When flats of fruit are allowed to touch the floor or side walls, temperatures in the flats can rise as much as 20F. Do not stack flats directly over the rear wheels, and use strapping or stretch film to stabilize the load. Refrigerated trucks should be equipped with air-suspension systems rather than spring systems to reduce transit vibrations. Most mechanical refrigeration equipment in current use is designed to maintain temperature, but lacks the air flow and refrigeration capacity for rapid cooling. Temperature regulating equipment in trucks does not have the accuracy to achieve temperatures below 40F without danger of freezing. Furthermore, high density loads are used to minimize transportation costs, but this inhibits cooling during transit.
Thorough product cooling before loading is very important.
Allow berries to warm only when they are ready for display to consumers, and before removing the plastic wrap over the flats. Any condensation will then form on the plastic wrap rather than on the berries inside. Often the transportation of berries is beyond the control of the grower. To develop new and distant markets, receivers must be educated in proper handling procedures. Personal contact with the receiver before the first delivery is often useful.