‘Check the truck’s exhaust’

In the current economic
environment cost savings
are important but be
wary of cheap solutions
that take short cuts, says
perishable specialist Andy
Connell.
“Cheap more often than
not is expensive and short
cuts just don’t work.”
Using the exhaust
system of a truck as an
example he said it was not
just the quote from the
transporter that was to
be considered when
moving fruit and
vegetables, but
also the kind of
truck being
used.
“Make sure
the truck does
not have an
elevated
exhaust
because if it
does it will
be pumping
exhaust fumes
into your cargo,”
he said. “A quick
measuring test of these
fumes will reveal gases
like sulphur and ethylene,
which is a natural gas
that ripens fruit. Your
product is not going to be
preserved for long under
these conditions.”
He said in the world
of perishable shipping
attention to detail was
critical.
“And make sure the
checks and balances are
in place. That is what
ensures a successful
shipment.”