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Working in international flower logistics: a day at Tuning
Starting with the day’s timing
The day begins with reviewing incoming deliveries, confirmed orders, and scheduled departures. Flights set the framework for everything that follows. Once departure times are fixed, the rest of the day is planned backward.
Orders are checked digitally and reviewed manually. Availability from growers and auctions is matched against shipment timing, ensuring products arrive neither too early nor too late. This planning step prevents unnecessary waiting and keeps the cold chain intact from the start.
Handling flowers under controlled conditions
When flowers arrive at the warehouse, they enter a climate-controlled environment maintained at around 61°F (16°C). All handling takes place within this space. Flowers are checked, sorted, and prepared without exposure to warmer conditions.
Quality control is part of the routine. Bunches are inspected, quantities are verified, and labels are checked for accuracy. Small inconsistencies are addressed immediately, because correcting them later can affect the entire shipment.
Packing and cooling as a single process
Once prepared, orders move directly into packing. Boxes are built with transport in mind, using standardized sizes that fit securely on pallets. After packing, shipments go straight into vacuum cooling.
During vacuum cooling, the internal temperature of each box is reduced evenly to around 39°F (4°C). Cooling after packing ensures that the product, packaging, and air inside the box reach the same stable temperature. This step is essential for preserving quality during air transport.
After cooling, shipments return to cold storage, where they remain until transport is ready.
Working together under pressure
As departure times approach, coordination becomes critical. Pallets are built and secured in-house, documentation is checked, and handovers are timed precisely. Everyone works within a shared process, with clear responsibilities and direct communication.
The team structure is small and practical. People know their role, but they also understand the wider flow. When something changes, adjustments are made quickly without disrupting the rest of the operation.
Monitoring after departure
The work does not stop once a shipment leaves the building. For certain long-distance shipments, temperature and GPS recorders may be included to provide insight into conditions and timing during transport.
International flower logistics demands attention at every stage. At Tuning, the work is defined by control, coordination, and respect for the product. Each day follows the same principle: handle every shipment as if quality depends on every decision, because it does.
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