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Produce Shipper Transit Guide

Daily dock & dispatch reference: recommended transit temperatures, humidity, freeze points, mix-load compatibility, setpoint coverage, and a pre-load checklist — digitized from USDA AMS Handbook 669.

Source: USDA AMS Handbook No. 669, Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck (B. Hunt Ashby, Sept 1995; reprinted July 2008) — Tables III-1, 2–3, I-2, Appendix II. PDF. Storage-side companion: Cold Chain Index (AH-66).
Cold Chain Index Precool estimator Claim temp analyzer PACA good arrival Produce truck rates

Commodity lookup

Can these ride together?

Uses Appendix II compatibility groups + overlapping temp/RH bands for single-zone reefers.

What can ride at this thermostat?

CommodityTransit °FRH%FreezeIceStatus

Pre-load checklist

Airflow numbers to remember

Air chute cross-section≥ 240 in²
Return air under load≈ 240 in² for 100% fan
Bulkhead off front wall≥ 3 in
Bulkhead bottom open≥ 6 in
Wall spacers≥ 1 in
Frozen headspace / rear gap≥ 10 in / ≥ 4 in
Multi-temp zones≈ 0°F / 35°F / 55°F

Most freeze-sensitive (Table 2)

Likely injury from one light freeze — do not “set colder to be safe.”

Chilling injury — lowest safe °F (Table 3)

Damage occurs above freezing. Use warm multi-temp compartment.

CommodityLowest safe °F°C

Top-ice allowed

Only with moisture-resistant packaging.

Tight freeze margin (≤ 1.5°F)

CommodityTransit °FFreeze ptMargin

Operational temperature zones

Multi-temp trailer model

CompartmentSetpointTypical freight
Frozen≤ 0°FIce cream, frozen foods
Chilled~35°FMeat, dairy, most 32°F produce
Chill-sensitive~55°FBananas, tomatoes, tropicals, sweet potatoes
Daily decision tree: (1) Lookup each SKU → (2) Mix check → pass / multi-temp / split → (3) Thermostat inside the shared band → (4) Precool trailer + product, pulp temps → (5) Protect airflow · seal · document.
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How this tool works

Produce Shipper Transit Guide runs entirely in your browser. Inputs are evaluated with rules and constants taken from USDA HB 669 setpoints & mix loads (Freight & logistics). Nothing is uploaded to a server for the calculation itself.

  • Enter the values that match your load, vehicle, or scenario.
  • Results update live — treat them as a cited reference, not legal or professional advice.
  • Open the primary source linked at the top of this page before you rely on a number for compliance.

Use Copy link to share this page (including query parameters when the tool supports them) or Print for a dock/packet copy.

FAQ

Is this the same as the Cold Chain Index?

No. The Cold Chain Index emphasizes storage (USDA AH-66). This guide focuses on transit setpoints and mix loads from USDA HB 669 for dock/dispatch work.

Can I use one thermostat for mixed produce?

Only if commodities share a compatibility group and overlapping temp/RH band. Otherwise use multi-temp or split loads.

Can I cite this in a claim or customer email?

You can share the link and the underlying public source. Do not present the tool as legal, medical, or insurance advice.