This study attempted to determine the effect of different accessories on air distribution in refrigerated semi-trailers transporting fresh horticulture produce. Air temperature data were gathered from mixed loads; including fiuits, vegetables, cut flowers, and nuts, transported in 20 trailers equipped either with frame or solid bulkheads, and flat or duct floors. Some trailers were also equipped with an air-delivery duct to improve air circulation at the rear and sides of the load. However, the airflow patterns varied so greatly for trailers with similar conditions that no conclusive statement could be made about which set of accessories could better improve air distribution. Further research is necessary to determine the best accessories to be used to enhance air circulation during transport of fresh produce. However, one important conclusion could be drawn from this research project; the variability of air distribution is extremely high and there is not existing standard commercial procedure to correct this situation.243337343Ashby, B.H., Protecting perishable foods during transport by truck (1999) Handbook, (669). , revised ed. Washington, D.C, Transportation and Marketing Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, United States Department of AgricultureCraig, W.L., Transportation Tips - Trailer Air Ducts (OT-ID-15) (1990) Transportation tips series, USDA/National Perishables Logistics Association transportation series, , Washington, D.C, Office of Transportation, United States Department of AgricultureHui, K.C.P., LeBlanc, D.I., Vigneault, C., DeEll, J.R., Sotocinal, S.A., Transportation and handling of fresh fruits and vegetables (2003) Handbook of Postharvest Technology: Cereals, Fruits, Vegetables, Tea, and Spices, , eds. A. Chakraverty, A. S. Mujumdar, G. S. V. Raghavan, and H. S. Ramaswamy, Chapter 20, 555-584. New York: Marcel Dekker IncHui, K.P.C., Raghavan, G.S.V., Vigneault, C., de Castro, L.R., Evaluation of the air circulation uniformity inside refrigerated semi-trailer transporting fresh horticultural produce (2006) J. of Food, Agriculture and Environment, 4 (1), pp. 109-114Kasmire, R.F., Hinsch, R.T., Thompson, J.F., Maintaining optimum perishable product temperatures in truck shipments (1996) Postharvest Horticulture, , Davis, Calif, University of CaliforniaKasmire, R.E., Hinsch, R.T., Maintaining optimum transit temperatures in refrigerated truck shipments of perishables (1987) Perishables Handling Transportation, , Davis, Calif, University of CaliforniaLeBlanc, D.I., Hui, K.P.C., Land transportation of fruits and vegetables: An update (2005) Stewart Postharvest Review, 1 (1), pp. 4.1-4.13Sokal, R.R., Rohlf, F.J., (1969) Biometry: The Principles and Practice of Statistics in Biological Research, , San Francisco, Calif, W. H. Freeman and CoSteel, R.G.D., Torrie, J.H., (1980) Principles and Procedures of Statistics: A Biometrical Approach, , 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Book CoVigneault, C., Transport of fruits and vegetables (2005) Stewart Postharvest Review, 1 (1), pp. 6.1-6.
