In this sector, high demands are made on transport, the shelf life of the products and thus the safety of the end consumer must be guaranteed. The transport must meet the legal requirements and regulations. These requirements and regulations may vary per product and or per product group.

The perishables include fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, seafood, dairy products such as milk and cheese, and flowers and plants. The products are usually kept in the refrigerator. Some product groups such as fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers and plants can be kept well outside the refrigerator, as long as the products are kept in a cool place.

The transport of these products places specific demands on the means of transport. The coordination of these requirements between the customer and the carrier is an important part of the transport.