Vietnam is one of the largest fruit-exporting countries in Southeast Asia, providing high-quality tropical fruits such as mangoes, dragon fruit, rambutan, and grapefruit to international markets. To deliver fruits to consumers abroad with optimal quality, Vietnamese exporters need to choose suitable transportation methods, primarily by sea and air. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, but both require strict standards for preservation and timing to ensure product quality.

Transporting Fruits by Sea

Sea transport is the most popular and economical choice for bulk goods, helping to reduce logistics costs and ensure competitive pricing in international markets. This method is ideal for fruits with a longer shelf life, such as coconuts, grapefruit, and jackfruit.

Advantages:

• Low Cost: Sea transport is more cost-effective than air transport, especially for large orders.
• High Volume Capacity: Bulk export of fruits is feasible, minimizing costs per ton.

Challenges:

• Long Transport Time: Transport can take from several weeks to months, depending on the distance to the market. This requires good cold storage systems to maintain fruit quality throughout the journey.
• Temperature and Humidity Risks: For perishable fruits, exporters must use advanced preservation technologies such as refrigerated containers and humidity control measures to prevent spoilage.

Transporting Fruits by Air

Air transport is often chosen for high-value fruits with shorter shelf lives, such as lychee, dragon fruit, and mangoes. Although more expensive, air transport ensures quick delivery times and minimizes quality risks.

Advantages:

• Short Transport Time: Air transport reduces delivery time to just a few days, ensuring fruits remain fresh upon reaching customers.
• Minimized Preservation Risks: Shorter storage times reduce the risk of spoilage, ensuring fruits maintain optimal quality and flavor.

Challenges:

• High Cost: Air transport is significantly more expensive than sea transport, making it unsuitable for large shipments or low-value fruits.
• Weight Limitations: Due to weight restrictions, air transport is only suitable for small shipments or high-value fruits.

ENSURING QUALITY AND OPTIMIZING TRANSPORTATION TIME FOR AIR AND SEA FREIGHT

To ensure fruit quality during transport, Vietnamese exporters should implement several measures:

• Use Advanced Preservation Technology: Utilizing refrigerated containers and temperature and humidity control systems is essential to maintain freshness and minimize spoilage.
• Choose the Appropriate Transport Method: For nearby markets or fruits with longer shelf lives, sea transport is a reasonable choice. However, for distant markets and perishable fruits, air transport should be prioritized to ensure fast delivery times.
• Quality Control Before Export: Fruits should be thoroughly inspected for quality and freshness before export. Exporters often select fruits that meet high export standards, from cultivation to harvesting.
• Meet International Standards: To access major markets like the US, Japan, and Europe, Vietnamese fruits must comply with strict food safety and hygiene standards. Adhering to these standards enhances the reputation and asserts the quality of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets.