Getting numerous types of food from the farm to your family table requires proper storing and transportation in refrigerated vehicles. Temperature swings during  refrigerated truck shipping  shorten the shelf life of the product and it is crucial to maintain the integrity and quality of refrigerated cargo. All the stakeholders must adhere to industry norms to assure food safety, from the fleet that transports the food to the distribution centres and manufacturing plants. 

Taking care of refrigerated food while transporting requires some undertakings,some of which are listed below: 

Inspection

Inspection of the refrigerated unit and trailer is the first step in ensuring optimal food quality. Drivers should inspect the trailer visually to ensure that there is no damage in any way. Pre-cooling the trailer guarantees that the cargo does not reach an unsuitable temperature while being loaded or immediately afterwards. The same standards apply independently atthe beginning and the ultimate trailer temperatures to ensure that temperatures are within food safety criteria.

Packaging

Carefully packing food that needs to be refrigerated before moving it is crucial. Carefully pack all the food into containers large enough to hold the contents safely without causing damage. Then write what’s in each container on a clean label. Finally, use packaging material to wrap each container. While you can buy specialized packing material, plain old paper works just as well and is far less expensive. 

Temperature Control

Proper food safety practices in terms of time and temperature control play a critical role in influencing the safety of the food. Meat, dairy products, eggs, milk, and most cut fruits and vegetables are among the most fragile foods and therefore, require special attention. Some items must also be pre-cooled before being transported in refrigerated conditions. Amajority of transportation hubs have complete climate control because food quality and safety are also affected by humidity levels. Low humidity leads to increased water loss, making the produce more susceptible to deterioration and mould.

Storage

The appropriate storing of food during transportation guarantees that the products will maintain their quality until they arrive at their final destination. It will help prevent mould and rot and ensure that product does not go to waste. As a result, appropriate food storage is a cost-effective option that will reduce losses for both suppliers and buyers in the long term. Before shipping, properly storing food protects it from the weather and avoids organic decomposition. Food storage, in particular, reduces biochemical degradation and microbial growth while also protectingthe product from pollutants, pests, dampness and dryness.

Keeping Food Pest-free

When shipping foodproducts, you must also keep itaway from pathogens and vermin. Bugs and other small animals may board thetruck and eat the goods. The prevalence of goods lost to animal consumption and contamination is reduced by limiting sources of entry and monitoring pest management. Apart from pests, proper food storage during transportation also keeps the food free from dirt, dust, and other sources of contamination. In addition, keeping transportation equipment and vehicles clean helps prevent the spread of common environmental contaminants.

Conclusion

The risk of food deterioration is high during the transportation process. One can prevent the decaying and rotting of refrigerated food by implementing some of the above-mentioned steps. Food safety and quality are influenced by everything from post-harvest treatment, processing, storage to the mode of transportation chosen. It necessitates prudence whenselecting a service provider to avoid losses. Check out transportation services in Saskatoon  like ours. We’llsafely transport your refrigerated foods.