Archive For The “In-Transit Issues” Category
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Giving produce exporters a better way to maintain the quality of perishables in transit, Hamburg Süd, one of the top refrigerated container carriers worldwide, recently added 400 refrigerated containers equipped with Carrier Transicold’s XtendFRESH™ atmosphere control system. Carrier Transicold is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).To slow ripening and help preserve produce quality, the XtendFRESH system actively manages oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within refrigerated containers and removes ethylene.
The new XtendFRESH systems have been placed into service in support of avocado exporters shipping from the west coast of South America to Asia, North America and Europe, according to Martin Schoeler, senior manager, Logistics-Technology, Hamburg Süd.
“Avocados are a significant market and initially will be the main target of utilization,” Schoeler said, adding that banana exports beyond 30 days will also be able to benefit from the XtendFRESH system’s capabilities.
“Ethylene removal is a unique feature of the XtendFRESH system that differentiates it from other systems and is definitely much desired by our customers,” said Michaela Steineker, global reefer manager, Sales & Marketing, Hamburg Süd, explaining that in collaborating with Carrier Transicold on operational tests, the shipping line stressed the importance of this capability in an atmosphere control system.
Prior to purchase, Hamburg Süd commissioned independent testing on the XtendFRESH system by Eurofins, using bananas in stationary trials and shipped from Latin America to Scandinavia, which verified the system’s ability to help preserve the quality of perishable items. The produce was analyzed for appearance, freshness, water content and other attributes.
The 400 new XtendFRESH systems were factory-installed on PrimeLINE® refrigeration units equipped with Carrier Transicold’s energy-saving EDGE technology package, all of which were mounted to 40-foot high-cube containers. EDGE stands for Enhanced Digital for Greater Efficiency and includes a set of design enhancements that improve upon the PrimeLINE unit’s successful track record of energy efficiency. The EDGE option significantly reduces energy consumption for refrigeration beyond the low levels for which standard PrimeLINE units are known, helping Hamburg Süd achieve its sustainability goals.
“We are pleased to provide Hamburg Süd with innovative technology that enables them to expand their service offerings to customers,” said David Appel, president, Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems. “By helping to prevent premature ripening, the XtendFRESH system aids in maintaining optimum quality and shelf life of delivered produce while reducing the potential for food waste from spoilage.”
The XtendFRESH system’s ability to remove ethylene, while precisely managing oxygen and CO2, is key to its performance and distinguishes it from other products for container atmosphere control. Ethylene is a hormone given off by ripening produce that accelerates ripening if left unchecked. A patented, self-regenerating activated-carbon scrubber assembly captures ethylene and controls CO2 levels. As oxygen is consumed by ripening produce, automated, on-demand fresh-air ventilation helps maintain the optimum level for the cargo inside.
With long experience in the transport of perishable cargo, Hamburg Süd ranks among the largest container carriers serving South America.
Clamshells, that clear plastic packaging you find in your local supermarket’s produce department has become a mainstay after being introduced a couple of decades ago.
Now, manufacturers of clamshells for strawberries and other fresh produce commodities have been tweaking the dimensions to satisfy both consumer desires and industry concerns.
The one-pounder is the clamshell is most popular, but other sizes, including the two-pounder and four-pounder, are gaining favor. Produce truckers may even notice some new packaging configurations. For example, F-D-S Manufacturing Co. in Pomona, CA, has introduced a two-pound clamshell with three different sizes, each of which allows for an eight-down pallet stacking configuration.
The three sizes of the clamshell and the ability to be packed in a tray that goes eight down on a pallet are equally important. While the outer dimensions of the clamshell remain the same, the inside needs to change a bit to fit different sizes of strawberries. As the season progresses, the average size of a berry changes and the inside dimensions of the clamshell must change to hit the weight advertised. Larger berries tend to be less dense so the clamshell has to be bigger to still get to the two-pound weight. Smaller fruit utilizes the inside space better and less mass is needed to reach two pounds of fruit. The same principle holds true when dealing with one or four-pound clamshells.
The eight down trays allow for better utilization of the cube of a refrigerated big rig trailer. In fact, with an eight down pallet, 30-35 percent more trays can be put in a truck. That is a huge freight advantage. The same freight advantage applies when shipping the empty clamshells to the grower. While this provide a freight advantage for the shipper, is the added weight enough to significantly cut into the what is being paid to the truck?
The four-pound clamshells also fit well in an eight down pallet configuration. Creating a one-pounder that offers that same freight advantage has been difficult.
The clamshell manufacturing industry has evolved over the years, and now virtually all the pellets being used to start the produce industry clamshells process come from recycled soda bottles. Depending upon the quality of the shipment, a small percentage of virgin material may have to be added to reach the quality level needed in the resulting clamshell. But overall, well over 90 percent of the material ultimately used comes from recycled product. And the clamshells themselves are recyclable.
Clamshells took over from plastic baskets in the strawberry industry more than two decades ago and now they account for at least 90 percent of strawberry containers.
A key to success is the advancement and modernization of equipment, whether talking long haul trucking or in this case, the machines that ready pallets with trays of strawberries, protected by the Tectrol CO2 process.
Tectrol is a patented process held by TransFresh Corporation in Salinas, CA.
TransFresh has what it calls a modified squeeze which effectively allows the company to increase the productivity of its conveyor system at packing facilities. Now research is being conducted to use the squeeze system in the field, according to Rich Macleod, vice president, pallet division, for TransFresh.
“An older model can produce 45 to 55 pallets per hour across that machine,” Macleod says. “With the double down version, we’ve significantly modified the squeeze portion. We’ve also added mechanisms that square the pallet. We’ve changed the conveyor roll on so they are able to produce 55 to 65 pallets per hour.”
Continuing, Macleod notes there also are programs allowing machine operators to stop and back up the pallets on the system when trouble shooting is needed. This allows the problem to be quickly addressed.
In general, it (the system) is faster. So all of this is good for the produce haulers. The boxes on the pallets are more squared than ever and this reduces chances of shifting (of the load) even more. It also protects the strawberries, providing a better seal. Perhaps most important is it helps to speed loading onto the truck, reducing the wait times at the dock by the drivers,” Macleod says.
In 2014 TransFresh Corporation introduced the Tectrol Storage Solution utilizing BreatheWay Technology by California produce company Apio to provide more reliable storage for fresh blueberries. While the produce trucker hauling these berries may never see the process, that driver should benefit from it.
Rich Macleod, TransFresh vice president, pallet division, based in Salinas, CA, says, “There’s a reason we call it a storage solution….blueberry growers store their blueberries (in a controlled atmosphere bag) prior to shipping. The storage bag is removed before being shipped.”
He adds the bag is dynamically different from modified atmosphere for which TransFresh has built a name with strawberries.
Macleod points out blueberries after harvest are sometimes stored as long as four to six weeks as a way of balancing the market.
“To the driver that means that load will be available on a scheduled basis,” Macleod relates. “For example, he will know he needs to be in the Northwest every Tuesday to pick up six pallets of blueberries. It won’t be this frantic thing like picking up and delivering strawberries or cherries.”
Additionally, Macleod sees the Storage Solution as reducing the chances of quality problems at destination, which could lead to claims or deductions from the freight rate.
“When the market is orderly, that’s good for everybody,” he says.
Looking to the future, Macleod notes they are starting to solve the blueberry storage solutions for international transportation. If the shipper is an exporter, when those berries are loaded into a 40-f00t sea van, the product is placed in a controlled atmosphere. He also sees the day when this could be applicable for blueberries and other items being imported to by US companies from countries such as Chile and Peru.
“I don’t see this replacing containers,, but it could certainly impact the number of containers used. I see them being used side by side,” he says.
In the controlled atmosphere systems there is a device that records the atmosphere for the entire container. However, Macleod sees this being cost prohibitive to something like that in each pallet. However, there is research being conducted in this area.
By TransFresh Corporation
TransFresh® Corporation of Salinas, CA has announced that usage has expanded for its high velocity Tectrol® application systems, recently placed in multiple cooler locations ahead of peak Strawberry production, increasing efficiency and throughput for berries bound for US and Canadian markets.
According to TransFresh, the specialized equipment systems facilitate the proficient application and sealing of poly sheeting in a seamless and reliable operation, meeting significantly higher demand for Tectrol. TransFresh and its Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging systems are best known industry-wide for adding a level of protection to help ensure the quality and marketability of fresh berry products throughout the supply chain.
Every step of the Tectrol process is happening simultaneously with the high velocity systems: gripping and lifting pallet cartons to apply bottom sheeting, installing and sealing bags and adding beneficial atmospheres to immediately trigger the slowing of senescence.
According to Rich Macleod, vice president, TransFresh, the high-performance method substantially increases the number of Tectrol pallets processed per hour, increasing the total volume of Tectrol strawberries that move through each cooler facility. “In sum,” he stated, “the TransFresh investment in research, equipment development and installation has resulted in greater efficiency and throughput as well as enhanced sealing efficacy.”
Macleod further stated that the continuing strong interest in Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging systems was spurred by a comprehensive research initiative conducted by two leading academic postharvest departments under the US Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Project with the mission to increase the consumption of specialty crops, such as strawberries, through enhanced quality and safety. Under the project, teams from the University of California at Davis and the University of Florida jointly evaluated the efficacy of pallet cover systems to maintain strawberry fruit quality during commercial shipment. Findings concluded that “transporting strawberries in the sealed TransFresh Tectrol pallet cover system in which CO2 concentrations were elevated at consistent levels was most effective in complementing low temperature management practices to reduce decay and maintain fruit quality.” The research, Comparison of Pallet Cover Systems to Maintain Strawberry Fruit Quality during Transit (HortTechnology, Aug. 2012), also concluded that after a two-day shelf life, fruit from the Tectrol pallets achieved “significantly less decay” than other systems evaluated.
Macleod concluded that the development and installation of the high performance equipment system at these multiple cooling locations is the result of TransFresh’s commitment to support the berry trade as a whole by fulfilling its fundamental mission to protect berry quality.
About TransFresh®
TransFresh is a pioneering and established global entity with nearly 50 years of experience in perishables transport. Tectrol® is the trademarked brand name for the TransFresh® family of proprietary modified and controlled atmosphere systems and processes developed and owned by TransFresh. The Tectrol Service Network™ services, markets and supports the Tectrol pallet systems operations and technologies. Since inception, TransFresh’s innovations in packaging, equipment and sealing processes have established Tectrol as an industry standard. For more information, visit www.transfresh.com.
JUPITER, FL – A Louisville man accused of stealing an 18-wheeler filled with Yokohama truck tires in Fort Pierce, FL. has been apprehended with the help of Locus Traxx’s GO unit.
The Florida Highway Patrol was notified that the truck had disappeared Saturday in Louisville. It was headed south on the Florida Turnpike. Troopers were able to locate the semi at mile market 174, thanks to the GO’s location reporting capabilities, according to a Locus Traxx press release.
Marvin Napoles Manzano was then arrested and charged with cargo theft valued at over $50,000 and the grand theft of a vehicle, totaling over $110,000 in stolen merchandise.
The GO is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and is capable of sending temperature, location, and door security information straight to the grower via smart phone or computer, providing access to critical data at any time, from any location. With real-time data available at one’s fingertips, produce deliveries can be safely monitored to prevent any potential transportation problems.
Locus Traxx is a fast-growing company focused on improving food safety and security of food shipments.
The SmartTraxx monitoring system wireless reports the temperature, security and location of shipments on the road. The OverSight system delivers real-time Intelligent Alerts text and emails based on the incoming shipment data. These timely alerts make sure shipment damage, theft or tampering can be prevented. All shipment data is also available online as intelligent maps, interactive graphs, cusomizable reports or one-click downloads.
The company was founded in 2005. Its objective is to use leading edge technolgies and best practice approaches to provide a cost-effective way to ensure the safety and freshness of every food shipment.
Its customers are global leaders in the food industry including: transportation providers, growers, farmers, ranchers, distributors, retailers, and food service companies.
Salinas, CA – TransFresh® Corporation reports that its custom tailored Tectrol® Storage Solutions for fresh blueberries has gained strong acceptance by the Grower-Shipper community following its fall 2014 debut.
TransFresh’s unique Tectrol Storage Solutions was launched following a multi-year research and development initiative and features Apio’s patented BreatheWay® Breathable Membrane Technology married with an easy-to-use zipper-sealed pallet system.
Tectrol Storage Solutions’ distinctive zipper-sealed all-in-one pallet bag ensures a secure seal with easy, efficient single-zip operation. It features a careful adaptation of Apio’s patented BreatheWay® Technology, creating an adjustable breathability to manage just the right rate of oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer required by the fruit.
According to TransFresh, the breakthrough sealing process delivers to customers an easy storage solution with minimal impact to the other aspects of their processes.
“What’s so remarkable about Tectrol Storage Solutions for fresh blueberries is that the innovative zip-sealed pallet system combined with the patented breathable membrane allows just the right amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer needed by the fruit, for the storage of blueberries,” said Rich Macleod, TransFresh vice president. “Customers who have struggled in the past to meet the specific atmosphere needs of fresh blueberries are finding they have a new solution available for storage,” he said. “It’s the cost-effective storage tool they’ve been looking for.”
Macleod further commented that customers are reporting much more confidence in their storage solutions because they are able to more effectively match supplies with market demand. A pallet-sized atmosphere package such as the Tectrol Storage Solutions gives suppliers the flexibility to market a quality product through the peaks and valleys of the distribution system.
Customers who are interested in more information may contact Reilly Rhodes, TransFresh at (949) 279-5084.
About TransFresh®
TransFresh is a pioneering and established global entity with nearly 50 years of experience in perishables transport. Tectrol® is the trademarked brand name for the TransFresh® family of proprietary modified and controlled atmosphere systems and processes developed and owned by TransFresh. The Tectrol Service Network™ services markets and supports the Tectrol pallet systems operations and technologies. Since inception, TransFresh’s innovations in packaging, equipment and sealing processes have established Tectrol as an industry standard. For more information, please visit www.transfresh.com.
About Apio
Apio is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Landec Corporation (LNDC). Landec, through Apio, is a market leader in the commercialization of specialty packaged vegetable products using Apio’s BreatheWay® patented technology. Landec also develops and commercializes injectable medical materials for ophthalmology and orthopedic applications. Landec’s Apio food subsidiary sells its products nationwide under the Eat Smart® and GreenLine® Brands. For more information visit www.apioinc.com.
There is angst among some in the Canadian produce industry because the rules set up by an entity of America’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has changed some rules regarding protection they receive when there is a dispute involving a produce transaction. However, it could be worse. What if the Canadians had absolutely no protection against unfair practices, something U.S. produce truckers have never had.
The U.S. government recently took away a trading privilege from Canadian produce companies that has been available for more than 75 years. The result is fruit and vegetable producers risk losing thousands of dollars, closing their businesses, or moving across the border into the U.S.
Canadian produce companies that were owed money from U.S. companies could pay $100 to start a legal process, under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). This would happen when U.S. companies didn’t pay their bills on time, at all, or when the company declared bankruptcy.
However, in October 2014, the United States withdrew Canada’s privileged access to PACA after the Canadian government neglected to implement the same privileges this side of the border. Now Canadian fruit and vegetable producers have to pay double the amount of money they’re owed to get access to the unpaid funds. If they’re owed $100,000 for cucumbers for example, they have to pay $200,000 as a bond to get the process started.
For decades, this writer has advocated owner operators, small fleets and large fleets hauling fresh fruits and vegetables be afforded similar protections the USDA’s PACA provides for the produce industry. This would be invaluable for produce truckers facing unfair claims or deductions or rejected loads. However, the produce industry has always fought against such measures and the PACA has certainly shown no interest.
About the only recourse for produce haulers is going through the court system, which can be costly, time consuming and particularly difficult considering the fact the problem may have taken place thousands miles from the trucker’s home base. Otherwise, hope and pray you have a good truck broker or shipper backing you when such issues arise. — Bill Martin
Cargo Data Corp., is promoting temperature recorders approved by Wal-Mart. The recorder has been approved for temperature controlled shipments to all U.S. distribution centers of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in Bentonville, Ark., according to a news release from the Ventura, Calif.-based Cargo Data.
The recorders can be used in produce, meat, poultry, seafood and floral, according to the release. The automated temperature monitoring system saves users time and money and helps reduce risk of hidden shrink, according to the release. Through the express data retrieval system, the recorders store up to 100 shipments of temperature data which can be downloaded to a computer for automatic archiving, according to the release.
The Cargo Data Corporation office is located in Ventura, CA. Its management team has been in place since 1974 and continues to focus on providing industry-leading cold chain monitoring solutions for firms involved in the perishable food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and floral industries.
It goal is to provide innovative cold chain monitoring products that are simple to use.
Cargo Data encourages the recycling of it digital temperature recorders in an effort to keep tons of circuit boards, batteries and other pollutants out of landfills.
Cargo Data markets its products in several channels. If you are a distributor or broker interested in in handling Cargo Data produce, contact the company at: info@cargodatacorp.com
With the cost of diesel fuel it can be tempting to use the refrigeration unit’s fuel saver mode, but this is not always the best decision.
In the fuel saver mode the fan may not be running at a high enough speed to move enough air to keep the ambient heat from coming through the trailer walls, says Rich Macleod of TransFresh Corp., Salinas, CA.
“You can’t afford to have that air movement capacity compromised in any way, because the load will warm up. We do see that over and over again.”
These problems usually occur because such decisions are based on the cost of fuel, he says.
“The (temperature) charts come in and you can see it on the recording thermometers. You get this up and down spiking on the recording thermometers,” Macleod states.
Then the reefer unit is unable to keep up with the demand for cold air and the temperature recorder shows this gradual warming up inside the trailer.
Hauling Wet and Dry Commodities Together
Although it doesn’t appear to be a major problem, Macleod says one of the things a driver should watch for during loading is when the waxed corregated cardboard is extending all the way from the top of the pallet to the trailer floor. This can block air flow to the pallets.
“From a practical stand point this is a reason the driver needs to watch the trailer being loaded,” Macleod observes. “You want to make sure that paper doesn’t extend below the base of the wooden pallet,” says Macleod, “but this rarely happens.”
In another scenario, he says shippers use a light grade plastic cap that goes over the top of the pallet, which effectively keeps the water from transferring from a wet commodity to a dry commodity. If the water reaches the cardboard of a dry commodity, then the container gets wet and collapses and damages the product. This can also lead to decay of a commodity that should remain dry.
“You are really trying to create a barrier to do that. Probably the most common is using a type of cardboard container covered with wax,” Macleod concludes.
(This is the final in a five-part series featuring an interview with Rich Macleod, vice president, pallet division North America for TransFresh Corp., Salinas, CA. He has been with the company since 1976, and has a masters degree in post harvest science from the University of California, Davis.)