Distance

Distance is one of the major factors that influences transportation cost . The distance where the
products needs to be deliver directly affects and contributes to variable expenses, such as manpower,
fuel and maintenance. Over the years the distance between where fruits originate and where they are
consumed has grown considerably. Little is known about how this long-term change has affected the
overall food supply chain. Consumers have benefited by being able to avail fresh fruits that is originally
not from their area/country, but they are also subject to price effects as produce travels longer
distances. The fuel prices have affected wholesale produce prices (by way of transportation costs) as the
distance to market has increased. Moreover, long distance transportation through tropical and frigid
climates requires rugged well-designed equipment to withstand the transit environment and protect the
fruits.

Weight

Another factor that affects transportation costs is the weight. every courier has its weight capacity, cost
per pound decreases as weight increases until the carrier vehicle is full. Transportation of fruits is strictly
weighted the the weight of each box of fruits are being labeled. There are weight limit for the
transportation of fruits especially for international transport and road transport.

Density

The third factor that influences transportation cost is density. Density is the combination of weight and
volume. It is about how tightly the products are packed together. Example, the Washington apple strictly
monitored their apple sizes, amount of apple per box and weight of box. The price of apple per box
tends to change due to the changes in the size of fruits and its weight. Washington apple sizing is
designated by count the number of apples that can be packed in a 40-pound fiberboard carton. The
largest packed size is 48, which means there are 48 apples in a box. Supplies of that size are typically
very limited. Washington crops traditionally peak on sizes 88 – 100, which means they’re around 3
inches in diameter, and between 6 – 8 ounces.

Stowability

Stowability is the fitting of the products to the transportation equipment. The sizes and shapes of fruits
varies. Fruits transported in the truck are usually packed into sturdy, opaque, breathable containers
such as waxed cardboard boxes and plastic storage containers with holes drilled in them. The boxes are
usually in rectangular shape which makes it stowable. The stowing methods of fruits in vehicles is
pertinent to damage and loss. If the boxes being used to the transportation courier is larger, its weight
also varies because it can occupy a lot of spaces.

Handling

The fifth factor is handling, which is about how the products are being handled with manner and care to
be delivered to the consumer. Fruits are perishable goods, in handing them the temperature and
storage needs to be properly observed. Although the shape and condition of trucks are important
factors in fresh produce transportation, the loading and stowing methods in vehicles are pertinent to
damage and loss. Some factors that need to consider in handling fruits are:

loading and unloading of vehicles should be properly supervised to prevent careless handling of
packages; loading aids such as trolleys, roller conveyors, pallet or forklift trucks should be used where
possible to reduce the handling of individual packages

it should be protected from sun and rain at all times including during loading and unloading

closed vehicles without refrigeration should not be used to carry fresh produce except on very short
journeys, such as local deliveries from farmers or wholesalers to nearby retailers;

Much fresh produce (i.e. that which is most perishable) cannot be stored without refrigeration, but the
possibilities for extending the storage life of even the most durable fresh produce under ambient
conditions are limited.

Liability

Fruits are easily damage during transportation. If the cargo arrives late, damage or missing, the
transports insurance comes into effect even if the cause of issue in unascertainable. Truckers are liable
for cargo loss, damage and delay as virtual insurers of the goods, without regard to fault or negligence.
However, shipping lines currently reject any claim received 3 days after discharge.

Market

The market factors such as lane volume and balance influence transportation cost. Carriers must find a
backhaul load or vehicle is returned empty. Imbalances in volume can result in higher transport cost. In
the case of fruits, carriers often provide a number of special services such as multiple pickups, paying for
loading and unloading, and multiple deliveries at little or no charge. These services allow greater
flexibility in the shipping of agricultural commodities. The empty backhauling inefficiently increases the
average cost of truck service, more importantly, it distorts the values paid for agricultural truck service.