TRANSIT TEMPERATURES AND QUALITY OF FRESH VEGETABLES SHIPPED IN AN EXPERIMENTAL AND A COMMERCIAL VAN CONTAINER TO THE FAR EAST

The research reported here covers the first overseas shipping test with an experimental refrigerated van container developed by ARS scientists and engineers in cooperation with private industry. The van has been shipping experiments by highway and railroad transport. The container derives its high level of performance from a more efficient method of interfacing the refrigeration system with the load mass. The USDA experimental van, tightly stacked with packages of produce in a solid load pattern, provided commodity temperatures comparable to those in a commercial refrigerated van that had a spaced load with air channels for air circulation around the packages. Solid load patterns are faster and easier to load than spaced patterns and allow more packages to be placed in a van container. Solid loads, however, can only be used in vans with refrigeration and air distribution systems designed to force refrigerated air through the package. Otherwise, excessive temperatures would occur within the load, accompanied by deterioration of product. Quality of the cabbage, carrots, and celery shipped in the two vans was good at destination, but lettuce suffered losses from decay in both vans.

• Corporate Authors:

  Agricultural Research Service

  Department of Agriculture
  Beltsville, MD  United States  20705
• Authors:
  • Stewart, J K
• Publication Date: 1976-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 8 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Containers; Exports; Farm produce; Refrigerated cargo; Refrigeration (Structures); Refrigeration systems; Stowage; Temperature control (Structures); Vegetables
• Old TRIS Terms: Agricultural exports; Cargo temperature control; Cargo ventilation
• Subject Areas: Construction; Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00142614
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: No. 1054
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 15 1976 12:00AM