As part of its effort to explore alternate transportation methods, Giumarra has announced its first load of product delivered by rail – a shipment of watermelons grown in Mexico.
Giumarra Nogales shipped the fruit, which was produced in Hermosillo, Sonora, to Jessup in Maryland by 50ft refrigerated railcar in May, marking the first time in decades produce grown in Mexico was shipped via train, according to the company.
By working with Nogales-based Pacific Brokerage, Giumarra coordinated a full shipment of the melons, which the group said arrived at their destination in good condition. One railcar will fit up to three truckloads of product.
“Although our delivery had a few challenges, we feel the overall success of the trip demonstrates that watermelons are sturdy enough to handle rail shipment, and it may be a viable option for us in the future,” said Gil Munguia, division manager of Giumarra Nogales.
Giumarra’s Cesar Pacheco, sales manager of Giumarra Nogales, worked with J.B. Manson of Pacific Brokerage for over three years to seek a railroad company that wanted to be involved with the project.
Through the efforts of Pacheco and Manson, Union Pacific and CSX Corporation agreed to participate in a pilot programme with Giumarra.
“With the success of our first run, we hope to push skepticism to the side and grab the attention of the railroads for future projects,” added Pacheco. “We can move one tonne of cargo more than 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel using rail. We believe this will help minimise the carbon footprint of long-haul shipping.”
Giumarra plans to ship honeydew melons, winter squash, and cucumbers within the rail pilot programme. The next planned shipment is headed for Chicago, Illinois on a 64ft railcar.
