Transport, handling & storage advise
Our onion, shallots and garlic sets (Sets) are kept under optimal storage conditions right up to the moment of packaging and dispatch. However, the quality of the product will deteriorate if they are not handled correctly during transport and upon arrival at your location.
Transport advise
The Sets are prepared at the correct temperature from the moment of dispatch which is in relation to the outside temperature. They can be transported with temperature controlled trailers or tautliner/curtainside trailers. It is very important that during transport, the focus and emphasis should always be on proper ventilation and preventing temperature fluctuations.
Temperature controlled trailer
If using temperature controlled transport, it is important to instruct the transport company to keep the temperature at max 2°C lower during transport than the product temperature; however the temperature should never be lower than 5°C or higher than 15°C.
- If the outside temperature is, for example 20°C, transport should take place at 15°C.
- If the outside temperature is 2°C, transport should take place at 5°C.
- If the outside temperature is -5°C, transport temperature should be at 5°C; and so on.
Most ideally is to advise the transport company, that if there are significant differences to the outside temperature during transportation, that they should adjust the temperature accordingly. When using temperature controlled transport, there should be sufficient air-circulation. Advised is to instruct the transport company to keep the cooling engine in the trailer always permanently on. The start/stop function on the cooling installation should not be used as this is causing too much temperature fluctuations. Condensation occurs when temperatures fluctuate, so focus should always be on keeping the temperature stable.
In such a trailer, there are ventilation hatches. Usually 1 at the front and 1 at the rear. These must be open while driving so that condensed moist air can leave the trailer. These ventilation hatches must be closed again in the event of frost, rain, high humidity due to fog or during a (nightly) long stop.
Tautliner/curtainside trailer
With tautliner/curtainside trailer there is no temperature control, which is also fine because the outside temperature is the most ideal temperature. Sets contain 90% water and during the transportation some damp can come out and condensation can occur. When using a tautliner/curtainsider for transport, we recommend to open the side a little at the front and back or lift a corner so that fresh air can enter and leave the trailer. This is only advised when the truck is driving and should be closed again in the event of frost, rain, high humidity due to fog or during a (nightly) long stop.
When a tautliner/curtainsider arrives for loading during frost, we can wrap the inside of the truck with carton to protect the Sets against frost damage.
Handling & storage advise
Upon arrival, and the off-loading of the shipment is done in a warmer environment, you have the chance of condensation. The products should ideally be taken from the pallets immediately and be stored in a dry, well-ventilated and frost-free storage unit. The storage temperature is less important, but once again the main focus should be on avoiding temperature fluctuations.
It is important that the product is ventilated properly. If the Sets are being stored on pallets for a longer period, meaning no fresh air reaches the inside of the pallets, they can become wet due to sweating. If this happens, the plants will start to make roots, germinate and additionally, after several days, fungus can occur.
Make sure each day you check and feel the product manually. If, despite this advice, the product has become damp, the Sets must be better ventilated immediately! If you do not have proper ventilation possibilities or not enough space to separate the product from the pallets or not using ventilators to circulate air then placing the Sets outside for a day, in the sun and wind, is a very effective method to dry the product again. As soon as the product has dried the risk of quality loss is minimalized.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate in contacting us:
TOP Onion Sets B.V.
Baarlandsezandweg 5
4431 NJ ’s-Gravenpolder
THE NETHERLANDS
Phone No.: +31 (0)113 315 050
E-mail: info.sets@theoniongroup.com
Website: www.theoniongroup.com
Chamber of Commerce no.: 22033585
VAT Reg. No: NL800829347B01