It can be tricky to transport beverages on trucks. This is especially amplified when moving perishable products like wines, spirits, or fresh juices. There are a variety of steps and factors that you must attend to to ensure that your goods are delivered safely and on time. Let’s discuss five essentials you must consider when transporting beverages on trucks.
1. Get the right truck and accompanying equipment
It is critical that you get the correct truck and equipment to transport beverages. Beverages will need to be kept at the right temperature during transit, so your truck must have proper refrigeration and temperature control systems. For instance, to successfully truck wines and spirits, they must be kept at a constant temperature, ideally between 55-65°F. Fresh juices and other non-alcoholic drinks need to be stored at around 33-40°F.
The cargo must be secured during transit so, you’ll need to have pallets, straps, and other safety equipment to hold it in place during transit.
2. Carefully plan the transport route
Try to plan a route that takes the least amount of time, offers the best weather conditions, and has an overall good road to dive on. This means that whenever possible, avoid roads that are narrow, have steep hills, and sharp turns. It’s never good to have your delivery sitting in traffic or bogged down by poor weather conditions.
All of these issues can increase the risk of accidents or damage to your goods. Make sure to plan rest breaks for the driver as well.
3. Packaging is primary
Beverages have to have correct packaging when being transported on trucks. It has to be strong and durable enough to protect the cargo from the rigors of transportation. Remember, the load will go through bumps, jolts, and vibrations. Glass bottles can be very fragile, so they must be packaged in sturdy cardboard or polystyrene foam to prevent breakage.
Plastic and metal containers are great options for protecting some beverages from damage during transit.
4. Monitor and maintain the correct temperature during transit.
If you want to have beverages that are safe and fresh for consumption when delivered, you must transport them at the right temperature. You need to have proper, working temperature devices installed in the trucks. These should be monitored throughout the journey as well.
Remember, temperature devices can malfunction so you must have a backup plan if this happens.
5. Propper staff training is key
To get the best results when transporting beverages on trucks, your transport crew should be trained professionals. You will have many problems if they aren’t trained on how to handle the products, including loading and unloading procedures. They also need to know how to secure the products during transit, and how to operate the temperature control equipment.
When employees are properly versed on the specific requirements of different beverages, such as wines, spirits, and fresh juices, they will know how to handle them properly and not create unnecessary transport hiccups.
In conclusion, to successfully transport beverages, you’ll need to use the right trucks and equipment and plan your route carefully. The right temperature is needed to keep the products fresh and proper packaging is needed to keep them safe. All of this will be for naught if your staff isn’t trained to do the job well, so make sure your crew are trained professionals.