Question about watermelons

I’ve hauled them straight from the field, in a vented dry van. Heat of summer, 2 day 1200 Mile trip, no problems.

 

Wow haha, I guess I shouldn't be concerned much about this than. They have been at 58F for the last day and doesn't deliver till the 20th.

Thanks everyone for your responses, the company gave me like no training so I rely on you guys for advice.

 

Not sure how much produce hauling you do, but keep a close watch on what's being loaded on your trailer and stay with it, make sure it's good stuff. Walk away for a few minutes and someone will try to load bad stuff on there to get rid of it. Many a fellow has arrived at the consignee, only to have his load rejected, usually due to being over ripe or decaying.

Years ago, I ran produce & fruit from the west coast and FL, Carolinas up to Montreal, NYC, & Chelsea (Boston), never had a load refused.

Reefers are much better today than the ones I ran back in the '80's, Don't totally rely on your unit thermometer. Get yourself a couple of good accurate pulp thermometers. I used to keep one in the rear vent door. Keep your floor ribs cleaned out, as well as your drain holes. Stay away from hauling berries until you really have a grasp on it, good luck....

 

See thread on " It's Always Watermelons ".

 

The watermelon load was fine in case it helps someone else. Most of the trip it was at 60°F. Towards the end it was down to 56°F, no complaints from the customer either about bad product. It was in the trailer for 4 days.

Thank you all again for your advice.

 

They were getting picked in 100+ degree heat and getting hauled from the lower valley to all around Texas piled up loose on flats with plywood sides till Hanna Montana blew through. Not sure how many fields flooded down there.