Food transport — clean vehicles, separation from other goods and temperature
Ambient food (flour, sugar, pasta, canned goods, coffee) is shipped on pallets in a clean, dry and odour-free vehicle and must not travel with goods that could contaminate it or pass on odours. Chilled and frozen food needs a temperature-controlled reefer, usually +2 to +8 °C or −18 °C. In winter liquids and canned goods should be protected from frost. The shipment needs a delivery note and, for international transport, a CMR consignment note.
Key facts
Ambient food
clean, dry, odour-free vehicle
Chilled
reefer, usually +2 to +8 °C
Frozen
reefer, −18 °C
Separation
not with contaminating or smelly goods
Winter
keep liquids and cans frost-free
Food needs a clean vehicle, protection from odours and moisture and often a controlled temperature. Ambient goods — flour, pasta, canned food, sugar — travel in a standard truck, chilled and frozen goods in a reefer. What not to underestimate when shipping food.
A clean vehicle without odours
Food easily picks up odours and must stay clean. The vehicle must therefore be clean, dry and odour-free, and food should not travel with goods that could contaminate it or pass on smells. Packaging must stay intact — pallets wrapped in film and covered on top.
Ambient, chilled or frozen
Ambient food — flour, sugar, pasta, canned goods, coffee — travels in a standard curtain-sider or box truck.
Chilled food needs a reefer, usually at +2 to +8 °C.
In winter liquids, canned goods or sauces can freeze and damage the packaging — a frost-free vehicle is the answer. In summer chocolate and confectionery cannot take the heat. State the required temperature in your enquiry.
