July 15, 2016
The Ins and Outs of Food Grade Transportation
When it comes to food grade transportation, understanding the process involved in getting products from origin to destination first requires an awareness of the scope involved. Such products may be headed within a state, across the country or around the world. Regardless of which method is required, the right equipment and the proper procedures need to be in place in order to have a smooth-running operation.
Types of Food Grade Items
These food grade items range from liquid dairy products like milk to juices, syrups, vinegars and oils. However, also within this mix are items such as oils, citrus products, vinegars and alcohol. While many of these fit within a similar framework when being shipped, others require more care with respect to concerns like temperature maintenance.
One area that requires close attention relates to the possibility of cross-contamination. This usually involves either transporting contrasting items (such as vegetables and raw meat) simultaneously or in not taking into account what was previously delivered in the trailer. Failure to keep this in mind can lead to serious if not deadly ramifications for those who consume such items, the businesses selling them and the transport company.
Cleanliness Should Be a Given
Making sure concerns like this are handled correctly should mean that drivers take their vehicles to tank wash facilities that have been approved by recognized industry organizations. Here, vigorous cleaning of not only the tank but the valves, pumps and hoses as well ensures a high level of quality control.
Certain circumstances require a unique approach to the preparation of the tankers or containers. This usually is focused on items that need to be Kosher-certified. In these cases, no non-kosher foods can be in these areas for the previous three trips.
The manner of such delivery is usually by tractor-trailer, so in the case of items like milk and other dairy items, using refrigerated transportation is an absolute necessity. To help make sure that such cold products stay that way, state-of-the-art technology that can immediately detect problems in this area should be in place.
Efficiency Usually Means Speed
Companies in this industry work with businesses that require prompt delivery of items in containers or trailers that have been completely sterilized. That’s because failure to follow this simple aspect of the process can compromise the quality of the product or simply turn it into wasted cargo.
This process is much smoother when contact is made with a company that’s uniquely qualified to handle this facet of the food transportation business. One of the immediate ways to determine if a company’s attention to detail is in place is to assess their approach to delivery methods.
Such businesses have already worked out the logistical challenges and have a consistent plan in place to make sure that any deviation from the scheduled plan is immediately addressed.
Travel by Sea
Obviously, in the case of some forms of food grade transportation, different travel methods exist. For example, international shipping that requires ocean travel might be better served to use Iso tanks. That’s because they can be easily stacked and the product inside is safely sealed.
The advent of products like Flexitank transport, specifically the Wine Pac, allows for safe transport and convenient shipping within a container.
Reducing the Selection Process Time
While some food grade transportation companies may be among the largest, offer the lowest pricing options or simply try to overwhelm you with bells and whistles, that’s no guarantee that they rank among the elite in the industry.
Experience and a focus on quality customer service is ultimately what counts, which is why choosing a company like Kan-Haul is an easy way to save some time. Their logistical knowledge and use of technology puts them in the driver’s seat when it comes to these types of businesses. Contact us today.
