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日本語The inland leg
For Amazon-grown fruit, the first stage is road transport from the production zone to a port. Plan for the time on the road, the condition of the vehicle (refrigerated or not) and the consolidation or packing point. Delays here shorten shelf life before the ocean voyage even starts.
Ocean routes to Europe
Services to northern European and Mediterranean ports are well established for fresh produce from Ecuador, either direct or with transhipment. Direct services typically offer shorter and more predictable transit. Ask carriers for current schedules and typical transit times, because they change by season and carrier.
Ocean routes to Asia
Asian destinations are farther and often involve transhipment. Transit is typically longer than to Europe, which limits the choice of fruit unless it has good shelf life or is shipped in another format (see fresh, frozen, dried and pulp). Air freight is an option for high-value, small lots.
Choosing the route
Compare total delivered cost and risk, not only freight rate: number of handlings, transhipment ports, weekly frequency, free time at destination and the track record of the carrier on perishable cargo.
Build a buffer in your plan for port congestion, inspection and weather.
Buyer checklist
- Confirm port of loading and inland route
- Request current sailing schedules and transit estimates
- Prefer direct or fewer-handling services for delicate fruit
- Check free days and demurrage terms
- Insurance covering temperature deviation
- Receiving cold storage ready at destination
