PREFACE 



This study of damage to Mcintosh apples packed in fiberboard boxes and 

 shipped by motortruck from Massachusetts and Maine to Florida was undertaken: 

 (1) To determine the extent and causes of container and commodity damage in 

 long-distance motortruck shipments of Mcintosh apples in fiberboard boxes; 

 and (2) to develop loading methods and handling practices that provide better 

 protection for the fruit and containers during transportation. 



Damage during shipment has caused waste of marketable fruit with losses 

 to both shippers and receivers. This study is part of a broad program of re- 

 search designed to reduce the cost of marketing farm products. 



The research included in this project was conducted cooperatively by the 

 Maine Agricultural Experiment Station, the Maine Department of Agriculture, 

 and the Transportation and Facilities Branch, Agricultural Marketing Service, 

 at the request of New England apple shippers. 



This is an interim report covering that part of the research done during 

 the 1958 shipping season for Mcintosh apples. Additional test shipments will 

 be made during 1959. 



July 1959 



Cover Photograph Negative No. BN-7906 



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