How Long Do You Really Have to Get Perishables from A to B?
Freshness sells. But behind every perfectly crisp lettuce or sweet, juicy mandarin is a ticking clock. For anyone in the business of transporting perishables—whether it’s fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, or frozen goods—timing isn’t just important. It’s everything.
So, how long do you really have to get perishables from point A to point B before quality degrades, shelf life shortens, or entire shipments go to waste? The answer is: it depends. On the product, the packaging, the temperature, and—most critically—the reliability of your logistics.
Let’s break it down.
The Race Against Time: What You’re Really Dealing With
Each perishable product has a specific respiration rate (how fast it breaks down) and a critical temperature threshold. If you’re even a few degrees off or a few hours late, you risk:
- Loss of freshness and nutritional value
- Higher microbial growth
- Shorter shelf life at destination
- Damaged reputation with retailers or end customers
Below are some general transport windows for common perishables under ideal cold chain conditions:
| Product Type | Ideal Transport Temp | Typical Max Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Leafy greens | 0–2°C | 1–2 days |
| Berries | 0°C | 1–2 days |
| Citrus fruits | 4–7°C | 3–5 days |
| Broccoli/Cauliflower | 0–2°C | 3 days |
| Raw meat | 0–2°C | 1–3 days (chilled) |
| Dairy | 1–4°C | 2–4 days |
| Frozen products | -18°C or colder | 7–10 days |
Note: These figures assume a perfectly maintained cold chain. Even minor temperature deviations can halve those timeframes.
Variables That Change the Game
There’s no universal answer to how long perishables last in transit. It’s influenced by:
1. Pre-Cooling at Origin
Products that are not properly cooled before loading will take longer to reach the correct temperature inside the truck. This initial lag can eat into your safe window of transport.
2. Packaging
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) or vacuum sealing can extend travel times, especially for protein-based products. On the flip side, poor packaging allows ethylene buildup, condensation, and spoilage.
3. Load Configuration
If items are stacked too tightly or air circulation is restricted, temperature control becomes uneven—and some of the load may degrade faster.
4. Transit Route & Delays
Delays at depots, checkpoints, or ports can turn a 24-hour job into a 36-hour crisis. Add in external weather conditions or roadworks, and your margins shrink fast.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Spoiled perishables aren’t just a logistics problem—they’re a financial and reputational one. Supermarkets and foodservice providers operate on tight inventory cycles. Late or damaged deliveries mean:
- Chargebacks from retailers
- Loss of contracts or supplier rankings
- Unsellable product waste
- Increased insurance claims
- Higher carbon footprint due to rework or redelivery
And for growers and cooperatives, one bad delivery can undo a season’s worth of effort.
What Cannon Logistics Does Differently
We understand that time sensitivity isn’t a feature of your load—it’s the foundation. That’s why our cold chain processes are designed to minimise every possible delay or degradation risk.
Here’s how we help you stay ahead of the clock:
- Real-Time Temperature & Location Monitoring
Know exactly where your shipment is—and what condition it’s in—at every point of the journey. - Dedicated Refrigerated Fleet
Our trucks are purpose-built and maintained for consistent cold storage, with backup systems in place for peace of mind. - Fast Turnaround and Load Times
Our team understands how critical every minute is. We work efficiently to load and dispatch without sacrificing care or compliance. - Route Optimisation Technology
We plan smart, avoiding bottlenecks, roadworks, and delays to keep perishables moving on schedule.
What Can You Do?
If you’re sending perishables, here’s how you can maximise your shipment’s lifespan:
- Pre-cool your product before loading
- Share accurate pickup and drop-off timeframes
- Use packaging that supports airflow and temperature stability
- Label all temperature-sensitive items clearly
- Communicate any changes or sensitivities ahead of time
Final Thought: Every Hour Counts
The real answer to “How long do I have to move perishables?” is: as little time as possible. Your product deserves more than just a delivery window—it deserves a precision cold chain that protects its value every kilometre of the journey.
At Cannon Logistics, we make sure you never run out of time.
Need help transporting perishables with confidence?
Talk to our logistics experts today and find a transport solution built around your product’s unique shelf life.