Perishables don't wait. Moving fresh fruit, vegetables, and floral products across Canada requires speed, cold chain discipline, and a carrier network that understands the stakes.
Fresh produce is one of the most demanding freight categories in Canada. A temperature excursion, a missed pickup window, or a breakdown in communication between shipper and receiver can render an entire load worthless — and unlike manufactured goods, there's no repackaging or rework. The clock starts the moment product leaves the farm, packing house, or distribution centre.
The Time Factor
Most fresh produce moves on tight transit windows. Strawberries, leafy greens, and fresh-cut flowers may have shelf lives measured in days. A 24-hour delay isn't just inconvenient — it can push product past its usable state before it reaches the retail floor. Carriers must be pre-positioned, equipment must be pre-cooled, and pickups must happen on schedule.
Temperature Requirements by Product
- Berries and stone fruit: 0–2°C with high humidity
- Citrus and tropical fruit: 8–13°C depending on variety
- Leafy greens and herbs: 1–4°C, no freeze exposure
- Root vegetables: 0–4°C, typically more tolerant of minor deviations
- Floral products: 1–5°C with careful humidity management
- Frozen produce: -18°C continuous
Why Carrier Selection Matters More for Produce
Not every reefer carrier is equipped or experienced for produce. Equipment age, thermostat calibration, and driver habits around door opening during transit all affect cargo temperature. A broker who maintains a vetted network of produce-experienced carriers — and who follows up on pre-trip inspection results — provides a materially different level of service than one who simply posts the load.
Produce-Specific Documentation
- Temperature recorder logs (continuous strip chart or electronic)
- Pre-cooling confirmation and pre-trip inspection records
- CFIA-compliant country of origin declarations for imports
- PACA-compliant paperwork for US-origin produce entering Canada
- Receiver temperature log at delivery
OTR Logistics Solutions provides temperature-controlled freight services for fresh produce across Canada and on cross-border Canada-US lanes. Our carrier network is vetted for cold chain compliance. Call (905) 564-2626 or request a quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should fresh produce be transported at?
Requirements vary by commodity. Leafy greens and berries: 0–2°C. Stone fruit: 0–5°C. Root vegetables: 0–5°C. Citrus: 3–8°C. Tropical fruit: 10–15°C. Always confirm specific requirements with your packer or quality assurance team before specifying set point to the carrier.
How do I prevent temperature damage to produce during transit?
Specify the correct set point when booking, require the carrier to pre-cool the trailer to set point before loading, and use temperature loggers to document conditions throughout transit. Ensure produce is palletized to allow air circulation throughout the load.
What is the most common cause of fresh produce loss during trucking?
Temperature deviations from trailers not pre-cooled to set point are the most preventable cause. Delays at border crossings that extend transit time beyond expected windows and improper palletization that restricts airflow are also significant contributors.
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