A Guide to Successful Produce Shipping from Farm to Market

Contrary to popular belief, getting your farm-fresh produce from the field to the table involves more steps than just picking your produce ripe. Safe and efficient shipping procedures ensure your fruits and vegetables arrive at their destination looking their best while minimizing food waste.

There aren't blanket federal regulations on produce shipping. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has guidelines in place regarding transporting agricultural goods.

These guidelines include everything from proper temperatures to accurate labeling, guaranteeing your produce meets the highest safety standards. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in product seizure, shipment delays, and hefty fines.

With that said, in this post we will break down everything you need to know about shipping produce straight from your farm.

Choosing Shipping Containers

Your produce journey begins with selecting the right shipment container. Plastic corrugated boxes are considered the champion of sustainability because they offer reusability and unparalleled protection (and at Industry Plastic, we use ultrasonic welding to add an even stronger reinforcement of protection). Cardboard counterparts pose serious recycling challenges due to internal liners, while wax box alternatives are sustainable and align with eco-conscious practices.

Plus, with plastic corrugated boxes, you can showcase your brand through custom printing—a win-win for both sustainability and promotion.

How to Pack for Preservation

Effective packing techniques are necessary for preserving the integrity of your produce. Temperature regulation is a crucial consideration to assure optimal conditions throughout transit. In this case, using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) protects delicate crops from premature spoilage.

You must also pay attention to detail in packing procedures to mitigate damage during handling and safeguard your harvest's quality from farm to fork.

Here's where your choices make a big difference:

• Consider the quantity of produce, transportation distance, and expected time of arrival. Research potential carriers and compare rates to find the most cost-effective and reliable option.
• Check produce quality - from color consistency to texture and aroma to be sure that only the finest produce reach their destination for the best customer satisfaction and brand reputation. It's advisable to focus mainly on blemish-free fruits and vegetables at peak ripeness as they can withstand the rigors of long-haul travel.
• Group your produce based on temperature requirements. Items like leafy greens prefer cooler temperatures, whereas others, like tomatoes, thrive in slightly warmer environments. Pack each temperature group separately to maintain optimal conditions.

In addition, consider movement during transport. This is also where plastic corrugated boxes can help. Stacking your boxes during transport can help prevent movement and making sure your produce stays in place.

Why Choose Industry Plastic For Your Produce Shipping?

Industry Plastic is a division of Five Star Corrugated Inc., which was formed specifically to supply better packaging solutions in the produce industry.

We advocate for the use of plastic corrugated boxes for several reasons:

• Unlike traditional wax boxes, plastic corrugated boxes provide superior protection against crushing and punctures compared to traditional cardboard boxes—this leads to less product damage or food waste.
• Because corrugated plastic boxes are completely waterproof, they are ideal for storing chilled or frozen food. You don't have to worry about spills, leaks, and melting ice.
• Every produce grower and packer has unique storage processes/needs. Plastic corrugated boxes are customizable in terms of size, shape, and quantity, all with high-speed printing options.

Making the switch to more ecological packaging shouldn't be challenging. Our process involves a consultation to understand your needs. We will then customize plastic shipping boxes based on your feedback and brand.

Contact our team today to get started!

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