New Transport Options for Food Shippers

摘要

Perishable food shipments are one of the most demanding for transportation providers not only because of their time- and temp-sensitive characteristics, but food safety concerns as well. And while the cold chain keeps getting longer and more complex, the transportation options too are changing right along with it. There was a time when rail handled the vast majority of food shipments in this country. During the 1800's, farmers and ranchers turned to rail to move fruits, vegetables, and dairy and meat products up to 1,000 miles away. In 1867, the first patented refrigerated rail car opened up new markets for food shippers. Although it was crude by todays standards, the huge blocks of ice placed at either end of those first reefer rail cars got the job done.