What is the Top Cause of Cargo Damage for Avocado?

Avocados have become a global phenomenon, with insatiable demand pushing exports from leading producers like Mexico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic to new heights. In 2023 alone, Mexico exported over 2.7 million tons of avocados, highlighting the crucial role reefer containers play in delivering this delicate fruit across vast distances. But despite our modern technology, avocado exporters still face a significant challenge: cargo damage during transport.

While physical damage from improper packing or mishandling can occur, the most common culprit behind avocado cargo claims is temperature fluctuations. Avocados have a specific temperature range (typically between 35-40°F) for optimal preservation. Deviations from this range can trigger a domino effect, leading to spoilage.

Here’s how temperature fluctuations can cause damage on your avocado shipment:

• Temperature Fluctuations: Reefer malfunctions, power outages, or even improper temperature settings can cause temperatures to rise or fall outside the range.
• Triggered Ripening: Warmer temperatures from temperature fluctuations accelerate avocado ripening, leading to a mushy texture and shortened shelf life.
• Chilling Injury: Conversely, avocados exposed to excessively cold temperatures can develop chilling injury, characterized by discoloration, sunken skin, and internal flesh browning. Both scenarios render avocados unfit for sale, resulting in significant financial losses for exporters.
• Improper Pre-Cooling: If avocados are loaded into the reefer container at the wrong temperature, it takes much longer to reach the optimal range, increasing spoilage risk.

Preventing temperature-related cargo damage requires a proactive approach. Here are some key steps:

• Pre-shipment Inspection: Ensure your reefer container is thoroughly inspected and serviced before loading.
• Temperature Monitoring: Invest in real-time temperature monitoring systems to track conditions throughout the transit.
• Data Logging: Maintain meticulous data logs of temperature settings and any adjustments made during transport.
• Proper Packaging: Use appropriate packaging materials that promote air circulation and minimize temperature fluctuations.

The Financial Bite of Cargo Claims

A container full of spoiled avocados represents a significant financial loss for exporters. Cargo claims recoveries is a crucial step to recoup these losses. Here’s why:

• Protecting Your Bottom Line: Successful cargo claims can help you recover the cost of the damaged avocados, as well as any additional expenses incurred due to the spoilage.
• Preserving Reputation: Delivering high-quality produce is essential for building trust with buyers. Cargo claim recoveries demonstrate your commitment to maintaining consistent quality control.
• Deterring Future Losses: By analyzing the cause of the damage and working with logistics partners to implement preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of future cargo claims.

The global avocado market serves as a fresh example, but the lesson applies universally. Exporters across all industries must prioritize implementing a robust loss recovery plan, specifically including cargo claims recovery. This proactive approach safeguards profits, minimizes disruptions, and paves the way for long-term success in the competitive export market.

Recoupex is a hub of transport lawyers – experts in cargo claims. We assess your case quickly. We have successfully recovered claims from Maersk, Sealand, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company – MSC, CMA CGM, and other carriers.

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