The peak harvest season for horticultural commodities—such as chili, tomatoes, shallots, and tropical fruits—brings both opportunity and logistical challenges. A sudden surge in production often leads to port congestion, warehouse overcapacity, and even a decline in product quality due to delivery delays. To maintain a smooth and efficient supply chain, businesses need well-thought-out shipping strategies.
Avoid scheduling shipments during overlapping peak harvest periods from multiple regions. Coordinating with local farmer groups or cooperatives can help predict harvest peaks. If possible, arrange shipments at the beginning of the harvest or right after sorting and grading are completed. This can reduce logistical pressure at ports and minimize the risk of delays.
Horticultural products are highly sensitive to temperature, humidity, and time. Adaptive stock management at port warehouses is essential. Ensure products aren’t stored too long and apply a First In First Out (FIFO) system. Use temperature and humidity monitoring systems if cold storage is not available. Some major ports now offer climate-controlled facilities—take advantage of these to preserve product quality.
During peak harvests, cargo volume can spike dramatically. Choose logistics partners that offer flexible shipping capacity and consistent schedules. Transparency in vessel schedules and container availability is crucial to avoid bottlenecks in transportation.
As an integrated logistics provider, PT SPIL (Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines) offers adaptive shipping solutions that respond to demand surges, including those during harvest season. Through the MySPIL Reloaded platform, customers can monitor real-time vessel schedules, book containers, and use the Smart Notification feature to avoid delays and extra charges.
Additionally, SPIL’s Port-to-Port or Door-to-Door service enables direct distribution from port to final destination, reducing lead time and maintaining the freshness of horticultural goods. With a reliable fleet and an extensive domestic port network, SPIL is a strategic logistics partner for agricultural businesses that prioritize speed and quality.
