Posts Tagged “feature”
The Maryland Wholesale Produce Market in Jessup, MD, which been open since the mid 1970s, is installing security cameras.
The project has been implemented since the market sees a need to understand and monitor regulations affecting both the produce and seafood industries. The security cameras are vital to providing food safety and security for the complex.
Hundreds of produce haulers deliver fruits and vegetables to the market weekly.
Additionally market officials are working with an engineering company for plans to bring the dock canopy up to the condition that will meet audit requirements.
Located on about 400 acares, it is home to some major companies, such as Sysco Food Services of Baltimore, T.A. Baltimore South, Merchants Terminal, BTS Distribution Centers, Terminal Corporation and the Maryland Wholesale Produce and Seafood Markets.
Giant Foods was previously a tenant on the market, but it moved its operation to another location last year, taking with it a significant portion of the 3,500 people who were employed at the market. Virtually every category of fruits, vegetables and seafood are processed, packaged and distributed through the Maryland Food Center into the Mid-Atlantic region. This requires thousands of refrigerated trucks each month delivering product to the market for distribution.
The market is operated by the Maryland Food Center Authority, which has a 12-member executive board that is appointed by the Governor of Maryland.
Last year, the market completed a $780,000 roof replacement project on both market buildings.
Here’s four issues in the trucking industry to ponder – and you decide whether they are valid.
*The driver’s shortage is a hoax.
*One of the last concerns of large fleets is the well being of owner operators and small fleet owners.
*Regulations are killing the deregulated trucking industry.
*California produce rates have been lower in recent years and the reason may be different from what you think.
These four statements came to mind following a telephone interview with Kenny Lund, vice president of Allen Lund Co.
Is There a Driver’s Shortage?
When it comes to a driver’s shortage relating to fresh produce, Lund sees the only shortages being at shipping point and at the receiving end These involve short hauls from the field to packing houses and from receiver distribution centers to retail stores, restaurants, etc. But he doesn’t see a driver’s shortage with long haul produce transporation.
Lund concedes there may be a shortage of drivers with the larger trucking companies, stating, “if you have 300 trucks you have to come up with 300 drivers to fill them.” However, produce transportation is dominated by owner operators, who is the driver of his own truck. He doesn’t have to recruit other drivers.
Large Fleets Hurting Owner Operators?
“It seems the larger truck lines are doing everything they can to make it tougher on owner operators,” Lund states.
As examples, LaCanada, CA-based Lund points to big carrier support of everything counter to issues of importance to owner operators. He cites large fleet support of Electronic Onboard Recorders (EOBRs ) that will add costs, and support of California Resources Board (CARB) rules. Why?
Lund points out large carriers tend to rotate their fleets every five years and it is the owner operators who are buying their used trucks. This wouldn’t be so bad except the CARB rules require equipment such as reefer units not to be older than seven years.
“You have to retrofit it for a cost of anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000,” Lunds says. On the plus size, he adds the fleets are starting to realize the CARB rules are not only bad for owner operators, but for the whole trucking industry. Lund believes the damaging CARB rules are a much bigger threat to the industry than a driver’s shortage.
Growing Regulations
Perhaps the biggest threat to the survival of owner operators are the growing number of federal and state regulations.
“When you produce all these regulations on an one-horse operator, he doesn’t have the resources to comply with everything,” Lund states. “It’s really putting a strain on them.”
Why Have California Rates Been Lower?
Lund notes California produce rates have not been as high in recent years. At the same time he is noticing more truck shortages, but not in California.
“There’s just not as many trucks in California now. What has kept the rates down is there is not as much produce (being grown in California),” Lund contends.
It comes down to California’s intrusive regulations, etc. are also resulting in more produce growers shifting their operations to Mexico where the red tape and costs of operation are less. For example, similar to California, there is less produce being grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, yet more truck shortages are occurring there, as more Mexican grown fruits and vegetables are being shipped into South Texas.
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These issues are presented to you following a telephone interview with Kenny Lund. I have known Kenny’s father, the namesake of the company since shortly after his modest beginning in 1976 as a truck broker . Today, the company works with over 20,000 carriers, which are mostly owner operators. ALC arranges about 200,000 loads a year, with food items accounting for over 50 percent of the freight. Refrigerated loads make up about 40 to 45 percent of the loads.
While Allen Lund remains involved in the company, Kenny Lund has assumed a greater role in the continued growth and success of the operation. At the same time, the high ethical standards put in place by Allen nearly four decades ago, remain rooted in the company’s foundation. — Bill Martin
Up to 40 percent of fruits or vegetables can be wasted because it is “ugly”, a report on food waste reveals.
Produce grown in the UK that does not meet retailer standards on size or shape or is blemished is often used for animal feed or simply ploughed back into the ground even though it is edible, with as much as two-fifths of a crop rejected.
The Uk’s global food security programme, also showed that the average household throws away more than 11 pouinds of food a week, and nearly two-thirds of that waste is avoidable.
Households throw away a fifth of the food they buy, wasting it for reasons ranging from cooking and preparing too much food to not using it in time before the packaging due date expires.
Retailers respond to demands by consumers for high-quality food by imposing standards that can lead to much of the crop being wasted. However, some progress is being made with supermarkets marketing “odd shapes and sizes” for fruit and vegetables.
In developing countries, much of the loss of food occurs during post-harvesting storage, processing and packaging.
Tackling food waste globally is a major part of the action needed to provide enough food to feed a growing world population sustainably and tackle hunger, which affects one in eight people worldwide, the report said.
Around a third of food produced globally is lost or wasted.
“Over 5 million people in the UK live in deep poverty, where basic food provision is a daily challenge,” says food expert Tim Benton.
The report highlights priorities for research to help reduce food waste, including improving harvesting and packaging technologies, good seasonal weather prediction and new ways to reduce food waste within the home.
Produce haulers can expect less loading opportunities of Chilean fruit at U.S. ports this winter.
Freezing temperatures Sept. 17 and again a week later hit Chilean orchards with the worst cold since 1929 as temperatures plunged to 19 degrees F. for an average of seven hours.
Last year, Chilean fruit exporters sold about 282 million boxes of fruit to global markets, and for 2013-14, exports are expect to decline about 50 million boxes short of that level.
How much of Chile’s total fruit goes to the U.S. this season is still up the air. America took about 42 percent of Chile’s total grape exports a year ago. Imports of grapes from the South American country normally hit stride in January and continue for about three months.
The effect of the frost will mainly be in stone fruit, though grape volume could also be down an average of about 15 percent. Stone fruit is mostly peaches plums and nectarines, with much fewer apricots.
Early grapes will fare better than later-season grapes. If this holds true grape arrivals by boat at U.S. ports will probably be much lighter than usual in March.
Kiwifruit damage is rated very heavy, at close to 60 percent.
Further updates will be reported as they become available.
Overall loading opportunities should be up this season for Michigan apples, while the nation’s biggest storage onion region will have fewer onion shipments.
Apple Shipments
The Michigan apple industry set new shipping records for two consecutive weeks in October, loading 414,702 boxes of apples the week of October 12th.
During the week of October 5th, the Michigan shipped 411,973 boxes of apples. That record was broken the following week with 414,702 boxes. In October 2011, the industry set a shipment record of 378,933 the second week in October.
With 9.2 million total apple trees in commercial production on 36,500 acres, Michigan is the third-largest producer of apples in the U.S., and distributes apples to 26 states and 18 countries.
Onion Shipments
Onion shipments will likely be less from Idaho and eastern Oregon (Malhuer County) this year due to disease and weather-related factors. The region that produces about 25 percent of the nation’s storage onions.
Idaho and eastern Oregon farmers harvested 19,100 acres in 2012, down 1,400 acres from the previous year. Shipments this season are estimated to be similar to a year ago.
Idaho-eastern Oregon onions – grossing about $3500 to Chicago.
Michigan apples – about $3600 to Atlanta.
Carrier Transicold’s new XtendFRESH™ container atmosphere control system uses innovative technologies to help maintain the quality of shipped produce, while extending shipping distances to enable growers reach new customers. Carrier Transicold helps improve global transport and shipping temperature control with a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers, and is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
Considering its many benefits, the XtendFRESH system is designed to be more affordable than Carrier’s prior atmosphere control solutions and relatively easy to install on existing equipment.
“The XtendFRESH system will expand opportunities for the global trade of perishable commodities,” said David Appel, president, Carrier Transicold. “It will enable Carrier Transicold’s shipping line customers to help exporters extend their reach into new markets.”
The XtendFRESH system actively controls oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and removes ethylene, a hormone given off by ripening produce that will accelerate ripening if left unchecked. O2 and CO2 levels can be independently set at levels that produce optimum results for a given commodity. The system’s ability to remove ethylene, while managing O2 and CO2, is key to its performance and distinguishes it from other products for container atmosphere control.
Kartik Kumar, director, Marketing & Strategic Planning, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold, said, “By helping prevent premature ripening, the XtendFRESH system will aid in maintaining optimum quality of delivered produce, which can also result in less spoilage per shipment.”
By slowing ripening, XtendFRESH significantly lengthens the amount of time produce can spend in refrigerated transit – by more than double in some cases. For example, bananas can be shipped for up to eight weeks rather than four, and beans for up to four weeks rather 10 days.
“The XtendFRESH system will give the shipping industry a new, more economical way to implement container atmosphere control and, in turn, grow market opportunities,” Kumar said.
The innovative XtendFRESH system has a patented self-regenerating activated carbon scrubber assembly that removes ethylene and CO2 created by the ripening processes occurring inside the container. As O2 is consumed by ripening produce, automated, on-demand fresh-air ventilation helps maintain the optimum O2 level for the specific cargo inside. No other product integral to the container actively manages CO2 and O2 and removes ethylene.
“We’re enthusiastic about the prospects of the XtendFRESH system for our banana operations,” said Juan Carlos Hernandez, Global Equipment and M&R Manager, Chiquita Brands International, Inc., which worked with Carrier in demonstration projects and sea trials. “The XtendFRESH system is a practical, complete controlled-atmosphere alternative for refrigerated containers that has shown potential for maintaining improved produce quality in long-duration shipments.”
O2, will typically be managed to a range of between 3 to 21 percent, and CO2, will typically be managed within a range of zero to 19 percent.
Modular by design, the XtendFRESH system can be easily added to existing Carrier container refrigeration units equipped with the Micro-Link® 3 (ML3) controller. Key components include the scrubber assembly, a ventilation panel with integral blower, control software and sensors for monitoring O2 and CO2. Adding a humidity sensor provides additional atmosphere control, enabling humidity to be reduced to as low as 50 percent, as needed for cargo protection.
The XtendFRESH system will be available as an option with new equipment purchases, and a special XtendFRESH provision will also be available for new units, making it easier to upgrade them with the XtendFRESH system at a later date.
The XtendFRESH system is currently completing trials and Carrier Transicold anticipates availability later this year. For more information about the XtendFRESH container atmosphere control system, visit www.carrier.com/container.
About Carrier Transicold
Carrier Transicold helps improve transport and shipping temperature control with a complete line of equipment and services for refrigerated transport and cold chain visibility. For more than 40 years, Carrier Transicold has been an industry leader, providing customers around the world with the most advanced, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable container refrigeration systems and generator sets, direct-drive and diesel truck units and trailer refrigeration systems. Carrier Transicold is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.transicold.carrier.com for more information.
Many years ago my grandfather told me countless times that “Things ain’t what they used to be.”
I never exactly knew what he was talking about, but now I think I do. Well, he was right. Things ain’t what they used to be. There was a time when Americans considered themselves wealthy, not because of the gold they carried in their pocket, but by the liberty they possessed as an American citizen. There was a time when you would never consider disrespecting a teacher. And If you even thought about dropping out of school you would have to face your father, and that would not be a pleasant experience at all. There was a time when you knew the world didn’t owe you one thin dime, and hard work for an honest wage was something you had to do to survive and prosper. There was a time when your word was your bond and contracts were made with a firm handshake. Your reputation depended on you keeping your word. There was a time when you worked to stand on your own two feet and taking a handout was unthinkable. There was a time when you respected your parents and honored the name that they handed down to you from your ancestors. And, believe it or not, there was even a time when you knew that the government would stay out of your business. You could manage your business with common sense and self-respect. There was a time when the American dream was to take up a trade or start your own business. And your business succeeded or failed by the sweat of your own brow, and not by government kickbacks and taxpayer subsidies. There was a time when you took pride in your work, and workers would work extra hours to insure the quality of their work was uncompromised. There was a time when all Americans cheered the success of others. And jealousy and envy were frowned upon, and would never be used, or even considered for use as a political campaign platform. There was even a time when Americans got teary eyed and choked up when singing the national anthem. Americans understood and respected those who gave their lives so that we may live in liberty. During the past few months I have had the good fortune of going through old family photos and memorabilia. Many of them pictures of my grandfather, aunts, uncles, and even a few family outlaws. People who lived through the great depression, the dust bowl, and WWII. People who taught me the value of the name that I carry, and the money in my pocket. There was not a Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Barrack Obama, Al Sharpton, Lady Gaga, or any other bozo among them. They were just solid Americans with a high moral certainty that produced and built a prosperous nation. A nation that is now sadly in decline. Who would have thought that you would see the day when McDonald’s fry cooks and Wal-Mart checkout clerks would think that these type of jobs should be a well paid career to live and raise a family on? Who would have thought that the President of the United States would foster, promote, and encourage a great divide among poor and rich Americans. You have to go back to the Civil War to find a time in American history when our country was as divided as it is today. “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a house divided against itself falls.” Luke 11:17 These words, spoken two thousand years ago by Jesus Christ, speak volumes today. How can we get our nation and economy back on track to prosperity without a unity of leadership? We have unions divided against management, states divided against states, federal laws divided against state laws, government regulators divided against businesses, parents divided against teachers, and politicians divided against our Constitution. There are so many divisions in our country that it is hard to find any common ground for agreement. Many people say that today is no different than our grandfathers’ day, and it will pass. Are you kidding me? This country is at a crossroads. In fact we may have already moved past the crossroads. One thing is for sure. Today we have more people living on some sort of government handout than those who don’t. This my friends is the crucial tipping point toward a national decline. When a politician can stand up and say, ”Vote for me and I’ll give you a tax payer funded government handout”, and get elected, it’s all over folks. Nothing left to do but to rename our country….The United States of Detroit
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From Washington state apples, to Nebraska and Texas potatoes, as well as North Carolina sweet potatoes and more, here’s some fresh produce loads to consider.
Washington Apple Loads
Apple shipments are really picking up from Washington state’s Yakima and Wenatchee valleys. They have finally got the old crop out the way and the focus has shifted to new season fruit. The harvest is still continuing, but volume should get heavy as we get into November.
Potato Loads
Shipments of red potatoes out of North Dakota and Minnesota remain only light to moderate as digging still continues. The harvest of Red River Valley potatoes is about two to three weeks behind schedule, with a little over half of the spuds now in storage. Loadings should increase in the weeks ahead.
Sweet Potato Loads
Another late harvest is with North Carolina sweet potatoes. Some sweet potatoes were being shipped uncured at the start of the season, but now there has been time for curing. Sweet potatoes are not very sweet or moist when first dug. It takes six to eight weeks of proper curing and storage before they have the sweet, moist taste and texture desired when baked.
Nebraska continues to ship light amounts of potatoes, mostly from the Imperial, Neb area in the southwest part of the state, and from O’Neill in Northeast Nebraska — about 200 loads weekly combined from both areas
There’s also similar volume of potatoes coming out of what’s know as the High Plains district of West Texas, around the Herford area.
Washington state apples – grossing about $6400 to New York City.
North Carolina sweet potatoes – about $1500 to Atlanta.
Shipments of Prince Edward Island potatoes have been taking place for several weeks across Atlantic Canada, but now loadings destinated for other parts of Canada, as well as the United States are gearing up. A majority of shipments to the US are along the eastern seaboard.
The PEI potato harvest is is approximately 85 percent complete across the Island. Yields are generally close to average and the quality of the crop is reported particularly good this year.
The potato industry continues to a major employer and an economic engine in Prince Edward Island, employing 12 percent of the Island labour-force directly or in spin-off employment. The potato industry in PEI creates a total economic impact of $1.065 billion dollars.
For new recipe ideas on how to include PEI Potatoes into family meals this fall, visit www.peipotato.com.
Prince Edward Island Potatoes are world renowned for the great taste and quality that comes from growing in the unique red soil of PEI. The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is a producer-controlled association dedicated to supporting the highest performance of an economically and environmentally sustainable potato industry.
Source: Prince Edward Island Potatoes
It will be a few more weeks before California citrus shipments really get cranked up from the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.
About 88 million cartons of California navels should be loaded this season, down slightly at 2 percent from last season. A few growers started harvest the week of October 7. Limited shipments will be underway at the end of October, with good loading opportunities coming the second week of November, just in time for the Thanksgiving holidays.
Table grapes continue to provide heavy volume from the San Joaquin Valley, and it is little wonder if you’ve tasted the fruit this season. With high sugar levels, consumers, including me, keep going back to the store for more. About 1,800 truck loads of grapes per week are being loaded in California.
Carrot Shipments
There is steady movement of carrots out of the Kern District in the Bakersfield area, averaging over 300 truck load equivalents per week.
Huron Lettuce Shipments
It’s only about a 30-day window for head lettuce loadings coming out of the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley, known as the Huron district. Harvest has just started, but it will be the week of October 28th before significant loadings occur….Meanwhile lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower continue out of the Salinas Valley in light to moderate volume.
Pistachio Shipments
The forecast pegs shipments amounting to 460 million pounds, off from 550 million pounds a year ago. Expect substantially higher prices in your local supermarkets.