued by the carrier, it seres as
a document of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.
6!nded >"e'!(%e//+ warehouse authori*ed by )ustoms authorities for storage of goods
on which payment of duties is deferred until the goods are remoed.
6!!5ing//+n arrangement with a steamship company for the acceptance and carriage of
freight.
C"b!$"ge//%efers to the required use of domestic carriers for shipments in (.0. coastal
watersQ
CAF (#(en#7 "d@(%$0en$ 2"#$!3//+n ancillary charge on some ocean freight
shipments, e"pressed as a percentage of a base rate, to compensate ocean carriers for
fluctuations in the alue of the (.0. dollar against foreign currencies.
C"ie//!he company that transports goods from one point to another. May be a essel,
airline, trucking company, or railroad.
Ce$i2i#"$e !2 in%pe#$i!n//+ document certifying that merchandise 7such as perishable
goods8 was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment.
Ce$i2i#"$e !2 in%("n#e//+ document stating that insurance is in effect.
Ce$i2i#"$e !2 !igin//+ document, required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes,
certifying the country of origin of specified goods.
CFR (#!%$ "nd 2eig'$3//+ pricing term indicating that the cost of the goods and freight
charges are included in the quoted price. !he buyer arranges for and pays insurance.
CFS (#!n$"ine 2eig'$ %$"$i!n3//+ carrier facility where less/than/containerload
shipments are consolidated for shipment or unloaded for final deliery.
C'"ge"b)e >eig'$//!he weight used to determine air/freight charges. !he chargeable
weight may be the dimensional weight, or for container shipments, the gross weight of the
shipment less the tare weight of the container.
C 9 I (#!%$ "nd in%("n#e3//+ pricing term indicating that the cost of the product and
insurance is included in the quoted price. !he buyer is responsible for freight to the named
port of destination.
CIF (#!%$& in%("n#e& "nd 2eig'$3//+ pricing term indicating that the cost of the goods,
insurance, and freight is included in the quoted price.
C)"i0 "gen$//+n oerseas representatie of the insurance company.
C!00e#i") in:!i#e//+n itemi*ed list of goods shipped, usually included among an
e"porter;s collection papers.
C!00!n #"ie//+n indiidual, partnership, or corporation that transports persons or
goods for compensation.
C!n2i0ed )e$$e !2 #edi$//+ letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank, with alidity
confirmed by a (.0. bank. 4hen confirmed, the (.0. bank undertakes responsibility for
payment een if the foreign buyer or bank defaults.
C!n$ingen#7 in%("n#e//4hen a product is sold under terms that require the buyer to
proide insurance coerage, the seller may elect to purchase @backup insurance@ in case the
coerage proided by the buyer is not sufficient to coer the alue of the shipment.
C!n%ignee//!he person or firm to whom something is sold or shipped. Buyer or importer.
C!n%ign!//!he person or firm from whom the goods hae been receied for shipment, the
seller, shipper, or e"porter.
C!n%()" in:!i#e//+ document, required by some foreign countries, describing a shipment
of goods and showing information, such as the consignor, consignee, and alue of the
shipment. )ertified by a consular official of the foreign country, it is used by the country;s
customs officials to erify the alue, quantity, and nature of the shipment.
C!n$"ine//+ uniform, sealed, reusable metal @bo"@ 7generally IF feet in length, able to
hold about IF,FFF pounds8 in which goods are shipped by essel or rail. !he use of
containers 7or containeri*ation8 in trade is generally thought to require less labor and reduce
losses due to breakage, spoilage, and pilferage than more traditional shipment methods.
C!n$"ine %'ip//+ ship specially constructed to handle containeri*ed cargo.
Cedi$ i%5 in%("n#e//#nsurance designed to coer risks of nonpayment for deliered
goods.
C(%$!0%//!he authorities designated to collect duties leied by a country on imports and
e"ports. !he term also applies to the procedures inoled in such collection.
C(%$!0'!(%e b!5e//+n indiidual or firm licensed to enter and clear goods through
)ustoms.
CF (#!n$"ine 7"d3//+ carrier facility where full containers are held.
.e0("ge//+ surcharge assessed by steamship lines and railroads for storage at their port
facility longer than the allotted @free time.@Q
.e%$in"$i!n #!n$!) %$"$e0en$//+ny of arious statements that the (.0. Goernment
requires to be displayed on e"port shipments and that specify the destinations for which
e"port of the shipment has been authori*ed.
.!#5 e#eip$//+ receipt issued by an ocean carrier to acknowledge receipt of a shipment at
the carrier;s dock or warehouse facilities.
Exp!$ )i#en%e//+ Goernment document that permits the @licensee@ to engage in the
e"port of designated goods to certain destinationsQ
FAF (2(e) "d@(%$0en$ 2"#$!3//+n ancillary charge on some ocean freight shipments to
account for fluctuation in fuel costs. +lso referred to as B+F or bunker ad1ustment factor.
FAS (2ee ")!ng%ide3//+ pricing term indicating that the quoted price includes the cost of
deliering the goods alongside a designated essel.
FC/ (2()) #!n$"ine )!"d3//0hipment of a full container.
FE4 (4+;2!!$;e?(i:")en$ (ni$3//)ommonly describes a IF/foot container.
FO6 (2ee !n b!"d3//+ pricing term indicating that the quoted price includes the cost of
loading the goods into transport essels at the specified place.
F!#e 0"@e(e//!he title of a standard clause in marine contracts e"empting the parties for
nonfulfillment of their obligations as a result of conditions beyond their control, such as
earthquakes, floods, or war.
Feig'$ 2!>"de//+n independent business that handles e"port shipments for
compensation.
Gene") exp!$ )i#en%e//+ny of arious e"port licenses coering e"port commodities for
which alidated e"port licenses are not required. $o formal application or written
authori*ation is needed to ship e"ports under a general e"port licenseQ
G!%% >eig'$//!he full weight of a shipment, including goods and packaging.
*"b! $"x//+ ta" paid quarterly by e"porters to (.0. customs based on a percentage of
their total alue of e"portsQ
I0p!$ )i#en%e//+ document required and issued by some national goernments for the
importation of goods into their countryQ
Independen$ "#$i!n//4hen an ocean shipping conference member carrier sets a tariff for a
rate or serice that is different from the established conference tariff.
In)"nd bi)) !2 )"ding//+ bill of lading used in transporting goods oerland to the e"porter;s
international carrier. +lthough a through bill of lading can sometimes be used, it is usually
necessary to prepare both an inland bill of lading and an ocean bill of lading for e"port
shipments.
In>"d #'"ge%//)harges incurred by a ship or cargo when entering a port.
I,I (in$ei! p!in$% in$e0!d")3//+ term used by ocean carriers to describe door to door
deliery serice. &cean carriers frequently quote rates on an #.# basis.
Bee)"ge//+ duty charged for permitting a ship to enter and anchor in a port or harborQ
/"nding #'"ge%//!he initial charges for landing imported goods, such as those for
receiing goods from dockside essels or from barges to lighters. !hey may also coer
wharfage or deliery from the dock to land coneyance or warehouseQ
/e%% $'"n #!n$"ine)!"d (/C/3//+ quantity of product/commodity less than the amount
needed to completely fill a container.
/ine #!n2een#e//+n agreement among carriers that regularly sere a particular trade
route to establish freight rates and serice leels.
/ine di%#'"ge//.ayment by the shipowner for unloading of cargo, including steedore
wages.
8"ni2e%$//+ list of passengers or an inoice of cargoQ
8"ine in%("n#e//#nsurance that compensates the owner of goods transported oerseas in
the eent of loss that cannot be legally recoered from the carrier. +lso coers air
shipments.
8"5ing//3etters, numbers, and other symbols placed on cargo packages to facilitate
identification.
N1OCC (n!n;:e%%e) !pe"$ing #!00!n #"ie3//)argo consolidator of small shipments
in ocean trade, generally arranging for, or performing, containeri*ation functions at the
port.
Open in%("n#e p!)i#7//+ marine insurance policy that applies to all shipments made by
an e"porter oer a period of time rather than to one shipment only.Q
,"#5"ge #"g!//)argo in bo"es, barrels, crates, bales, or other containers, as opposed to
bulk or loose cargoQ
,"))e$//+ small wooden platform on which cargo is stored for ease of loading and
unloading. )argo shipped on pallets is referred to as palleti*ed cargo.
,ei)% !2 $'e %e"//+ marine insurance term used to designate heay weather, stranding,
lightning, collision, and sea water damage.
,'7$!%"ni$"7 in%pe#$i!n #e$i2i#"$e//+ certificate, issued by the (.0. 'epartment of
+griculture, +nimal and .lant ,ealth #nspection 0erice, to satisfy import regulations for
foreign countries, indicating that a (.0. shipment has been inspected and is free from
harmful pests and plant diseases.
,!$ "($'!i$7//!he entity whose duty is to construct, manage, maintain, and improe a
port. .orts may be administered by 0tates, municipalities, statutory trusts, or priate or
corporate entities. +lso known as harbor authority, harbor board, port trust, or port
commission.
,!$ #'"ge%//Fees assessed against a essel, cargo, and passengers while in port,
including harbor dues, tariff charges, wharfage, towage, etc.
,! 2!0" in:!i#e//+n inoice proided by a supplier prior to the shipment of
merchandise, informing the buyer of the kinds and quantities of goods to be sent, their
alue, and important specifications 7weight, si*e, etc.8.
C(!$"$i!n//+n offer to sell goods at a stated price and under specified conditionsQ
R!));!n=R!));!22 (R!=R!3//+ term applied to ships that are outfitted so that ehicles or
heay machinery can be drien on or off without the use of special cranes.
S#'ed()e 6//%efers to @0chedule B, 0tatistical )lassification of 'omestic and Foreign
)ommodities 2"ported from the (nited 0tates.@ +ll commodities e"ported from the (nited
0tates must be assigned a ten/digit 0chedule B numberQ
S'ip0en$//Freight tendered to a carrier by one consignor at one place for deliery to one
consignee at one place on one bill of lading.
S'ippeG% exp!$ de#)""$i!n//+ form required by the (.0. 'epartment of )ommerce and
the (.0. )ustoms 0erice for all shipments and prepared by a shipper, indicating the alue,
weight, destination, and other basic information about an e"port shipment.
S'ippeG% )e$$e !2 in%$(#$i!n//0hipper;s communication to their freight forwarder or
carrier including all the detail of the shipment. !his communication is used by the
forwarder or carrier to complete the bill of lading and other shipping documents.
S'ipG% 0"ni2e%$//+n instrument in writing, signed by the captain of a ship, that lists the
indiidual shipments constituting the ship;s cargo.
S$e"0%'ip #!n2een#e//+ group of steamship operators that collectiely set rate and
serice leels in a specific geographic trade route.
S$!>"ge//!he loading of a essel by handling and placing goods within the container so as
to ensure stability of the container, ma"imum use of space, safety of cargo, and efficient
loading and unloading. + description of each item and its disposition in the essel after
loading is contained in the ship;s stowage plan.
T"e >eig'$//!he weight of a container and packing materials without the weight of the
goods it containsQ
T"i22//+ document issued by carriers or conferences that establish all rules, rates, and
charges for the moement of goods.
TE4 (2+;2!!$;e?(i:")en$ (ni$3//)ommonly describes a -F/foot container.
Te0in") '"nd)ing #'"ge%//+n ancillary charge on some ocean freight shipments to
coer the cost of moing the container from the container yard to ocean essel.
T"0p %$e"0e//+ ship not operating on regular routes or schedules.
T1A ($i0e :!)(0e "gee0en$3//+ contract between a carrier and shipper that usually
specifies the moement of a certain number of containers oer a period of time, usually <-
months.
4.S. 2)"g :e%%e)//+ merchant ship under (.0. registryQ
1")id"$ed exp!$ )i#en%e//+ required document issued by the (.0. Goernment
authori*ing the e"port of specific commodities. !his license is for a specific transaction or
time period in which the e"porting is to take place.Q
E"e'!(%e e#eip$//+ receipt issued by a warehouse listing goods receied for storageQ
E'"2"ge//+ charge assessed by a pier or dock owner for handling incoming or outgoing
cargo.