Carrier Transicold offers new service to keep produce from spoiling in shipping containers

Carrier Transicold offers new container service

ANAHEIM, Calif. — A unit of United Technologies Corp. has launched a service for the container shipping industry aimed at preventing produce from spoiling in transit.

Carrier Transicold is offering the service through an agreement with Fremont’s Purfresh Inc., which announced the service Monday. Carrier Transicold is part of Carrier Corp., a unit of United Technolgies, which is based in Hartford, Conn.

Purfresh said its technology purifies air and surfaces inside containers, helping eliminate molds, yeasts and microscopic bacteria that can ruin perishables. It said the cost-effective, chemical-free service preserves produce quality, resulting in better firmness, weight, sugar content, taste and value.

The service will be available in the first quarter of 2010, starting with shipping lanes originating in Chile and serving ports on the U.S. West Coast. Carrier plans to introduce the service globally throughout 2010.

Shares of United Technologies rose $1.35, or 2 percent, to close at $69.34.