Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck or Rail

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Release Date: 3/26/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-HS1328-2019

Agriculture

Abstract

This updated edition reflects the dynamic changes and innovations in the handling and transportation of perishable foods. Some of these include improved insulation and air movement, microprocessors for more efficient refrigeration, expert systems to control the transport environment and conserve fuel energy, and the use of telematics to monitor and control the performance of refrigerated vehicles during transit. This edition includes descriptions and recommendations for food transported over the road and by rail in marine containers, as well as in railcars.

About this Publication

This document is HS1328, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date April 2019. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Brecht, J. K., Sargent, S. A., Brecht, P. E., Saenz, J., & Rodowick, L. (2019). Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck and Rail. EDIS, 2019(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-hs1328-2019

Authors

Jeffrey Brecht
Jeffrey Brecht
Specialist
University of Florida

professor and Extension specialist emeritus, Department of Horticultural Sciences

Steven Sargent
Steven Sargent
Specialist
University of Florida

professor and Extension postharvest specialist, UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences, Gainesville, FL

Patrick E. Brecht
Patrick E. Brecht

 president, PEB Commodities, Inc., Petaluma, CA

Jorge Saenz
Jorge Saenz

president, Wireless Data Solutions, Weston, FL

Leonard Rodowick
Leonard Rodowick

strategic relations — Food Safety & OEM, Thermo King Corporation, Nixa, MO.

Publication #HS1328

Disclaimers

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.