June 4 is National Cheese Day. That’s of special interest to us—and not just because we’re based in America’s Dairyland. Nationwide, more than 14 billion pounds of cheese were produced last year and, as a leader in freight and refrigeration services, Midwest Carriers ensures dairy products like cheese move from place to place on time, on budget and on temperature.
Whether you’re hauling a batch of brie or a shipment of cheddar, it’s crucial to ensure your load arrives safely and quality is maintained. Understanding food safety, storage needs and transport guidelines can help prevent any mishaps. In honor of National Cheese Day, let’s explore the essentials of cheese transportation.
Different Cheeses, Different Considerations
Understanding how to ship cheese starts with knowing cheese comes in many forms. From soft and hard to blue and beyond, each comes with unique care requirements when being transported. For example:
- Soft cheeses, like brie and camembert, are delicate and can easily lose their texture if exposed to the wrong conditions. They require a more humid environment.
- Hard cheeses, such as parmesan and cheddar, are more robust but still require stable conditions to avoid cracking or becoming dry.
- Blue cheeses need specific moisture levels to keep their signature mold thriving without spoilage.
Temperature Makes All the Difference
As a general rule, 35 degrees is the standard temperature for cheese transportation. When the temperature ticks down closer to freezing, it can cause cheese to dry out and shrink in size. If cheese gets too warm for too long, it can spoil. It also can expand, leading to packaging problems.
Different types of cheese flourish at different temperatures. By identifying these temperature sweet spots, we can maintain cheese quality from start to finish.
Importance of Packaging
Like any prized possession, cheese needs protection during its journey. Packaging plays a crucial role in preserving cheese quality. Wax paper, vacuum-sealed pouches or specialized cheese paper can be used depending on the type of cheese being transported.
Quality packaging prevents exposure to moisture, contaminants and excessive handling that can lead to spoilage or damage. It also helps in maintaining that all-important aroma that cheese lovers treasure.
Food Safety Regulations
When transporting something as delightful and delicate as cheese, food safety isn’t just important—it’s essential. Moving cheese by truck requires strict adherence to temperature controls and handling protocols to ensure it arrives fresh and delicious. That’s why you don’t want just any freight company managing your food shipments. At Midwest Carriers, we uphold the highest standards and comply with all food safety regulations—keeping your cheese protected.
The first step is strict sanitation and hygiene standards. Before cheese enters the vehicle, it’s important that the trailer is clean. This not only means the loading area is clean but also ongoing trailer maintenance to prevent any potential contamination.
Navigating through food safety laws can seem like a maze, but with the right knowledge, staying compliant is a breeze. Each region may have specific regulations related to food transportation that must be followed. Communication with the cheese recipient can help clear any regulatory confusion.
Cheese Transportation Takes Proper Planning (No Matter How You Slice It)
Cheese transportation might seem straightforward, but it involves careful planning and attention to detail. By following the guidelines for temperature control, proper packaging, and maintaining cleanliness, you can ensure that your cheese cargos arrive at their destination fresh, safe and hopefully delicious.