BN-7908 



Figure 2. --Top view of 1-layer, 36-pound master 

 fiberboard box of apples containing nine cells 

 with one 4-pound plastic film bag in each cell 



U. S. Department of Agriculture seals were applied to the door hasps of 

 each test trailer after loading. This made it possible to ascertain at 

 destination if the trailer doors had been opened in transit for purposes of 

 rearranging the test loads. Thus, it could be determined whether such re- 

 arrangement contributed to any damage to the lading. 



The boxes in all of the test loads were loaded upright on bottoms, 

 lengthwise and crosswise. The crosswise offset loading pattern was most 

 generally used. The loads were usually 5 or 6 boxes high with several loads 

 running 4 high and two loads 7 high. The loading pattern depended upon the 

 size of the boxes shipped, the loading requirements, and the space available 

 in the trailer. 



The controlled-atmosphere storage apples in the test shipments came from 

 airtight refrigerated warehouses in which the percentages of carbon dioxide 

 and oxygen are closely regulated. The atmosphere in the airtight storage 

 rooms is adjusted to contain about 4 to 5 percent carbon dioxide rather than 

 the usual 0.3 percent and 2.5 to 3 percent oxygen instead of the normal 21 

 percent. 



The various loading patterns were carefully examined to determine what 

 modifications would be required to provide improved loading methods and safer 

 t ranspor ta t ion . 



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