When working in any of the food industries, fresh produce logistics is an ongoing priority. After all, ensuring that foods arrive at their destination (supermarket, restaurant, consumer’s door, etc.) in perfect health is a crucial ingredient in the recipe for success. Ensuring that citrus foods are transported in the most efficient manner isn’t only a matter of pleasing consumers. We’ll show you what regulations you need to follow to make your citrus shipments a success.
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Learn everything you need to know about fresh produce logistics and shipping citrus from Florida.
Given its climate, the Sunshine State is naturally the perfect place for growing a wide range of fruits and vegetables. While California is the leading citrus producer in the US, Florida is well known for producing large quantities of various citrus fruits. Still, it is most synonymous with oranges.
In fact, studies show that 17% of oranges and all citrus fruits in the US are grown in Florida alone. The industry forms a significant part of the state’s economy. After all, oranges and other fruits are consumed in large quantities in Florida while also being exported to other parts of the country.
Florida’s citrus trees produce over 15 million boxes of oranges, and almost 90% of all its harvested fruits are turned into orange juice, frozen, or canned goods.
Some of the more interesting facts about the state’s orange farming market include:
Florida’s orange farming economy is the second largest on the planet, surpassed only by Brazil’s. Most brands and sellers are keen to promote the fact that oranges were grown in the Sunshine State.
Consequently, there is no doubt that oranges are one of the first things people associate with Florida. Crucially, any business looking to purchase, use, or sell oranges will probably focus on Florida’s thriving market.
Florida’s orange growing season runs from October to June each year, which is reflected by the seasons for other citrus fruits like grapefruits and lemons. It’s not quite an evergreen growing situation.
Nonetheless, the fact that oranges are harvested for nine months of the year provides a far more stable market than many other fruits and natural products. This is one of the contributing factors behind Florida’s ability to produce more oranges than the rest of the US combined.
The fact that a large percentage of Florida’s oranges end up in juices rather than whole fruits allows the industry to enjoy positive returns throughout the year, even during the three-month spell where they aren’t harvested.
Oranges and citrus fruits are pretty cheap to buy on an individual basis, or even in a single crate. Therefore, businesses relying on citrus sales will naturally need to trade large quantities to generate worthwhile rewards.
It’s best to pack and ship oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits via freight transit by the truckload. Less-than-truckload shipments consolidate citrus freight with other items for the most-efficient solution for domestic and international shipments alike. When handled correctly, it ensures that time and money are utilized in the best possible fashion.
Citrus fruits must be treated with care throughout the transportation processes. While they aren’t as susceptible to damage as some fruits, citrus skin can bruise and appear damaged.
Following a successful harvest and packaging process, citrus fruits need to be kept in perfect condition on their journeys. Moreover, they need to reach their intended destination in the quickest time due to limited lifespans.
Related: What Is LTL Shipping in the Trucking Industry?
Packaging is an important aspect of logistics, especially when handling perishable foods such as citrus fruits.
Once harvested in the correct manner, oranges and citrus fruits are usually packaged using net bags, corrugated board crates, wooden crates, standard boxes, half boxes, and wire-bound boxes. Those packages are commonly added to crates before being loaded onto the truck ahead of the next journey.
For the best results, the packages must include:
Cold chain processing helps lock in the cold temperatures and maximum levels of freshness for citrus fruits truckloads. Having freight insurance adds another layer of protection to your goods to ensure you’re reimbursed in case of damage during transit.
Fresh produce logistics processes are a list of protocols used to ensure that all citrus fruits are transported from packhouse to the client.
There are many other key features to include, such as ensuring that the truckloads are designed to meet shipment sizes and frequencies while the logistics company you partner with will help you stick to the schedule. There should also be a monitoring system in place to identify and treat any issues.
Your logistics partner will also help you secure expedited shipping to keep your citrus in great health along its journey, which includes temperature-controlled shipping.
Florida oranges tend to have a shelf life of around eight weeks when stored at a temperature of around 44.6° F. Your logistics partner will be able to recommend the right sized reefer trailer to keep your citrus shipment fresh.
When you need reliable fresh produce logistics, we’re at your service. From farm to warehouse to truck, from Florida and nationwide, we ensure that your sensitive freight is handled properly at all times.
When you’re ready to ship your goods, request a freight quote or give us a call at (866)-353-7178.
R+L Global Logistics
315 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470
