Fall isn’t just sweater weather — it’s prime time for apple and pear season across the U.S. As the orchards of Washington, Michigan, Oregon, and New York hit their harvest peaks, it’s go-time for logistics providers. What many don’t realize is that shipping fresh produce like apples and pears isn’t just about getting it there fast — it’s about protecting the integrity of the fruit every mile of the journey.
These fruits may seem hardy, but they’re surprisingly sensitive. Apples can bruise easily. Pears ripen quickly in warm conditions. Timing is everything. That’s why temperature-controlled LTL is the go-to for many growers, co-ops, and distributors, At Fruition Logistics, we know how critical it is to move these loads at the right temp (30-32°F) and at the right pace; too fast and you risk condensation or chilling injury, too slow and you risk overripening. Because these shipments are often multi-stop or headed to distribution centers with strict receiving windows, reliable delivery scheduling and real-time tracking are non-negotiable.
Apples and pears typically ship from the Pacific Northwest states like Washington, California and Oregon, but also move east from Michigan orchards and New York’s Hudson Valley, or Western New York. Depending on the supply chain, some of these loads travel across multiple temperature zones, so ELD integration and IoT temperature sensors give peace of mind to shippers watching every degree. Cross-docking is also key in consolidating LTL loads without long dwell times that can expose produce to temperature swings.
And of course — speed matters. This isn’t frozen freight that can hang out in a reefer for a week. Fast, efficient routing and minimal dwell times at docks keep the produce fresher, reduce shrink, and increase shelf life for the retailer (which, let’s be honest, is what keeps them coming back). Shipping with a dedicated LTL company with state-of-the-art technology helps minimize obstacles for a smooth shipping experience.
Can You Ship Apples and Pears Together?
Yes — but with caution. Apples and pears are often shipped together since they share similar optimal conditions:
- Temperature: 30-32°F (-1 to 0°C)
- Humidity: 90–95%
- Controlled Atmosphere: ~2% O₂ for long term storage for apples
- Controlled Atmosphere: ~1-2% O₂ for most pears, ~0-1% O₂ for Anjou and Bosc
However, apples produce high levels of ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening. Pears are more sensitive to that ethylene exposure, especially on longer hauls. If unmanaged, pears can soften prematurely or arrive overripe.
Other key notes to consider. Most apple varieties freeze ~28°F, so keeping it above freezing is key. Fluctuations are not recommended either. Consistent temperature control is critical for crispness, color, and shelf life.
Pears ripen off the tree, so post-harvest chilling is essential before reaching consumers. Bartlett pears are more sensitive to chilling injury if not preconditioned correctly.
Here’s how our company ensures we do it right:
- Keep the load at a stable, cold temperature
- Use pre-cooled reefer trailers set at 30-32°F and minimize delays
- Space pallets to allow airflow and gas dissipation
- Use Pallet covers or thermal blankets to buffer short-term temp spikes during loading/unloading when necessary
- Avoid mixing with ethylene-sensitive produce like leafy greens
- Use IoT temperature tracking to monitor every mile
It’s all about control — and that’s where a detail-oriented company like Fruition Logistics can make the difference. So it’s not about who can ship the product, but who can ship it right! At Fruition Logistics, we’re built for this. From route planning to trailer prep, we treat your produce like it’s going to our own table. Need a reliable LTL partner for your next seasonal load?
Request a Free Quote or call us today to talk apples, pears, or any temperature-sensitive freight.