WATERPROOF MARINE VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR DRY FREIGHT VAN CONTAINERS

Perishable foods that require moderately low temperatures during overseas transport can be safely shipped in dry freight van containers equipped with a new cooling system developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists. This new system uses outside sea air to cool the cargo. Perishables are currently shipped in more costly, refrigerated containers that are now in extremely short supply. Substantial savings are possible using the water-proof marine ventilation system since the lighter containers equipped with it can safely carry about 10 percent more perishable cargo at less cost than refrigerated containers. Grapefruit and watermelons have been successfully shipped intermodally (land-sea-land) from Florida to European markets using the new system. Other perishables which could be safely shipped this way are lemons, potatoes, melons, nuts, flower bulbs, and a number of other products. The system uses thermostatically-controlled, portable exhaust fans powered by the ship's electric system to pull cool, outside air through the cargo. Scientists and engineers of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service developed the system as an economical way to solve the chronic shortages of refrigerated van containers. Test results and recommendations for using the system are included in this report.

• Corporate Authors:

  Agricultural Marketing Service

  Independence Avenue, Between 12th and 14th Streets, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20250
• Authors:
  • Biales, A
  • Goddard Jr, W F
  • Moffitt, T
  • Breakiron, P L
• Publication Date: 1973-9

Media Info

• Features: Appendices;
• Pagination: 23 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Chilled cargo; Containerized fruit; Refrigerated cargo; Vegetables
• Old TRIS Terms: Cargo ventilation
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00051979
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: MRR #988
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 9 1974 12:00AM