Shipping Meat: It’s All About Temperature

When it comes to shipping meat across the country, it really is all about the temperature.

That’s right. The refrigerated truck, or reefer unit, must be set at a certain temperature to safely transport the meat. The meat must be maintained at a certain temperature. And the warehouses that receive and store the meat must also be set at a certain temperature.

Here at ABCO Transportation, one of the premier refrigerated trucking companies in America, we know all about shipping temperature-sensitive freight like meat. It’s what we do. We like to write about topics of interest like this for our customers and readers of our blog.

To learn more about transporting fresh and frozen meat, continue reading.

Why Temperature Is Important

Raw meat and poultry products should  be maintained at 40 degrees F or below to help reduce the growth rate of any bacteria that could be present on their surfaces.  This ensures the product is safe for consumption for consumers.

Transporting Temperature

To prevent rapid growth of bacteria, perishable meat and poultry should be kept cold at 40 degrees F for below or frozen at 0 F during transport from a meat-packing plant to a refrigerated warehouse or retail store. The lower temperature prevents growth of microorganisms that cause food-borne illnesses. Freezing keeps meat safe by slowing the movement of molecules, which causes microbes to become dormant.

Maintaining Temperatures

Keeping the meat at a constant temperature is where ABCO Transportation comes in. Our refrigerated trucks or reefer units keep the air inside at just the right temperature. The trailers are constructed in such a way that allows the cold air to fully circulate below and above the meat as it’s being transported. Our drivers monitor the temperature inside the trailer to ensure it remains constant during transport. And they inspect the meat before and after transport.

Working through this cold chain, meat is safely delivered to grocery stores for consumer purchase.  It’s just part of how trucking helps keep America running.

Want to know more about transporting temperature sensitive freight? Contact us today.