Produce Logistics
Produce with a Side of Shipping
We know produce doesn’t stop at finding the right grower, in fact it’s only the beginning. That is why we have a dedicated logistics team that can help you with delivered programs and consolidation. In addition to shipping, we also bring in-market support to our Green Light product line.
- Delivered Programs
- Consolidation Services
- LTL Freight
- Dedicated Team Members for your Account
- Responsive & Reliable Service
- Load Monitoring
This is the Fresh Avenue advantage, full logistics and customer support from one of the most responsive, reliable teams in the industry!
More about Fresh Avenue Logistics
Keep Direct Purchasing and Relationships with Consolidation
Consolidation may seem to be another layer in the supply chain that will remove your ability to maintain the relationships with growers and producers that you have worked hard to build. Also, with many other layers added into the supply chain, you may also think that...
The Savings Found through Produce Consolidation
Price is a significant consideration when working in a fresh supply chain. In a foodservice or retail produce purchase, each cost, even though they may only be a few dollars here and there, quickly add up from one end of the supply chain to the other. Most of the time...
Improve Your Produce Business Through Transportation
When it comes to transporting fresh food items these two things are critical to ensure products with a limited shelf life and require refrigeration arrive fresh, safe, and of great quality for the consumer. This is something our team has learned over the years working...
The Pain Point of Transition – and How We Build our Business Around Easing Pain Points
Twice a year Western growers go through a moving of their facilities, operation, and team hundreds of miles away so that they can be in growing regions that support the temperature and environmental needs of many of our produce items. As you can imagine, this is a...
How do I know What Produce Provider to Work with When they all Seem the Same?
What makes one produce provider different than the other? The marketing materials may tell a story on how one is better than the rest, but if you think about it, there is not a lot of differentiation in the product itself- the same soil, air, sun, and water is used on...
What is Produce Consolidation?
In the world of supply chain and logistics, you may be familiar with the idea of consolidation, bringing together many items together in a combined truckload. There are many benefits from this idea, maximizing truckload space that at times can be costly and hard-to...
FAQ
About Logistics for Fresh Produce
How is produce transported?
Produce is transported in temp-controlled refrigerated trucks and managed through a team that specializes in produce logistics within distribution networks to major North America markets via major lanes.
What are the main challenges in maintaining produce (cold chain) logistics?
There are many challenges in produce logistics, here are a few:
- Delivery and coordination
- Temperature control
- Equipment Reliability
- Monitoring and compliance
- Supply chain disruptions
- Cost management
- Training and expertise
- Packaging
- Inventory Management
- Data Management
- Global Variability
What type of produce shipments does Fresh Avenue handle?
Many of our loads are fresh produce items requiring a constant 34 degrees. However, we also handle warm-temperature runs of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and potatoes. Our experienced transportation team knows the importance of products being handled and hauled at their optimal temperatures.
Can other refrigerated items be shipped with produce? Why is that done?
Yes, as long as the items have the same refrigeration needs, they can be shipped with produce, such as juice. We pay special attention to different product types when combining shipments to ensure product compatibility safety, and prevent cross-contamination or product conflicts.
Are there quality checks on the produce?
Yes, we conduct field and cooler checks on the produce, use temperature sensors during shipment, and follow up with store and site visits to see produce in-use.
What is best practice for produce once it has been delivered?
Immediately inspect, check quality and temperature attributes, and move quickly into the proper refrigeration temperature to maintain the integrity of the cold chain. First in First out (FIFO) Rotation of produce is also best practice for all your perishables, especially produce. Remember that for every 30 minutes produce temps are above 40 degrees F, a DAY of shelf life is lost.
What is the most sustainable way to ship wholesale produce?
The most sustainable way to ship wholesale produce involves several practices and strategies to minimize environmental impact while ensuring freshness and quality. Here are some key approaches:
- Regional sourcing
- Efficient Transportation
- Cold Chain Management
- Consolidation
- Collaborative Logistics
What role does technology play in modern logistics and supply chain management?
Technology enhances efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in modern logistics and supply chain management. Here are some key ways technology is impacting these fields:
- Automation
- Tracking and Visibility
- Data Analytics
- Supply Chain Management Software
- Internet of Things (IOT)
- Mobile Technology
- Sustainability Solutions
What is logistics integration?
Integrated logistics refers to combining transportation, logistics, and warehousing. Fresh Avenue’s logistics programs combine all these elements with our responsive service. With Fresh Avenue’s growing/trading activities, we truly offer a one-stop shop for supply chain management in the fresh space. Our team can support strategic sourcing initiatives and assist in getting the best-in-class supplier network into your logistics channels.
Learn more about each areas of our business
Fresh Produce
Growing & Sourcing
Consolidation
Produce & Refrigerated Freight
Delivered Programs
Fully Managed Logistics
Stay Connected
The Fresh Focus is a monthly newsletter from the Fresh Avenue team that gives insights into the fresh produce supply chain from some of the freshest voices in the industry!
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Produce Sourcing
Logistics
Delivered Programs
Consolidation
In-Market Support