Packaging fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the more important steps in the long, complicated journey from grower to consumer. Bags, crates, hampers, lugs (boxes or crates), baskets, cartons, bulk bins, and palletized containers are convenient containers for handling, transporting, and marketing fresh produce. Numerous types of packages are used for produce in the US and the number continues to increase as the industry introduces new packaging materials and concepts. The industry generally agrees that container standardization is one way to reduce cost, although the trend in recent years has moved toward a wider range of package sizes, materials, and configurations to accommodate the diverse needs of wholesalers, retailers, consumers, food service buyers, and processing operations.

Since packing and packaging materials contribute a significant cost to the produce industry, it is important that packers and shippers who select and purchase packaging understand the wide range, function, and limitations of the packaging options that are available. This chapter describes the more common types of packaging and their important place in the logistics stream. A significant percentage of produce buyer and consumer complaints have been traced to packaging failure because of poor design or inappropriate selection and use. A properly designed produce container should contain, protect, and identify the produce, which satisfies everyone from grower to consumer.

A hundred years ago, produce packages were limited to large wholesale containers such as crates, bags, baskets, and barrels. Retail consumer packages were either paper bags that were available at the point-of-sale or shopping baskets from home. Today, there are thousands of different types and sizes of wholesale and retail packages used for produce in the US and around the world. In the mid-twentieth century, it was believed that inexpensive single-use plastic would dominate the produce packaging market and this became essentially true. In recent times, however, the largest driver of packaging innovations and use is concern for the environment. Jurisdictions around the world are now enacting legislation that limits or even eliminates the use of certain plastics and other produce packaging materials. Reuse, recyclability, and the total elimination of packaging are now a top concern with produce packaging.

Produce buyers are not a homogenous group. Produce buyers at grocery stores have different needs than buyers for restaurants, food service, and processors. For example, with produce items that are usually sold in bulk, processors prefer the produce in the largest size they can handle efficiently. This reduces their unpacking cost and the cost of handling the used containers. Produce managers in grocery stores prefer consumer size packages with individualized high quality graphics that entice retail buyers.

For most large markets, selecting the proper container for fresh produce is not a personal choice for the packer. Typically, markets have semi-official standards for each commodity and some standard containers may be required by law. Since it is risky to pack in a nonstandard container, packers should always consult the market. (A list of fruit and vegetables and their traditional packaging is found at the end of this chapter.)

A properly designed produce container has several important functions that satisfy the needs of all in the chain from producer to consumer:

• Contain the produce. The most basic function of all packaging is to contain the produce in convenient units for handling and distribution. The produce should fit the container with little wasted space. Small produce items that are spherical or oblong (potatoes, onions, and apples) may be contained with a variety of different package shapes and sizes. Other items such as asparagus, berries, or soft fruit may require containers that are specially designed. Produce packages that are commonly handled by hand are usually limited to no more than 50 lb. With some exceptions, packages usually contain produce that can be used in a few days. In contrast, bulk packages sold to wholesalers or processors and moved by forklifts may weigh as much as 1,200 lb.
• Protect the produce. The package must protect the produce from mechanical damage and hostile environmental conditions during handling and distribution. The condition of the package often reflects the condition of the contents. Damaged packages usually indicate a lack of care in handling the contents. No matter how good the produce, produce that is delivered in torn, dented, bulging, or collapsed containers will not be well received. A significant percentage of complaints have been traced to container failure due to poor design or inappropriate selection and use.
  
  Given that all produce packages are palletized and some are double stacked, produce containers must be strong enough to resist crushing in a high humidity environment. Many produce packages have openings to allow for forced-air cooling and ventilation because fresh produce is alive and produce heat by respiration. The openings are usually vertical slots that have open space but limit the loss of stacking strength. A considerable amount of research has focused on determining the correct balance of ventilation area and stacking strength with 5% to 7% of the face area considered optimal. The cost of packaging materials has sharply escalated in recent years, and poor quality, lightweight containers that are easily damaged by handling or moisture are no longer tolerated by the industry. In retail marketing, the appearance of produce packaging has assumed great importance as part of point-of-sale displays.
  
  Produce destined for export markets may require containers that are extra sturdy and in compliance with Global GAP, phytosanitation, and other requirements. Produce that is shipped by air freight may require special packing, package sizes, and insulation. Packers contemplating the export of fresh produce should consult with freight companies about special packaging requirements. The US Department of Agriculture and various state export agencies also provide specific packaging information that also includes details about recycling and reuse.
  
  In addition to poor packaging selection, damage that is caused by poor environmental control during handling and transit is another leading cause of rejected produce and low buyer and consumer satisfaction. Every fresh fruit and vegetable has its own requirements for temperature, humidity, and environmental gas composition. Produce containers should always be produce friendly by maintaining an optimal environment for the longest shelf life. This may involve special materials that slow the loss of water from the produce, insulation materials that repel the heat, and engineered plastic liners that maintain a favorable mix of atmospheric gases and have adequate ventilation holes to allow heat to escape.
• Identify the produce. The package must provide useful information about the produce. It is customary (and often required) to provide the produce name, brand, size, grade, variety, net weight, count, lot number, grower, packer, shipper, and country of origin. It is also common to find nutritional information, recipes, and other consumer information on the package. Tops, sides, and the bottom of produce packages are inexpensive ways for communicating a message to the buyer/consumer. Leaving a blank space on a produce carton is a wasted opportunity.

Produce packaging is available in broad categories that depend on their intended use – wholesale or retail. Bulk or wholesale packaging is concerned primarily with function and is designed to contain and protect the contents during handling and shipment. Since most wholesale produce is handled by forklifts, most wholesale packaging includes pallet bins or palletized lots. Pallets came into use in the early 1900s along with the invention of the forklift. Pallets were constructed initially of wood and most still are, although plastic and composite pallets are now more common. Pallets are available in a wide range of custom sizes.

The US produce industry uses approximately 250 million pallets per year, most of which are reused. Over the years, however, the common pallet that is now used worldwide has become standardized in size. This standard dimension is 40 in. wide by 48 in. long (approximately 100 cm by 120 cm) to accommodate packaged consumer goods and fresh produce. Pallets that size are commonly known as “grocery” pallets (or GMA pallets) because they conform to the standards developed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now the Consumer Brands Association).

Standardization encourages re-use, which has many benefits. In addition to reducing costs, most pallet racks and automated pallet handling equipment are designed for standard-size pallets that make efficient use of truck and van space and can accommodate heavier loads and more stress than lighter single-use pallets. In addition, use of a single pallet size can substantially reduce pallet inventory and warehousing costs along with pallet repair and disposal costs.

Standardization is most efficient when any associated items are also standardized. For example, individual cartons should be sized to fit efficiently on the pallet. However, efforts to standardize produce carton dimensions have had limited success. Many common produce cartons have been designed so that a regular layer has little or no overhang while also filling the pallet. Since it is customary to stack layers of cartons to six ft high or more to promote pallet stability, the cartons should be capable of efficient cross stacking (similar to laying brick).

Pallets that can be entered from any side are more convenient and are called double entry pallets (see Figure 9-1). Pallets that can be entered only from two sides are single entry pallets. In forced-air cooling locations, single entry pallets are preferred because they prevent some of the cooling air from escaping under the pallet.

Depending on the size of produce package, a single pallet can carry from 20 to over 100 individual packages. These packages are often stacked loosely to allow for air circulation, are difficult to stack evenly, and must be secured (unitized) to prevent shifting during handling and transit. Although widely used, plastic straps and tapes have not been completely effective. Plastic or paper corner tabs are more effective in promoting stability and preventing the straps from crushing the package corners. Stabilizing pallets of fresh produce by using stretch film is discouraged because it traps moisture and respiration heat.

The refrigerated trucks (reefers) that transport fresh produce have an internal width of approximately 96 in. Thus, forty-two in. wide pallets allow two rows of stacked pallets to be loaded without scraping the sides of the truck or each other. Figure 9-2 shows palletized cartons of fresh produce that are awaiting shipment in a refrigerated space. Pallets of produce transported in refrigerated trucks are normally stacked no more than 6 ft tall and should always be secured by cargo stabilizer bars. Depending on the contents, individual pallets can weigh from 250 to over 1000 lb. Cartons of produce stacked on a pallet, even with strapping, may still be unstable. Forklift operators must be well trained and warned not to make sharp turns, quick starts, and sudden stops to avoid tipping. A full pallet of produce that has fallen is a significant loss.

In recent years, stacking robots and other automated equipment have become widely available. Along with these, a low-cost and almost fully automated method of pallet stabilization involves applying a small amount of special glue to the top of each carton. The glue secures all cartons, has a low tensile strength that allows cartons to be easily separated or repositioned, and a high shear strength that prevents sliding. The glue does not affect food safety, disposal, or recycling.

For produce handled in bulk, pallet bins are used as shown in Figure 9-3. It is common to load pallet bins in the field or orchard during harvest when the produce will be washed and graded at the packing house or sent away for further processing or canning. Pallet bins generally follow the GMA standard size of 40 in. by 48 in. by approximately 24 in. to 36 in. tall. Most pallet bins are manufactured by local pallet makers of roughly sawn wood. It is very important that pallet bins are consistent from lot to lot in materials, construction, and especially size. Small differences in overall dimensions can add up to big problems when several hundred are stacked together for cooling, ventilation, or storage. It is also important that all stress points are adequately reinforced. The average life of a hardwood pallet bin that is stored outside is approximately five years. When properly protected from the weather, pallets bins can have a useful life of 15 years or more.

Uniform voluntary standards for wood pallets and other wood containers are administered by the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association in Washington, DC. In addition, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, located in St. Joseph, Michigan, publishes standards for agricultural pallet bins (ASAE S337.1).

In situations when scuffing is an issue, such as with squash, apples and other tree fruit, plywood bottoms and sides have been used. Plastic pallet bins are now available that avoid the scuffing issue, are easily cleaned, and are collapsible for easy return shipment and storage.

Plastic pallet bins have two shortcomings. First, a wooden pallet bin that is damaged in use can often be repaired simply with a board, hammer, and nails. In contrast, a plastic pallet bin that is damaged may be difficult or impossible to repair. Although some plastic pallet bin manufacturers offer return credit for damaged bins, the lost time and expense of return shipments make this a less attractive alternative. Second, compared to wood, plastic bins are more expensive, especially those that are collapsible (see Figure 9-4). Since growers and packers may have an inventory of hundreds or even thousands of pallet bins, the added costs of plastic pallet bins can become prohibitive. Further, returning empty pallet bins, wood or plastic, to their owner can be a difficult logistical problem.

In recent decades, a third type of pallet bin for holding and shipping fresh produce has become available. This octagonal pallet box that solves some of the wood and plastic problems is made of heavy triple-wall corrugated fiberboard as shown in Figure 9-4. These boxes, which are called “gaylords” after their original manufacturer, are available in a variety of sizes but generally have inside dimensions of 46 in. by 38 in. and 24 in. or 36 in. high. The boxes have bottom flaps that are stapled to the wooden pallet for stability and corrugated fiberboard lids if required. Depending on the contents, the boxes may be stacked two or three high. After use, the boxes can be removed from the pallet and collapsed for reuse or recycling. The cost of these fiberboard bins including the cost of the wood pallet is substantially less than wood or plastic containers.

The chief functions of wholesale packaging are containing and protecting produce. Retail packaging must also be attractive to the consumer. The range of produce packaging is huge in terms of materials and design. On many occasions, attractive and clever packaging has helped to propel an underperforming produce item to superstardom.

Properly labeling produce is very important. Including the produce name, grade, size or count, combined with the price, often determines if a sale is possible. Today’s produce consumers also value information about the grower/packer and the place of origin. Wholesale buyers value traceability as a form of risk management. Produce packages can be traced to their place of origin for information on nearly all aspects of production. This information is essential when there is a foodborne outbreak.

There are currently no mandated standards for produce labeling other than what is mandated by the buyers. There are numerous different private companies that provide a variety of labels, barcodes, and record keeping software to the produce industry. It is expected that labels may soon be standardized under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or another governmental agency.

Many food items include the universal product codes (UPC or bar codes) as part of the labeling. The UPCs used in the food industry include a ten-digit machine readable code. The first five digits are a number assigned to the specific producer (packer or shipper), while the second five digits represent specific product information such as the type of produce and size of the package. Although no price information is included in this code, UPCs are used frequently by packers, shippers, buyers, and retailers as a fast, convenient method of inventory control and cost accounting.

Examples of Produce Packaging Materials

There is a vast selection of package materials and configurations designed to form convenient units for handling, transporting, and marketing of fresh produce. Although there is general industry agreement for container standardization as a means to reduce cost (see "Packaging Standardization and Cost-cutting"), the trend in recent years has moved toward a wider range of package sizes to accommodate the diverse needs of wholesalers, consumers, food service buyers, and processing operations. With materials, design, printing, and tooling, high quality packaging can be expensive.

Here are some of the most popular types of produce packaging:

Corrugated Fiberboard (often mistakenly called cardboard or pasteboard) is manufactured in many different styles and weights. With relativity low cost and versatility, this is the dominant material used for produce containers and will probably remain so in the near future. The strength and serviceability of corrugated fiberboard have been improving in recent years.

Most corrugated fiberboard includes three or more layers of paperboard manufactured by the kraft process, which converts wood into wood pulp. To be considered paperboard, the paper must be thicker than 0.008 in. Paperboard grades are differentiated by weight (in lb per 1,000 sq ft) and thickness. Kraft paper made from unbleached pulp has a characteristic brown color and is exceptionally strong. In addition to virgin wood fibers, kraft paper may include some synthetic fibers that add additional strength, sizing (starch), and other materials that give the paper wet strength and printability. Most fiberboard contains some recycled fibers. Minimum amounts of recycled materials may be specified by law and the percentage is expected to increase in the future. Tests have shown that cartons of fully recycled pulp have about 75% of the stacking strength of virgin fiber containers. The use of recycled fibers is expected to increase the use of thicker walled containers.

Double-faced corrugated fiberboard is the predominant form used for produce containers. This fiberboard is produced by sandwiching a layer of corrugated paperboard between an inner and outer liner (facing) of paperboard. The inner and outer liner may be identical, or the outer layer may be preprinted or coated to facilitate printing. The inner layer may be coated to resist moisture. Heavy-duty shipping containers, such as corrugated bulk bins, and gaylords that must have high stacking strength may have double or even triple-wall construction.

Corrugated fiberboard manufacturers print box certificates on the bottom of containers to certify certain strength characteristics and limitations. There are two types of certification. The first certifies the minimum combined weight of both the inner and outer facings and a statement that the corrugated fiberboard material has minimum bursting strength. The second certifies the minimum edge crush test (ECT) strength. Edge crush strength is a much better predictor of stacking strength than bursting strength. Users of corrugated fiberboard containers should insist on ECT certification to compare the stackability of various containers. Both certificates provide a maximum size limit for the container (sum of length, width, and height) and the maximum gross weight of the contents.

Cold temperatures and high humidity reduce the strength of fiberboard containers. Unless the container is specially treated, moisture absorbed from the surrounding air and the contents can reduce the strength of the container by as much as 75%. New anti-moisture coatings (both wax and plastic) are now available that substantially reduce the negative effects of moisture.

Waxed fiberboard cartons (wax is about 20% of fiber weight) are used for many produce items that must be either hydrocooled or iced. The main objection to wax cartons is the problem of disposal after use. Wax cartons cannot be recycled and are increasingly being refused at landfills. An additional objection is the cost. Several states and municipalities have recently taxed wax cartons or have instituted rigid back haul regulations. Industry sources suggest that wax cartons will eventually be replaced by plastic. It is more likely that the use of ice and hydrocooling will be replaced by highly controlled forced-air cooling with rigid temperature and humidity maintenance on many commodities.

With corrugated fiberboard containers, the stacking strength of the container is a minor consideration. For example, canned goods carry the majority of their own weight when stacked. Fresh produce usually cannot carry much of the vertical load without some damage. Therefore, one of the most desired characteristics of corrugated fiberboard containers is stacking strength that protects the produce from crushing. Most of the stacking strength of corrugated containers is carried by the corners and the vertically oriented corrugations. For this reason, hand holes and ventilation slots should never be positioned near the corners of produce containers.

There are numerous styles of corrugated fiberboard containers. The two most frequently used in the produce industry are the one-piece, regular slotted container (RSC) and the two piece, full telescoping container (FTC). The RSC is most popular because it is simple and economical. However, the RSC has relatively low stacking strength and should be used with produce, such as potatoes, that can carry some of the stacking load. The FTC, which is actually one container inside another, is used when greater stacking strength and resistance to bulging are required. A third type of container is the Bliss box, which is constructed from three separate pieces of corrugated fiberboard. The Bliss box was developed for use when maximum stacking strength is required. For example, Bliss boxes have replaced wooden lugs for table grapes and other heavy items.

The bottoms and tops of all three types of containers may be closed by glue, staples, or interlocking slots. Almost all corrugated fiberboard containers are shipped flat to the packer and must be assembled at the packing house. To conserve space, assembly is usually performed immediately before use. Assembly may be by hand, machine, or a combination of both. Ease of assembly is a consideration when selecting a particular style of package.

For many years, labels were printed on heavy paper and then glued or stapled to the produce package. The high cost of materials and labor has eliminated this practice. The ability to print the brand, size, and grade information directly on the container is one of the greatest benefits of corrugated fiberboard containers. There are two methods used to print corrugated fiberboard containers:

Post Printed. When printed after the corrugated fiberboard has been formed, the process is known as post printing. This is the most widely used printing method for corrugated fiberboard containers because it is economical and may be used for small press runs. However, post printing produces graphics with less detail, is usually limited to one or two colors, and is best for wholesale containers.

Preprinted. High quality, full-color graphics are obtained by preprinting the linerboard before it is attached to the corrugated paperboard (Figure 9-5). Although the cost is about 15% more than standard two-color containers, the eye-catching quality of the graphics makes this very useful for retail containers. The visual quality of the package influences the perception of the product because the buyer's first impression is from the outside of the package. Produce managers especially like high quality graphics that they can use in supermarket floor displays.

Pulp containers. Containers made from recycled paper pulp and a starch binder are used primarily for small consumer packages of fresh produce. These containers are available in a large variety of shapes and sizes and are relatively inexpensive in the standard sizes. Pulp containers can absorb surface moisture from the product, which is a benefit for small fruit and berries that are easily harmed by water. Pulp containers are also biodegradable, made from recycled materials, and recyclable.

Paper and mesh bags. Consumer packs of potatoes and onions are among the few types of produce now packed in paper bags. The more sturdy mesh bag has much wider use. In addition to potatoes and onions, cabbage, turnips, citrus, and some specialty items are now packed in mesh bags. Sweet corn may be packaged in mesh bags in some markets. In addition to its low cost, mesh has the advantage of uninhibited airflow. Good ventilation is particularly beneficial to produce items that are prone to decay. Supermarket produce managers like small mesh bags because they make attractive displays that stimulate purchases. However, managers do not like the idea that a rot or blemish on only one item in the bag will usually result in the entire bag being discarded.

Bags of any type have several disadvantages. Large bags do not palletize well, while small bags do not efficiently fill the space inside corrugated fiberboard containers. More importantly, bags do not offer protection from rough handling. Mesh bags provide little protection from light or contaminants. In addition, produce packed in bags is correctly perceived by the consumer to be less than the best grade. Few consumers are willing to pay premium price for bagged produce.

Plastic bags. Plastic bags (polyethylene film) are one of the predominant materials used in fruit and vegetable consumer packaging. In addition to the very low material costs, automated bagging machines further reduce packing costs. Film bags are clear, allow for easy inspection of the contents, and readily accept high quality graphics. Plastic films are available in a wide range of thicknesses and grades and may be engineered to control the environmental gases inside the bag. The film material "breathes" at a rate necessary to maintain the correct mix of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor inside the bag. Since each produce item has its own unique requirement for environmental gases, modified atmosphere packaging material must be specially engineered for each item. Research has shown that the shelf life of fresh produce is extended considerably by this packaging. The explosive growth of precut produce is due in part to the availability of modified atmosphere packaging.

Shrink wrap. One of the newest trends in produce packaging is shrink wrapping of individual produce items. Shrink wrapping has been used successfully to package potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, onions, sweet corn, cucumbers, and a variety of tropical fruit. Shrink wrapping with an engineered plastic wrap can reduce shrinkage, protect the produce from disease, help reduce mechanical damage, and provide a good surface for stick-on labels. However, pound for pound, shrink wrapped produce can be 50% more expensive that unwrapped.

Rigid plastic packages with a top and bottom that are heat formed from one or two pieces of plastic are known as clamshells. Clamshells, which are normally made from clear polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) plastic, are immensely popular because they are inexpensive, versatile, provide excellent protection to the produce, and present a very pleasing consumer package. Clamshells are used most often with consumer packs of high value produce items like small fruit, berries, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or items that are easily damaged by crushing. Clamshells are used extensively with precut produce and prepared salads. In addition, molded polystyrene and corrugated polystyrene containers have been marketed as a waterproof substitute for corrugated fiberboard.

The future of packaging. As environmental pressures continue to grow, the disposal and recyclability of packaging material of all kinds has become an extremely important issue. Common polyethylene may take from 200 to 400 years to decompose in a landfill. The addition of 6% starch can reduce that time to 20 years or less. Companies that produce packaging material are developing starch-based polyethylene substitutes that will break down in a landfill as quickly as ordinary paper.

The move to biodegradable or recyclable plastic packaging materials may be driven by cost in the long term, but by legislation in the near term. Some authorities have proposed a total ban on plastics. Thus, in a touch of irony, the supermarket of the early 21st century may resemble the grocery markets of the early 20th century.

Some Common Produce Packages by Commodity

Apples

45 lb 1 1/8-bushel cartons, loose

40 to 45 lb cartons, tray-pack

40 lb bushel cartons, tray or cell-pack

40 lb bushel cartons, loose

40 lb cartons, ten 4 lb bags

40 lb cartons, eight 5 lb bags

40 lb cartons, sixteen 8 count trays, over wrapped

38 to 42 lb cartons, loose

37 to 43 lb cartons, cell-pack

36 lb cartons, twelve 3 lb bags

20 lb half-bushel cartons, loose

Asparagus

30 lb pyramid cartons/crates, bunched or loose

28 lb cartons/crates, bunched

25 lb lugs/cartons, loose

24 lb cartons, sixteen 1 ½ lb packages

21 lb lugs/cartons, loose

20 lb pyramid cartons/crates

20 lb cartons, bunched

15 to 17 lb pyramid cartons/crates, bunched or loose

14 lb cartons, loose

12 lb cartons, loose

12 to 13 lb cartons/crates, bunched

11 lb cartons/crates, loose

Beans All Types

26 to 31 lb bushel crates/hampers

25 to 30 lb cartons/crates, including semi-telescope types

Snap Beans

20 to 22 lb cartons

15 lb cartons

Yellow Wax Beans

30 lb bushel hampers/crates

Beets

50 lb mesh bags

45 lb wire bound crates/cartons, bunched in 12s

38 lb cartons/crates, bunched in 12s

35 lb half crates, loose

32 lb 4/5-bushel crate

25 lb bags, loose

20 lb cartons/crates, bunched in 12s

Blueberries

11 lb flats, twelve 1-pint cups

9 lb flats, twelve 250 gm cups

5 lb flats, twelve 8 oz baskets

Broccoli, Bunched

21 lb cartons/crates, 14s and 18s

Broccoli, Crown Cut

20 lb cartons, loose

Broccoli, Florets

10 lb film bags

5 lb film bags

Brussels Sprouts

25 lb cartons, loose

10 lb flats/cartons

Cabbage, Green and Red

2,000 lb bulk bins

1,000 lb bulk bins

50 to 60 lb flat crates

50 lb 1 ¾-bushel crates/cartons/bags

45 lb cartons

40 lb cartons/bags

Cabbage, Savoy

40 lb 1 ¾-bushel crates

Cabbage, Chinese

80 to 85 lb crates

45 to 54 lb crates

50 to 53 lb carton

Carrots, Topped

50 lb cartons/bags, loose

50 lb cartons, ten 5 lb bags

48 lb master bags, containing 48 1 lb, 24 2 lb or 16 3 lb bags

26 lb cartons, bunched

25 lb bags, loose

24 lb cartons, containing 24 1 lb bags

15 lb cartons, containing twenty 12 oz bags

Carrots, Bunched

26 lb cartons/crates, 24s

Carrots, Baby Whole

24 lb cartons, containing twenty-four 1 lb film bags

20 lb cartons, containing twenty 1 lb bags

15 lb cartons, containing twenty 12 oz bags

Cauliflower

60 lb wire bound crates

50 lb cartons/crates (Long Island type)

25 to 30 lb cartons, 12s and 16s film-wrapped and trimmed

Cantaloupe

1,000 lb pallet bins

800 lb pallet bins

80 lb jumbo crates

60 lb 1 ¾-bushel cartons

54 lb cartons

45 to 50 lb wire bound crates

40 lb cartons/crates

40 lb 1 1/9-bushel cartons/crates

Cucumbers

Pickling

55 lb 1 1/9-bushel cartons/crates

Cucumbers, Slicers

50 lb bushel cartons/crates

30 lb cartons, 48s

28 lb 5/9-bushel cartons/crates

24 lb cartons, 36s and 42s

22 lb cartons, 24s

Cucumbers, Greenhouse

16 lb cartons, loose, film-wrapped

12 lb flats/cartons, loose, film-wrapped

Eggplant

33 lb bushels or 1 1/9-bushel cartons/crates/baskets

26 to 28 lb cartons/crates/lugs

25 lb cartons

22 lb lugs/cartons, 18s and 24s

17 lb 1/2-bushel lugs

Eggplant, Chinese

26 lb lugs

25 lb cartons

15 lb ½ bushel cartons/crates

Eggplant, Italian

26 lb lugs

15 lb ½-bushel cartons/crates

Eggplant, Japanese

15 lb. ½-bushel cartons/crates

Grapes

Bunch 24 lb crates, eight 2-qt baskets

22 to 23 lb cartons/lugs

21 lb lugs

20 lb 12-quart baskets

16 lb lugs

16 lb bagged/wrapped

Grapes, Muscadines

12 lb flats, twelve 1 pt cups

Greens

30 to 35 lb 1 2/5-bushel and 1 3/5-bushel crates

20 to 25 lb bushel baskets/crates/cartons

20 to 25 lb 12 to 24 bunches per crates/cartons

Lettuce, Iceberg

50 lb cartons, 30s, 24s, 18s

30 lb cartons

20 lb cartons

Lettuce, Boston

22 lb 1 1/9-bushel crates

20 lb cartons/crates, 24s

10 lb flat cartons/crates

5 lb 12-quart baskets/cartons

Lettuce, Bibb

10 lb flat cartons/crates

5 lb 12-qt baskets/cartons

5 lb baskets, greenhouse

Lettuce, Loose-leaf

25 lb cartons/crates

20 lb 4/5-bushel crates

14 lb 1 1/9-bushel crates

10 lb baskets/cartons

Lettuce, Romaine

40 lb 2/3 cartons/crates

28 lb 1 1/3-bushel cartons

22 lb 1 1/9-bushel cartons/crates

22 lb carton, 24s

Melons, Casaba and Crenshaw

32 to 34 lb cartons, 4s, 5s and 6s

48 to 51 lb flat crate, 5s and 6s

Melons, Honeydew

35 lb flat crates

30 lb cartons

Okra

30 lb bushel baskets/crates/hampers

23 lb ¾ bushel hampers

15 lb ½ and 5/9-bushel baskets/crates/lugs/clamshells

Onions, Bulb

50 lb cartons/bags/crates, loose

50 lb cartons, containing ten 5 lb bags

48 lb cartons, containing sixteen 3 lb bags or 24 2 lb bags

45 lb cartons, containing fifteen 3 lb bags

40 lb cartons, containing twenty 2 lb bags

40 lb cartons, loose 36 lb cartons, containing twelve 3 lb bags

32 lb cartons, sixteen 2 lb bags

25 lb bags/cartons, loose

24 lb cartons, containing twelve 2 lb bags

10 lb bags, loose

Onions, Green

28 lb cartons, bunched 12s, bulb-type

20 lb cartons/crates, bunched 24s, bulb-type

13 lb cartons, bunched 48s

11 lb cartons, bunched 36s

Peaches

38 lb ¾-bushel cartons/crates

35 lb cartons

26 lb cartons

25 lb ½ bushel cartons/crates

22 lb 2-layer carton

11 lb crates/flats, 1-layer tray pack

10 lb cartons 9 lb. cartons, 1-layer

Peas, Green

30 lb bushel baskets/crates/hampers

30 lb 1 1/9-bushel crates/cartons

Peas, Snow, China, Sugar, Sugar Snap

10 lb cartons

Peas, Southern

25 lb bushel hampers

Peppers, Bell

35 lb 1 ¼-bushel cartons

30 lb cartons/crates

28 lb bushel and 1 1/9-bushel cartons/crates

25 lb cartons

14 to 15 lb half-bushel cartons

11 lb flat cartons

Peppers, Jalapenos and Chilies

16 to 25 lb half and 5/9-bushel cartons/crates, loose

20 lb cartons, loose 10 lb cartons, retail packs

Potatoes

100 lb bags 50 lb cartons/bags

50 lb carton, containing five 10 lb or ten 5 lb bags

Pumpkins

1,000 lb pallet bins

50 lb cartons/crates/bags

25 lb ½-bushel cartons/crates

Radishes, Topped

40 lb bags, loose

25 lb bags, loose

14 lb cartons, containing fourteen 1 lb bags

12 lb baskets/cartons, containing 30

6 oz bags

Radishes, Bunched

35 lb cartons/crates, 48s, 24s

30 lb 4/5-bushel cartons/lugs

20 lb cartons/crates, containing 24 bunches

15 lb cartons/crates, 24s

Spinach

32 lb 1 2/3-bushel cartons/crates

25 lb bushel carton/crates

20 lb cartons, 24s

12 lb bags

10 lb 24 qt baskets

8 lb cartons, twelve 10 oz bags

Squash, Summer

42 lb bushel and 1 1/9-bushel carton

35 lb cartons/crates

30 lb ¾-bushel cartons/crates

26 lb cartons/lugs

21 lb ½- or 5/9-bushel baskets/cartons/crates

10 lb 8-qt baskets/cartons

Squash, Winter

50 lb 1 1/9-bushel cartons/crates

40 lb cartons/crates

35 lb cartons/crates

12 lb flats, 6 qt

Sweet Corn

50 lb cartons/wire bounds/bags

42 lb cartons/wire bounds/bags

37 lb mesh bags

Sweetpotatoes

1200 lb bulk bins

40 lb cartons/crates

40 lb cartons, containing eight 5 lb bags

20 lb boxes

10 lb boxes

5 lb cartons/bags

Tomatoes

28 lb ½- or 4/7-bushel cartons

25 lb cartons, loose

20 lb cartons/flats, loose or layered

Tomatoes, Cherry

15 lb flats, containing twelve 1-pt cups

5 lb cartons, containing nine 250-gm cups

Tomatoes - Mature Green

25 lb cartons, loose

20 lb cartons, loose or layered

10 lb cartons, loose

Tomatoes, Greenhouse

15 lb flats, 1 layer

Tomatoes, Plum or Roma

25 lb cartons, loose

Turnips

50 lb bushel basket/bags

40 lb cartons, bunched

25 lb half-bushel baskets/cartons/crates/bags

24 lb cartons, 24 1 lb bags

20 lb cartons, bunched 12s

Watermelon

1,000 lb pallet bins

100 lb cartons

85 lb cartons, various counts

40 lb cartons

35 lb cartons (Mickey Lee)

The information in this publication was developed from many sources, including:

Ashby, B. Hunt. 1987. Protecting perishable foods during transport by truck. Handbook no. 669. US Department of Agriculture, Office of Transportation. Washington, DC.

Fibre Box Association. 2015. Fibre Box Handbook, 75^th Anniversary Edition. Itasca, IL: Fibre Box Association.

Freight Quote by C.H. Robinson. n.d. “Standard Freight Pallet Sizes & Dimensions.”

Greenway Products and Services. n.d. “Standard Pallet Sizes Reference Guide.”

Gross, Kenneth C., Chien Y. Wang, and Michal Saltveit. 2016. The Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables and Florist and Nursery Stocks. USDA Handbook 66 (revised). Washington: US Department of Agriculture.

Heidebrink, Belinda. 2021. “Produce Packaging Label Requirements: The Basics.” Bedford, November 29.

Mitchell, F.G., R. Guillou, and R.A. Parsons. 1972. Commercial cooling of fruits and vegetables, Manual 43. Davis, CA: California Agricultural Experiment Station.

Novipax. n.d. “Produce Absorbents.”

Parsons, R.A., F.G. Mitchell, and G. Mayer. 1972. “Forced-air Cooling of Palletized Fresh Fruit.” Transactions of the ASAE. 15, no. 4: 729-731.

Terry, Mike. 2012. “Perfecting Produce Packaging: Top 6 Types & Differences Explained.” Harpak-Ulma, November 16.

Watson, Jonathan Adam, Danielle Treadwell, Steven A. Sargent, Jeffrey K. Brecht, and William Pelletier. 2019. Postharvest Storage, Packaging and Handling of Specialty Crops: A Guide for Florida Small Farm Producers. HS1270. IFAS Extension, University of Florida.