When we are talking about highly perishable and challenging commodities, Strawberries are my #1. Yes, unfortunately so many things can go wrong. That is why I've decided to share an insight into the coordination I used to carefully craft the logistics process and successfully handle the transit of strawberries.
To start, the harvesting process usually takes place on the same day as the pick-up. After harvesting the strawberries, the fruit must cool down. The low temperature minimizes the metabolic activity and inhibits fungal decay, which is the primary cause of loss in soft fruits (cargohandbook). If the fruit is not properly cooled, there could be quality issues at the destination.
While the fruit is getting ready for packaging, the driver is waiting for his turn, with a bunch of other drivers, waiting for strawberry loads too. The waiting can be extended for countless hours. If this happens, the driver can get tired of waiting and leave, and your cargo must certainly be released to another carrier. This means your strawberry load will now be pushed for the following harvesting day. To avoid this situation, you can keep your driver informed. Tell him there is a high chance of a long waiting time. He will appreciate the prior notice.
Let's imagine our driver waited and cargo is now inside the temperature-controlled container.
Before departing from the loading facility, this driver will need a few things. The most important is having the correct temperature set point. The proper temperature will help maintain the strawberries load in optimum conditions. I suggest you talk to the loading facility contact and ask if they can add a device to monitor the temperature in transit.
Another thing the driver will need is the bill of lading stating the delivery address, case count, pallet count, commodity description, weight, temperature, and the # of the seal used to close the temperature-controlled container.
Now, our driver is ready to roll!
I have shared below an interesting video of 2 National Geographic reporters who documented the road trip of a Strawberry load valued in $90,000. Take a look!
Suggestions and Points to consider - Loading facility:
Back to the first stage of the coordination, before sending a driver for pick up you must open all channels of communication with the loading facility contacts. This will help you confirm a pick-up date, all cargo details, it might also help you to check the loading status the day of the pick-up.
Ask for an email.
Be respectful and kind.
Suggestions and Points to consider - Carrier:
Keep your driver informed, he needs to be aware of all the details regarding your pick up and your cargo. He will be happy you are sending him with all the information he needs, and it can also reduce significantly the waiting time or eliminate the back and forward that usually happens when the loading facility can't find your cargo in the system.
Make sure your driver is aware of the requested delivery location and date.
Keep a close eye -all the time- on your driver or constant communication with dispatch. Follow up. Ask dispatch if the driver is moving on time.
For a long-distance move, I highly suggest outsourcing a carrier that can provide 2 drivers, instead of 1. This will also expedite the transit time and drivers will deliver the product earlier to its destination.
Be respectful and kind.
Points to keep in mind - Strawberries:
Per the cargohandbook.com, the proper temperature for strawberries is 0°C or 32°F.
Storage life is 1 to 7 days (cargohandbook.com).
This a super fragile, extremely perishable, and high-value commodity; focus all your senses on getting it right, you only have 1 chance (my experience).
Am I forgetting something? Please share your thoughts! :-)
References:
About the Author: My name is Gloria Isamar Rivera. I have more than 17 years of combined experience in business administration, marketing, customer service, supply chain, logistics, and 3PLs. I consider myself a young professional, a supply chain leader, and an out-of-the-box strategist. I enjoy the simple things in life and value every process as a learning experience. Looking forward to sharing something interesting for you very soon! Thank you for reading! ;-)
