Shipping flowers by cargo trucks, air delivery of flowers over long distances

Flowers cannot be called a basic necessity, however, they enjoy a constant stable demand. Practically no important event in a person's life goes without flowers. Cut flowers are usually bought to be given as gifts, while live potted plants are both gifted and grown by individuals. The global flower market has a turnover of about $6 billion. This is a significant amount, and the shipping in this area of logistics is substantial. Flowers are grown all over the world, but wholesale trade in them is mainly concentrated in the Netherlands. Dutch flower auctions sell about 50% of the world's flowers grown for commercial purposes. This means that half of the flowers grown in the world are first transported to the Netherlands and then distributed worldwide.

Features of shipping flowers as cargo

Flowers are an expensive, fragile, and perishable product. Accordingly, flowers must be transported quickly, and a suitable temperature and humidity regime must be created for them during transit. In addition, flowers must be packaged in such a way that they are not damaged during transportation and loading/unloading operations.

Rules for shipping flowers

Flowers are transported by cargo transport according to the following rules:

• The shipper must provide a complete set of documents, including a certificate of phytosanitary control.
• Shipping flowers must be done using refrigerated transport that ensures optimal temperature and humidity conditions. If the flowers are freshly cut, the optimal temperature for their transportation is between +1 and +8° C. If the flowers are live and growing in pots, the optimal transportation temperature is between 0 and +2° C. For seeds and bulbs of flowers, the optimal temperature regime is between +4 and +10° C.
• The transport for loading flowers must be preheated or cooled to optimal temperatures, depending on the season.
• Cut flowers for transportation are packed in cardboard boxes to avoid damage during transit. The buds are tied with thin thread and slightly opened.
• Flowers growing in pots are transported placed in special trays. Before transportation and during transit, the flowers are not watered to prevent moisture from the soil from evaporating, and they are packed in cardboard boxes.
• It is prohibited to turn and tilt boxes with flowers during loading and unloading operations.
• Transporting flowers with other goods is prohibited, as plants may absorb their odors.
• The cargo of flowers must be secured in the van and cargo compartment of the reefer so that it does not shift during transit and is not damaged.
• Shipping flowers should take the minimum amount of time, so flowers are usually transported by road at night when the roads are empty.
• A permit from the Ministry of Agriculture of the country from which the flowers are exported and to which they are imported is required for the transportation of seeds and bulbs of plants.

Transportation of flowers by different types of transport

Refrigerated vehicles are available for all types of transport. However, the transportation of flowers by water and rail is practically not carried out due to the fact that, even under optimal conditions, flowers have a very short shelf life. For long distances, flowers are transported by planes with refrigerated cargo holds. Distribution of flowers to retail points and collection of flowers at airports is carried out by refrigerated cargo vans, trailers, and semi-trailers.

If you need to transport a batch of flowers and find out the cost of transportation, submit a request in the “Add Cargo” section. Soon, representatives of the shipping companies will contact you.