Efficiency and Potential Economies of Dual-Purpose Shipping Containers for Mature-Green Tomatoes

Excerpt from the report: The main objective of this research was to determine the feasibility of shipping mature-green tomatoes in various types of comparatively new containers, especially those designed for reuse, and to measure the potential savings that might be realized from their use. One of the primary considerations was to determine whether bulk fruit packed in each type of container would reach the repacker in good condition as compared to the most commonly used containers. This included measuring the comparative quality, ripeness, bruising, and decay of the fruit as related to the transportation, refrigeration, and handling involved in packing and shipping in several different types of containers. Various loading patterns were tested to determine which methods would provide adequate circulation of air for desirable fruit temperatures. Another purpose of this research was to find out which size, type, and design of container would produce the most economies in packing, shipping, and repacking operations