The increasing expenses associated with egg processing, cartoning and transportation make safe egg handling during transport more important than ever.
“Keeping the eggs safe is the same as making sure they arrive at their destination without breakage. After all, every broken egg means a loss,” Jacco Wagelaar, General Manager, GI-OVO, explained.
“Breakage during transport is often caused by using the wrong trays – wrong as in the sense that the cup size does not adequately protect the eggs or that the plastic material used is of inferior quality.”
The cost of egg processing, cartooning and transportation grew 80% between 2000 and 2018, according to a study from the Egg Industry Center (EIC) at Iowa State University. Transportation cost to deliver eggs varied depending on distance, gasoline prices and freight rates.
One size does not fit all
An effective egg handling system for transport will fit the size of the egg it is carrying – whether chicken, duck, turkey or quail. This can help reduce cracking and increase the number of eggs transported per load.
“Since eggs come in different sizes and weights, we do not apply the principle of one size fits all,” said Wagelaar. “All designed in such a way that they give the egg in question a conformable and protective position.”
Egg trays should be designed to fit safely and securely into the truck. A protector placed over the top can help minimize bouncing, especially when eggs are transported on bumpy or uneven roads.
Designed for automation
Many modern egg handling systems for transport are designed to be loaded and unpacked by robots.
Interest in automation surged during COVID-19 as the poultry industry faced increased workforce challenges. As a result, there has been growing interest in robotic and automated technology solutions could help solve labor challenges and improve worker safety.
