Transport susceptibility as a selection criterion for perishable cargo transport technology

Abstract

Perishable products require special conditions during storage and transport. This is mainly due to their low transport susceptibility, including handling and storage. Transport susceptibility of cargoes is conditioned by many physical and chemical features such as: acceptable range of air temperature and humidity, negative impact on other loads, sensitivity to impacts and shocks, and longevity of transport, absorption and secretion of odours, secretion of substance, as well as sensitivity to individual substances, ease of scattering and many more. A number of characteristics of perishable cargo important for their transport susceptibility have been identified and included in the criteria for selection of transport technology. In addition, four main groups of perishable cargoes was listed, for which a different set of criteria assessing their transport susceptibility should be considered. The proposed criteria for selection of transport technology due to the cargoes transport susceptibility are a guarantee of correct selection of transport technology. Transport susceptibility should be particularly taken into account when selecting transport technology, especially for perishable cargoes. In order to guarantee safety of these loads, if any of safety criteria is not met, such solution must be classified as inadmissible. Correct implementation of individual elements of transport susceptibility of cargoes in many cases may help to avoid damage of cargo during transport. On the other hand, a smaller percentage of spoiled loads during transport leads to increased efficiency of transports, safety of transported goods and health safety of potential consumers.