Transportation systems play a key role in the movement of fresh agricultural produce from farm production sites to distribution centres. Efficient transportation supports the timely delivery of fresh produce within the horticultural supply chain.
Produce must be properly protected to reduce mechanical damage, temperature fluctuations, contamination, and the risk of food-borne pathogens.
Transport providers are expected to maintain vehicles in a clean, hygienic condition. Lack of standard hygiene practices during transport can negatively affect the quality of perishable produce.
Role of Transportation in Horticultural Crop Movement
Transportation ensures quick transfer of fresh produce through the horticultural supply chain. Proper handling during transport is essential to avoid mechanical injury, temperature-related spoilage, contamination, and the growth of harmful pathogens. Transport vehicles must be well-maintained and kept in sanitary conditions to prevent quality loss.
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Factors That May Affect Quality During Transportation
Mechanical Damage in Agricultural Produce
Mechanical damage to fresh produce often results in skin discoloration or darkened tissue, which affects nutritional value and sensory attributes like taste, texture, and flavour. Such damage may also cause moisture loss, attract pathogens, and trigger ethylene production, accelerating senescence in crops like apples, tomatoes, and papayas.
Types of Mechanical Damage During Crop Transport
Impact Damage occurs from:
- collisions between produce or against hard surfaces;
- sudden movements such as dropping fruit;
- abrupt application or removal of forces (impact, compression, vibration, or abrasion).
Impact damage typically causes bruising, sometimes without visible skin injury.
Compression Damage occurs when:
- heavy weight presses on produce, especially in over-packed or weak containers;
- stacking is too high or improper;
- physical distortion, cracking, or splitting results from failed packaging.
Abrasion Damage arises when:
- produce surfaces rub against other surfaces;
- natural protective layers are removed;
- the use of padding or lining, such as sleeves or paper, can reduce this risk.
Vibration Damage is caused by:
- continuous movement within containers during transport;
- poor road conditions or inadequate vehicle suspension systems.
Damage from vibration includes bruising and skin damage similar to impact and abrasion.
Reducing Vibration Damage
To reduce damage from vibration:
- Use plastic crates – they absorb shock better than cartons.
- Select rigid containers – to stabilize movement within the transport vehicle.
- Use vehicles with firm suspension systems – to reduce shock transmission.
- Choose radial tyres – as they absorb road impacts effectively.
Minimizing Mechanical Damage During Transit
Damage can be minimized through strong, well-designed packaging that withstands:
- rough handling;
- pressure from other containers;
- impacts and vibrations;
- exposure to high humidity during storage and transport.
Overheating of Produce in Agricultural Transport
Overheating occurs from both external (sunlight, vehicle heat) and internal (produce respiration) sources. This condition accelerates decay and increases water loss, reducing overall quality.
Factors Contributing to Overheating
- Produce-generated heat from respiration
- Poor ventilation inside transport vehicles
- Inadequate airflow through and around packages
- Exposure to sun while loading/unloading
Preventing Overheating in Transport Systems
- Use well-ventilated transport vehicles
- Stack produce to allow air circulation
- Apply ventilated packaging
- Avoid sun exposure during loading and offloading
- Schedule transport for early mornings or nights in non-refrigerated systems
Loading Patterns to Minimize Heat in Vehicles
Proper stacking keeps produce away from floor and wall surfaces of vehicles, limiting heat transfer. Centre-loading creates air space between produce and vehicle walls. Cartons should be stacked for good airflow, especially when palletized. Pallets should be secured using straps, corner bracing, or netting.
Gas Build-Up During Crop Transportation
Poor ventilation may lead to accumulation of ethylene and carbon dioxide gases. Transport vehicles should be ventilated properly to prevent such build-up, especially for fresh horticultural produce.
Handling Mixed Loads in Agricultural Transport
Mixed loads require attention to compatibility. Incompatible temperature requirements or the presence of ethylene-producing and ethylene-sensitive crops can cause spoilage. Wet produce should not be transported with dry produce to prevent contamination.
Maintaining Hygiene in Agricultural Transportation Systems
Poor hygiene can degrade the quality of perishable crops. Dirt and soil on vehicle floors can introduce pathogens. Sanitation, proper humidity and temperature control, and damage prevention are necessary. Vehicles must be regularly cleaned with clean water. Fumigants, if used on pallets, must be approved and applied according to instructions.
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Factors Determining Transport Mode Selection in Agriculture
Transport mode depends on:
- Destination
- Value of produce
- Perishability
- Quantity to be transported
- Storage temperature and humidity needs
- Environmental conditions at origin and destination
- Transit time
- Road accessibility
- Transport cost
- Quality of service
Common Transport Equipment in Agricultural Logistics
- Refrigerated and non-refrigerated trucks – for road transport
- Containers – suitable for air, rail, highway, and sea transport
- Break-bulk vessels – for palletized produce in refrigerated holds
- Pallets – used for cargo handling
- Horse carts, donkeys, wheelbarrows, and handcarts – for short-distance rural transport (1–8 km)
Using Non-Refrigerated Vehicles for Produce Transport
These vehicles must allow air movement and prevent heat buildup. White or light-coloured covers help reduce heating. Truck ventilation systems may use wind catchers and ducts, often built with wooden or iron crates wired together. Transporting early before sunrise helps limit heat exposure.
Use of Refrigerated Trailers in Crop Transport
Refrigerated trailers must be:
- Well insulated
- Equipped with high-capacity refrigeration units and fans
- Designed with air ducts for airflow through the produce load
Insulated Containers for Long-Distance Agricultural Transport
Containers are metal boxes designed for transporting large produce volumes. These containers include thermometers or data loggers to monitor air temperature and refrigeration performance.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers
Reefer containers have:
- Cooling units powered by external electricity
- Air circulation systems
- Standard lengths of 6.1 m and 12.2 m
- Advanced systems using microprocessors for temperature control
The 6.1 m version is most common in global fruit exports, while the 12.2 m unit is less commonly used due to higher costs compared to the 40-foot container.
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