Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/715089
gensets to be able to support the full refrigerated supply chain of our customers. From farm to table, we are able to provide full logistics solutions to our reefer customers in Central America and the Caribbean with services that include ocean transportation, customs clearance, cargo insurance, refrigerated warehousing and trucking to final destination." Since 2003, Crowley has invested over a quarter of a billion dollars in state-of-the-art cargo equipment for its ocean cargo and logistics services fleet. Newly acquired, 40-foot long reefers are equipped with Carrier's high efficiency PrimeLINE® refrigeration units, designed specifically to improve energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact. In addition to the 4,400 refrigerated containers available, the company has a fleet of more than 52,500 pieces of owned and leased manager, logistics. "Velocity, landed cost and trust are key differentiating factors for us in a customer's supply chain." Another tomato supplier for WM can be found by entering through the narrow, tree-covered, dirt roads in the central highlands of Guatemala. Providing services to Tomato & Co. farm confirms how skilled and careful Crowley's truck drivers are as they deliver the 40-foot refrigerated containers (reefers). This hothouse, overlooking one of the country's most active volcanos - Volcan de Fuego - is slightly smaller than Delicias, but nonetheless capable of producing the juiciest cherry and grape tomatoes for WM. "Farming is very self-sacrificing, especially under the hottest weather conditions of these far-located facilities. But Crowley has never hesitated in giving our business and our products the VIP treatment," said Lillian Morales, logistics manager for Tomato & Co. "They understand the specifics our produce requires by supplying on time our own exclusive container. With other companies we had to divide the cargo and ship it through multiple transportation providers that would mix our sensitive produce with others, thus jeopardizing our quality control." Through years of experience, Crowley has learned the importance of delicately and efficiently handling perishable products. Once the tomatoes are packed, labeled by farm employees, and inspected by Guatemalan authorities, Tomato & Co. workers safely load their exclusive reefer as Crowley truck drivers return to this rural location for pick up and start their uninterrupted journey to the port. A Fresh Investment Crowley's integrated logistics solutions have allowed customers to concentrate on the most important part of their business: cultivating the healthiest, most flavorful produce in the market. "Our continued investment in this industry is a full testament of our commitment to the perishables segment of the business," said Crowley's Janet Ramos, reefer logistics manager. "Not only have we invested in new reefers, but we have also upgraded our fleet of trucks, chassis and high-efficiency Farming is very self-sacrificing, especially under the hottest weather conditions of these far-located facilities. But Crowley has never hesitated in giving our business and our products the VIP treatment." Story continued on page 18 17 Connections Summer 2016