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In-transit fumigation is a key solution for businesses moving goods over long distances, especially when shipping grain, food products, or wood materials. It allows pest control to happen during transport, which helps save time and meet strict import requirements without holding up shipments.
In-transit fumigation involves treating commodities—such as those in barges, railcars, or, in some cases, sealed shipping containers—while they’re being transported from one location to another. The fumigant is applied before departure, and the shipment remains sealed throughout transit to allow the treatment to work.
It’s important to note that in-transit fumigation is not permitted on public access roads and must follow all legal and safety guidelines. This method is an effective way to control pests before the goods reach their destination.
Phosphine is the only fumigant labeled for in-transit fumigations. Our technicians monitor gas levels carefully and follow all guidelines to make sure the treatment is both effective and legally compliant during the journey.
In-transit fumigation is often used to control:
Because these pests are difficult to treat once goods have arrived, fumigating during transit helps stop infestations from spreading.
We use a range of fumigation processes to ensure safe, effective fumigation to help prevent pest infestations while your goods are in motion. Here’s how it works:
Before treatment, our technicians inspect the shipment to confirm it’s sealed properly and suitable for in-transit fumigation. We also verify the type of cargo and any destination requirements.
For some shipments, fumigants are applied to the surface of the product or packaging, especially when pests are likely near the top of the load.
This method places fumigants deeper into the shipment by forming shallow trenches in the product—ideal for bulk grain and similar cargo. It allows for deeper penetration of the fumigant.
For sealed containers, we may use fans or systems that help move the gas through the load. This improves effectiveness and helps reach pests in hard-to-access areas.
In some cases, we insert probes into the product to apply fumigant deeper into the load. This is helpful for treating pests hidden in dense or compact materials.
Containers undergoing in-transit fumigation must be clearly placarded according to the product label and must remain placarded until the container has been properly aerated.
Depending on your location and business needs, Presto-X technicians can handle the aeration process directly, coordinate with a trusted local partner, or work with your chosen receiver to ensure all safety and aeration procedures are followed correctly.
In-transit fumigation is used across many industries that rely on large-scale, long-distance shipping. These include:
We have years of experience in fumigating goods in motion. Our team understands the rules, plans every step with care, and makes sure your cargo stays protected. Contact Presto-X today to speak with a technician or set up a service. We’re here to help keep your shipments compliant.
In-transit fumigation is the process of applying fumigants to a sealed shipment while it’s being transported. It treats pests during the journey, saving time and helping meet import or export rules.
Railcars, sealed freight containers, and some types of cargo vessels can qualify. The transport mode must allow the load to stay sealed and meet all requirements for fumigation during movement.
Yes. The container or cargo hold must stay sealed for the entire exposure period. It should also remain placarded until it has been properly aerated at the destination.
In-transit fumigation saves time by combining treatment with transport. It’s ideal for bulk shipments that need to stay on schedule and meet strict import requirements without delays at the receiving point.
When phosphine is used correctly, it does not leave residues, especially after proper ventilation.