Bananas are among the most consumed fruits worldwide and getting them from farm to fork requires careful handling and reliable carriers. At ABCO Transportation, we understand the unique requirements of shipping fresh produce, especially something delicate and perishable like tropical fruit. Whether you’re a grower, distributor, importer or retailer, our temperature-controlled logistics solutions ensure your banana shipments arrive fresh and on time.
How is a Banana Transported?
Most banana plantations originate in Central or South America, although limited production exists in the U.S. as well. The majority of shipments start at port, where 40-pound cases with roughly 100 bananas each are stacked onto pallets, then loaded to containerized reefer fleets. These vessels ship produce overseas, ultimately navigating to the destination importer.
Once docked, a combination of cranes, slings and forklifts remove containers and pallets from reefer vessels. Banana shipments are transferred to a warehouse, awaiting the buyer to receive the freight. This is part of the supply chain where ABCO Transportation comes in; dispatching a driver from one of our regional terminals to pick up the shipment. Port officials will transfer bananas to one of ABCO’s refrigerated trailers, then the driver will deliver the shipment to its final destination.
Shipping Bananas at the Right Temperature
Bananas are extra sensitive to temperature and humidity. If they’re too cold, these fruits may develop “chilling injury,” leading to dull gray coloring and poor texture. Too warm and they ripen quickly, arriving at their destination spoiled. Proper transport is essential to preserving produce quality from harvest through delivery.
Between 56 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit (13 and 14 degrees Celsius) is the commonly accepted temperature to ship bananas. Likewise, transportation units maintain a 90-95% container humidity through the delivery process. This ultimately preserves the green, underripe state in which bananas are initially picked. By the time produce arrives to retailers, the ripening process can finish, making bright, yellow bananas for the consumer.
The ABCO Difference – Shipping Bananas in the U.S.
Our logistics experts can help you navigate every step of placing a shipment order, from pickup through delivery. Speak with a dedicated account representative to learn more about the “ins” and “outs” of intermodal shipping and how bananas are transported to the U.S. The ABCO team works with you from the outset to tailor a solution that fits your banana shipping needs, no matter the volume or destination.
Sometimes, understanding transportation and import/export laws is half the battle. Our employees are well-versed in the provisions laid out by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), as well as the safety standards of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). We consistently update our service protocols, adapting to congressional legislation, import duties and tariffs to ship bananas to the U.S.
ABCO’s modern fleet of refrigerated trailers feature real-time 2-way temperature monitoring and GPS tracking. We also utilize FourKites supply chain management services to plan optimal routes and estimate transit times, improving efficiency with each delivery. The tropical fruit supply chain is dependent on carriers who can maintain consistent shipment temperatures during transit. Whether it’s a hot summer or freezing weather outside, our equipment is built to withstand the elements and deliver live updates so we can respond quickly to unexpected issues. Between our network of transportation professionals and certified drivers, we know how bananas are harvested, shipped and prepared for market.
Contact Us Today
Call 800.464.2226 to speak with a company representative or email info@shipabco.com to get started shipping bananas or other perishable products with ABCO Transportation. Also check out our Contact page where you can leave your name, email address and submit an inquiry for our team. Make shipping fresh produce easier by partnering with a trusted provider in refrigerated trucking services.
