Sometimes, fruits and vegetables are transported via big-rigs with reefer shipping trailers. These units are ideal for keeping the metal containers at a stable temperature, especially during the hot summer months. During the winter time, trucking companies can usually get by with just moving the goods from one location to the next via a standard tractor-trailer. Why would they do such a thing? Well, for one, reefer units are expensive, and for two, they cost even more money throughout the year due to maintenance costs.
With bottom lines being so crucial to businesses today, saving every little bit helps, which means an alternative to reefer shipping can be a must. However, these organizations must be careful when relocating perishables. If they fail to protect them from the cold adequately, the entire shipment can become ruined. While the company may have insurance to cover such losses, they may not be able to recover from the bad word of mouth advertising and lost work in the long run. After all, once comments start to spread that their deliveries aren’t making it to the destinations safe and sound, customers will likely start jumping ship.
So, in other words, institutions must think creatively and find ways to safeguard these products. Grocery stores can’t sell fruits and vegetables that are in a horrendous state as consumers won’t eat the nasty goods. Some of the goodies that are most sensitive to freezing include but are not limited to…
• Bananas, Apricots, Avocados
• Eggplants, Beans, Berries
• Cucumbers, Limes, Okra
• Plums, Tomatoes, And Lettuce
Luckily, Transportation Companies Can Protect Perishables From Freezing With An Alternative To Reefer Shipping
1. SureTemp Premium Pallet Cover
If an LTL shipment only has a few pallets with perishables, these coverings will likely do the trick. They are available in the designs of single or double bubble, which both protect against heat and cold. Both items are lightweight and easy to install. The single bubble choice was created for single use while the double bubble cover is meant to be used again and again. Each pallet cover option can be purchased in custom sizes. Thus, transport companies have no problem getting the right unit for the right job. The SureTemp Premium Pallet Cover can be just what the doctor ordered for an alternative to reefer shipping.
2. SureTemp Premium Slip Cover
Shippers that are worried about cold temperatures getting to the perishable from below shouldn’t fret. The SureTemp slip covers are engineered to insulate temperature sensitive products. These double bubble models are designed to fit standard or oversized pallets. Like the pallet covers, they are also available in custom sizes. The sheets are compatible with all push/pull lifts. And, for those that have gone or are trying to go green, the covers are 100-percent recyclable.