Bruising in Apples as a Function of Truck Vibration and Packaging

This article describes the effects of truck vibration on bruising in apples. Four different types of cartons were evaluated. The interior packaging consisted of expanded polystyrene (foam) trays, paper pulp trays, and two different types of paperboard trays. The vibration levels were simulated for truck-trailer systems with leaf spring and air cushion suspensions traveling on interstate expressways. Bruises were measured in the packages tested. The results showed that the foam tray was the best type of interior packaging followed by the paperboard partitions. The paper pulp tray produced the highest damage levels. The air cushion truck suspension showed lower damage levels than the leaf spring suspension for all package types.