Market Overview
The refrigerated road transportation market plays a crucial role in the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods. It involves the use of specialized vehicles equipped with refrigeration units to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels during transit. This market serves various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and floral products, where temperature control is critical to preserve product quality and safety.
Meaning
Refrigerated road transportation refers to the transportation of perishable goods in temperature-controlled vehicles. These vehicles, commonly known as refrigerated trucks or reefers, are equipped with cooling systems to maintain specific temperature conditions required by the cargo. Refrigeration units utilize advanced technologies such as vapor compression, absorption, or cryogenics to regulate the internal environment of the truck and ensure the preservation of goods during transit.
Executive Summary
The refrigerated road transportation market is witnessing steady growth due to the increasing demand for perishable goods and the need for efficient cold chain logistics. The market is driven by factors such as globalization of food trade, changing consumer preferences, and the growth of the pharmaceutical industry. However, the market also faces challenges such as high operational costs, environmental concerns, and the need for infrastructure development. Despite these challenges, technological advancements, such as telematics and remote temperature monitoring, are enabling improved efficiency and visibility in refrigerated transport operations.
Key Market Insights
- Growing Demand for Perishable Goods: The demand for perishable goods, including fresh produce, dairy products, meat, and seafood, is increasing globally. Changing consumer lifestyles, urbanization, and a preference for convenience foods are driving the demand for refrigerated transportation to ensure the availability of fresh and high-quality products.
- Stringent Food Safety Regulations: Stringent food safety regulations and quality standards imposed by regulatory authorities are driving the adoption of refrigerated transportation. Compliance with regulations such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the United States and the European Union’s Good Distribution Practices (GDP) is crucial for businesses operating in the food industry.
- Expansion of Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on temperature-controlled transportation to ensure the integrity and efficacy of drugs and vaccines. With the increasing demand for pharmaceutical products globally, the need for refrigerated transportation services is growing to maintain the required temperature conditions during transit.
- Technological Advancements: The refrigerated road transportation market is witnessing significant technological advancements. Telematics systems, GPS tracking, real-time temperature monitoring, and data analytics are being used to enhance operational efficiency, improve visibility, and ensure product integrity. Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows remote monitoring and proactive maintenance of refrigeration units.
Market Drivers
- Growing Globalization of Food Trade: The globalization of the food industry and the increasing demand for exotic and out-of-season products have driven the need for efficient cold chain logistics. Refrigerated road transportation enables the transportation of perishable goods over long distances, ensuring the availability of diverse food products throughout the year.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences for fresh and high-quality food products have increased the demand for refrigerated transportation. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that are perceived to be fresh, safe, and sustainably sourced. Refrigerated transportation plays a crucial role in meeting these consumer expectations.
- Focus on Food Safety and Quality: Stringent regulations and the growing focus on food safety and quality have driven the demand for refrigerated transportation. Foodborne illnesses and product recalls can have severe consequences for businesses. Refrigerated transportation ensures that perishable goods are maintained at optimal temperatures, reducing the risk of spoilage and contamination.
- Expansion of E-commerce and Online Grocery Delivery: The expansion of e-commerce platforms and online grocery delivery services has increased the demand for refrigerated transportation. These platforms require reliable and efficient cold chain logistics to deliver perishable goods to customers’ doorsteps while maintaining product freshness and quality.
Market Restraints
- High Operational Costs: The operational costs associated with refrigerated road transportation are relatively high compared to conventional transportation. The investment in specialized vehicles, refrigeration units, and maintenance, as well as the cost of energy consumption, contribute to the overall operating expenses. These costs can pose challenges, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Environmental Concerns: Refrigerated transportation relies on energy-intensive refrigeration units, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. The use of diesel-powered refrigeration units also raises concerns about air pollution and carbon footprint. To address these concerns, there is a need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly refrigeration technologies.
- Infrastructure Development: The availability of proper infrastructure, including cold storage facilities, distribution centers, and transportation networks, is crucial for the efficient functioning of the refrigerated road transportation market. In some regions, especially in developing economies, the lack of adequate infrastructure can hinder the growth of the market.
- Skilled Workforce and Training: Operating refrigerated transportation requires skilled drivers and technicians who understand the intricacies of temperature control and maintenance. The shortage of qualified personnel and the need for continuous training pose challenges to the industry, particularly in regions where skilled labor is scarce.
Market Opportunities
- Emerging Markets: The refrigerated road transportation market presents significant opportunities in emerging economies. Rapid urbanization, changing consumer preferences, and the growth of organized retail and e-commerce platforms are driving the demand for refrigerated transport services in these markets.
- Technology Adoption: The adoption of advanced technologies such as telematics, data analytics, and IoT in refrigerated transportation opens up new opportunities for service providers. These technologies enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimization of logistics operations, leading to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced customer service.
- Cold Chain Integration: Integrating various components of the cold chain, including refrigerated storage, transportation, and last-mile delivery, provides opportunities for synergies and cost optimization. Service providers that can offer end-to-end cold chain solutions and seamless coordination between different stages of the supply chain are well-positioned to capture market opportunities.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility presents opportunities for companies that can offer greener and more energy-efficient refrigerated transportation solutions. The development of alternative refrigeration technologies, such as electric-powered or hybrid-powered refrigeration units, can help meet the demand for more sustainable options.
Market Dynamics
The refrigerated road transportation market is influenced by various dynamics, including market trends, consumer behavior, industry regulations, and technological advancements. Understanding these dynamics is essential for businesses operating in the market to adapt and thrive. The following factors contribute to the market dynamics:
- Increasing Consumer Demand for Fresh and Healthy Food: Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking fresh and healthy food options. This trend is driving the demand for refrigerated transportation to ensure the availability of perishable products with high nutritional value and quality.
- Shifting Food Consumption Patterns: Changing dietary preferences, increasing urbanization, and the growth of the middle class in emerging economies are reshaping food consumption patterns. There is a growing demand for convenience foods, ready-to-eat meals, and perishable products, which require efficient refrigerated transportation.
- Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety Standards: Governments and regulatory authorities are imposing stringent regulations to ensure food safety and quality. Compliance with these regulations is a critical factor for businesses operating in the refrigerated road transportation market. Adhering to food safety standards and maintaining proper temperature control throughout the supply chain is essential to meet regulatory requirements.
- Advancements in Refrigeration Technologies: Technological advancements in refrigeration systems and transportation equipment are driving the market dynamics. The development of more efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration units, the integration of telematics and IoT technology for real-time monitoring, and the use of advanced insulation materials are enhancing the efficiency and performance of refrigerated transportation.
- Shift towards Outsourced Logistics: Many businesses are outsourcing their logistics operations to third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to focus on their core competencies. This trend creates opportunities for 3PLs specializing in refrigerated transportation to expand their services and cater to the growing demand for cold chain logistics.
Regional Analysis
The refrigerated road transportation market varies across different regions due to variations in economic development, consumer behavior, infrastructure, and industry regulations. A regional analysis provides insights into the market dynamics and opportunities in specific geographical areas.
North America: North America is a mature market for refrigerated road transportation, driven by the high demand for perishable goods, stringent food safety regulations, and well-established cold chain infrastructure. The United States dominates the market in this region, with a strong presence of major food and beverage companies and a well-developed logistics network.
Europe: Europe is another prominent market for refrigerated road transportation, with countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom leading the industry. The region’s focus on sustainability, strict regulations, and the presence of a sophisticated retail sector contribute to the growth of the market.
Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region presents significant growth opportunities for refrigerated road transportation. The rising population, expanding middle class, urbanization, and changing food consumption patterns drive the demand for refrigerated transport services. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are witnessing rapid growth in the food and pharmaceutical industries, fueling the market expansion.
Latin America: Latin America is experiencing increased demand for refrigerated transportation due to the growth of the food industry, changing dietary habits, and the expansion of organized retail. Brazil and Mexico are the key markets in the region, driven by their large population and robust agricultural sectors.
Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region are witnessing growth in the refrigerated road transportation market due to the expanding food and beverage industry, increasing tourism, and the need for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical distribution. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and South Africa are the major contributors to the market growth in this region.
Competitive Landscape
The refrigerated road transportation market is highly competitive, with several regional and international players vying for market share. The competitive landscape is influenced by factors such as service quality, network coverage, fleet size, technology adoption, and customer relationships. Key players in the market include:
- Carrier Transicold: Carrier Transicold, a division of Carrier Corporation, is a leading provider of refrigeration and air conditioning solutions. The company offers a wide range of transport refrigeration systems, including trailer, truck, and container refrigeration units.
- Thermo King: Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies, is a global leader in transport temperature control systems. The company provides a comprehensive range of refrigeration and heating solutions for trailers, trucks, and vans.
- CMA CGM Group: CMA CGM Group is a global shipping and logistics company that offers refrigerated transportation services through its subsidiary, CMA CGM Reefer. The company provides end-to-end cold chain solutions, including temperature-controlled storage, transportation, and last-mile delivery.
- Maersk Line: Maersk Line, a division of A.P. Moller-Maersk, is one of the world’s largest container shipping companies. The company offers refrigerated transportation services through its Maersk Reefers division, catering to the transportation needs of perishable goods.
- Swift Transportation: Swift Transportation, now part of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., is one of the largest truckload carriers in North America. The company provides refrigerated transportation services through its dedicated refrigerated division, Swift Refrigerated.
- Lineage Logistics: Lineage Logistics is a leading provider of temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics solutions. The company offers end-to-end cold chain services, including refrigerated transportation, storage, and value-added services.
- FedEx Corporation: FedEx Corporation, a global logistics and delivery services company, offers temperature-controlled transportation services through its FedEx Custom Critical division. The company specializes in time-sensitive and high-value shipments that require temperature control.
These are just a few examples of the prominent players in the market. Other regional and local players also contribute to the competitive landscape.
Segmentation
The refrigerated road transportation market can be segmented based on various factors, including product type, application, temperature range, and end-use industry. Segmentation allows for a better understanding of the market dynamics and helps businesses tailor their offerings to specific customer requirements. The following are the key segments in the market:
- By Product Type:
- Chilled Transportation: Includes the transportation of products that require temperatures above freezing but below room temperature, typically between 0°C and 8°C.
- Frozen Transportation: Involves the transportation of products that need to be kept at temperatures below freezing, typically between -18°C and -24°C.
- By Application:
- Food and Beverages: Covers the transportation of perishable food items, including fresh produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, and beverages.
- Pharmaceuticals: Encompasses the transportation of temperature-sensitive drugs, vaccines, and other pharmaceutical products.
- Floral Products: Includes the transportation of cut flowers, potted plants, and other horticultural products that require temperature control to maintain freshness.
- By Temperature Range:
- Single Temperature: Involves the transportation of products that require a constant temperature throughout the journey, either chilled or frozen.
- Multi-Temperature: Refers to vehicles equipped with compartments or partitions that allow different temperature zones, enabling the transportation of products with varying temperature requirements in a single trip.
- By End-use Industry:
- Retail: Includes the transportation of perishable goods from distribution centers to retail stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
- Food Service: Covers the transportation of food products to restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and catering companies.
- Wholesale and Distribution: Involves the transportation of perishable goods from manufacturers or wholesalers to other businesses or regional distribution centers.
Segmentation allows service providers to specialize in specific segments based on their capabilities and customer requirements. It also helps in targeted marketing and resource allocation.
Category-wise Insights
- Food and Beverages:
- Fresh Produce: The transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables requires careful temperature control to maintain quality and prevent spoilage. Efficient refrigerated transportation enables the availability of a wide variety of fresh produce year-round.
- Dairy Products: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are highly perishable and require cold chain logistics to ensure product safety and extend shelf life.
- Meat and Seafood: The transportation of meat and seafood products requires strict temperature control to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness. Refrigerated transport ensures that these products reach consumers in optimal condition.
- Beverages: The beverage industry relies on refrigerated transportation to deliver various beverages, including carbonated drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages, while preserving taste and quality.
- Pharmaceuticals:
- Temperature-sensitive Drugs: The pharmaceutical industry requires precise temperature control during transportation to maintain the efficacy of drugs. Refrigerated road transportation plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive medications and vaccines.
- Clinical Trial Supplies: Clinical trial materials, including investigational drugs and biological samples, need to be transported under controlled temperature conditions. Refrigerated transport enables the safe and compliant delivery of these materials to research sites.
- Floral Products:
- Cut Flowers: The transportation of cut flowers from growers to wholesalers, florists, and retail outlets requires refrigeration to preserve freshness and extend vase life. Controlled temperature transportation helps maintain the visual appeal and quality of floral products.
- Potted Plants: Potted plants require temperature control during transportation to protect them from extreme temperatures and ensure they arrive at their destination in a healthy and saleable condition.
Efficient refrigerated road transportation is crucial for all these categories to ensure product quality, extend shelf life, and meet customer expectations.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders
- Product Integrity: Refrigerated road transportation ensures that perishable goods, such as food products and pharmaceuticals, maintain their quality and safety throughout the supply chain. Temperature control helps prevent spoilage, bacterial growth, and product degradation, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Extended Shelf Life: By maintaining optimal temperature conditions, refrigerated transportation can extend the shelf life of perishable products. This allows businesses to reach wider markets, reduce waste, and maximize product value.
- Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards is essential for businesses in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Refrigerated road transportation helps companies meet these compliance requirements by maintaining the required temperature conditions and ensuring product integrity.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Efficient cold chain logistics, including refrigerated transportation, improves supply chain efficiency by reducing product losses, minimizing stockouts, and enhancing overall inventory management. This leads to cost savings and improved operational performance.
- Market Expansion: Refrigerated transportation enables businesses to expand their market reach by delivering perishable goods to distant locations. It opens up opportunities to tap into new customer segments, explore new markets, and build strong distribution networks.
- Enhanced Customer Service: Reliable and efficient refrigerated transportation contributes to improved customer service by ensuring the availability of fresh and high-quality products. Meeting customer expectations for product freshness and quality builds trust and loyalty.
- Competitive Advantage: Offering refrigerated transportation services can provide a competitive advantage for logistics service providers and carriers. Providing specialized temperature-controlled services differentiates businesses in the market and attracts customers looking for reliable and efficient cold chain solutions.
SWOT Analysis
A SWOT analysis helps assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the refrigerated road transportation market.
Strengths:
- Increasing demand for perishable goods drives market growth.
- Technological advancements improve operational efficiency and visibility.
- Stringent regulations emphasize the need for temperature-controlled transport.
- Established players have strong expertise and infrastructure in the market.
Weaknesses:
- High operational costs pose challenges for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Environmental concerns regarding energy consumption and emissions.
- Skilled workforce and training requirements may create talent gaps.
- Infrastructure development is needed, especially in emerging economies.
Opportunities:
- Emerging markets offer growth potential due to changing consumer preferences.
- Technology adoption enables real-time monitoring and optimization.
- Cold chain integration provides synergies and cost optimization opportunities.
- Sustainability initiatives drive demand for greener transportation options.
Threats:
- Intense competition among regional and international players.
- Volatile fuel prices impact operational costs.
- Economic uncertainties and geopolitical factors may affect trade flows.
- Regulatory changes and compliance requirements pose challenges.
Understanding the SWOT analysis helps industry participants and stakeholders strategize and make informed decisions to leverage strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate threats in the market.
Market Key Trends
- Integration of Telematics and IoT Technology: The integration of telematics systems and IoT technology in refrigerated transportation allows real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, location, and other critical parameters. This enables proactive maintenance, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced supply chain visibility.
- Rise of Last-Mile Delivery Solutions: The growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for home delivery of perishable goods drive the need for efficient last-mile delivery solutions. Refrigerated vehicles and specialized delivery services are becoming more prevalent to ensure the freshness and quality of products during the final leg of transportation.
- Focus on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices are driving the adoption of energy-efficient refrigeration systems and alternative fuels in refrigerated transportation. Electric-powered or hybrid-powered refrigeration units are gaining popularity as companies strive to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Shift towards Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of data analytics and predictive modeling is becoming increasingly important in the refrigerated transportation industry. Analyzing data related to temperature, product quality, route optimization, and demand patterns helps optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve overall service quality.
- Collaborative Partnerships and Cold Chain Alliances: Collaborative partnerships between logistics service providers, cold storage operators, and transportation companies are becoming more prevalent. These partnerships aim to create end-to-end cold chain solutions, streamline operations, and offer seamless services to customers.
Covid-19 Impact
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the refrigerated road transportation market. The following are key observations regarding the pandemic’s influence on the market:
- Increased Demand for Essential Goods: The pandemic led to a surge in demand for essential goods, including perishable food items and pharmaceuticals. Refrigerated road transportation played a crucial role in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of these goods, including the transport of vaccines and medical supplies.
- Shift in Consumer Behavior: The pandemic has led to changes in consumer behavior, including increased online shopping and home deliveries. This has fueled the demand for refrigerated last-mile delivery services to ensure the safe and timely delivery of perishable goods to consumers’ doorsteps.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, affecting the availability and distribution of perishable goods. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and reduced manufacturing activities impacted the transportation of goods, highlighting the importance of reliable refrigerated road transportation for maintaining the supply of essential products.
- Stringent Safety Measures: The pandemic necessitated the implementation of additional safety measures, including enhanced sanitation practices and temperature monitoring. Refrigerated transportation providers have had to adapt their operations to comply with these measures and ensure the safety of their workforce and the integrity of transported products.
- Resilience and Adaptability: The refrigerated road transportation industry has demonstrated resilience and adaptability during the pandemic. Service providers quickly adjusted their operations to meet the evolving demands, including rerouting supply chains, optimizing delivery schedules, and implementing safety protocols.
The long-term impact of the pandemic on the market will depend on factors such as the duration of the health crisis, vaccine distribution, economic recovery, and changes in consumer behavior.
Key Industry Developments
- Investments in Green Technologies: Many companies in the refrigerated road transportation sector are investing in green technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes the adoption of electric-powered or hybrid-powered refrigeration units, use of alternative fuels, and integration of renewable energy sources into their operations.
- Partnerships for Cold Chain Optimization: Collaboration between stakeholders in the cold chain, including refrigerated transporters, cold storage operators, and technology providers, is increasing. These partnerships aim to optimize the cold chain by leveraging data analytics, IoT, and automation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency.
- Expansion of Cold Storage Infrastructure: The growth of the refrigerated road transportation market has spurred the expansion of cold storage infrastructure. Companies are investing in the construction of temperature-controlled warehouses and distribution centers to meet the increasing demand for cold chain services.
- Adoption of Advanced Tracking and Monitoring Systems: To enhance supply chain visibility and traceability, companies are adopting advanced tracking and monitoring systems. These systems utilize technologies such as GPS, temperature sensors, and real-time data analytics to monitor the location, temperature, and condition of goods during transportation.
- Focus on Talent Development and Training: The industry recognizes the need for skilled professionals who understand the complexities of refrigerated transportation. Companies are investing in talent development programs and training initiatives to build a workforce with expertise in cold chain logistics, temperature control, and regulatory compliance.
These industry developments reflect the continuous efforts to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and deliver high-quality cold chain services to customers.
Analyst Suggestions
Based on market trends and industry dynamics, analysts offer the following suggestions for industry participants and stakeholders:
- Invest in Technology: Embrace technological advancements such as telematics, IoT, and data analytics to optimize operations, improve visibility, and enhance customer service. Investing in advanced tracking and monitoring systems helps ensure the integrity of transported goods and provides valuable data for decision-making.
- Focus on Sustainability: Address environmental concerns by adopting energy-efficient refrigeration units, exploring alternative fuels, and implementing sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Demonstrating commitment to sustainability not only helps meet regulatory requirements but also enhances brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious customers.
- Strengthen Cold Chain Partnerships: Collaborate with other stakeholders in the cold chain, such as cold storage operators and technology providers, to create integrated and efficient cold chain solutions. Building strong partnerships enables seamless end-to-end services and improves overall supply chain performance.
- Stay Abreast of Regulatory Changes: Monitor and comply with evolving regulations and standards related to food safety, pharmaceuticals, and transportation. Stay informed about new requirements and guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid penalties or disruptions in operations.
- Invest in Training and Skill Development: Foster a skilled workforce with expertise in cold chain logistics, temperature control, and regulatory compliance. Offer training programs to enhance employee knowledge and capabilities, ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to handle the complexities of refrigerated transportation.
- Focus on Customer Experience: Put the customer at the center of operations and strive to exceed their expectations. Deliver high-quality, on-time services, ensure product integrity, and provide transparent and responsive communication throughout the transportation process.
By following these suggestions, industry participants can enhance their competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and meet the evolving demands of the refrigerated road transportation market.
Future Outlook
The future of the refrigerated road transportation market looks promising, driven by several factors:
- Rising Demand for Perishable Goods: The demand for perishable food items, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products is expected to continue growing. Factors such as population growth, changing consumer preferences, and increased focus on quality and safety contribute to this demand.
- Advancements in Technology: Continued advancements in telematics, IoT, and data analytics will further enhance the efficiency and visibility of refrigerated transportation. Real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation will enable proactive maintenance, optimize routing, and improve overall operational performance.
- Sustainability and Green Initiatives: The industry’s focus on sustainability will drive the adoption of greener technologies and practices. Electric and hybrid-powered refrigeration units, use of alternative fuels, and renewable energy integration will reduce environmental impact and align with regulatory and societal expectations.
- E-commerce and Last-Mile Delivery: The growth of e-commerce and the increasing preference for home deliveries create opportunities for refrigerated last-mile delivery solutions. Logistics providers will need to adapt their operations to meet the unique challenges of last-mile delivery, including maintaining product integrity and meeting strict delivery windows.
- Regulatory Environment: The regulatory environment governing food safety, pharmaceutical transportation, and environmental standards will continue to evolve. Compliance with these regulations will be critical for industry participants to ensure product quality, maintain customer trust, and avoid disruptions in operations.
Overall, the refrigerated road transportation market is poised for steady growth and innovation. By leveraging technology, embracing sustainability, and focusing on customer needs, industry participants can thrive in this dynamic and essential sector.
Conclusion
The refrigerated road transportation market plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of perishable goods, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and floral items. With the increasing demand for these products and the need for temperature-controlled logistics solutions, the market presents significant opportunities for industry participants.
To succeed in this evolving market, industry participants should invest in technology, focus on sustainability, strengthen partnerships, stay informed about regulatory changes, invest in training, and prioritize the customer experience. By adapting to market trends and meeting customer needs, businesses can thrive in the competitive refrigerated road transportation market and contribute to the seamless and efficient movement of perishable goods.