Reducing Transport Damage in Top-Iced Shipments of Fresh Vegetables in Bushel Baskets (A Study of Rail Shipments of Fresh Peas)

Excerpts from the report: The purpose of this research was to find ways of reducing refrigeration costs, and transit and handling damage of fresh peas and other green vegetables packed and shipped in bushel baskets. The study was undertaken at the request of the basket manufacturers and the rail carriers. The objectives of the research were to identify the causes of the excessive damage, and to develop practical, inexpensive methods of reducing the losses. The work was carried out over a 3-year period and involved a study of basket design and construction, loading patterns, and methods of top-icing shipments of fresh peas