It may be that the fresh produce you are shipping is going a short distance so temperature maintenance is not as important as for longer transit times. However, if you have a contract with a transportation company and you require refrigeration, be sure to include your specified temperature range for the produce that will be transported. Check and record the trailer temperature before loading produce to ensure that the cargo area has been properly pre-cooled. Pre-cooling transportation vehicles is an important step in the cold chain maintenance, because it will help prevent heat build-up and deterioration in quality and safety of the produce.

Note - These are best practices. If you do not have a refrigerated vehicle, make every effort to ensure that the vehicle and produce stay as cool as possible. Practical efforts may include keeping the vehicle under shade (but not under trees) or inside a cool building.

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