The increase in global trade allows packaged products
to be shipped across borders using inter-modal transportation.
Trucks are still the most prevalent mode for surface shipments and
time sensitive transport perishable products such as fresh produce.
This study focused on measuring the transportation environment in
truck shipments from various packing houses to major retail distribution
centers in Thailand and then the subsequent distribution to regional
stores in smaller trucks. Test measurements were compared to
test methods used in North America and Europe. This study compared
the quality of cabbage, lettuce, plums and pears after being
shipped in truck transport by quantifying the level of bruises and cuts
on fruit.