How to Pack and Transport Milk Cans Without Dents or Spills

Milk spoils fast, and a dented can or a spilled load is lost money. Most transport losses come from a few avoidable habits. Use the tips below on your next collection route.

Before you load

• Leave headroom. Do not fill cans to the brim; milk sloshes on rough roads.
• Close lids fully. A tight lid keeps out dust, rain and flies. For long or bumpy routes, use a lockable can so the lid cannot pop open.
• Check handles and seams. Do not load a can with a loose handle or a leaking seam. See when to replace milk cans.

Loading the vehicle

• Keep cans upright and tightly packed so they cannot tip.
• Brace the outer cans against the side of the vehicle with rope, straps or a frame.
• Put heavier cans at the bottom and in the middle of the load.
• Place a mat or sack on the floor to protect the base of aluminium and steel cans from scratches.
• Keep the load in the shade, and cover it in hot weather.

On the road

• Avoid sudden braking and sharp turns with a full load.
• Plan your route so milk reaches the dairy or chilling point as quickly as possible.
• Do not leave cans standing in the sun while you wait.

Lifting and unloading

• Two people should lift the largest cans, such as the 40 and 50 LTR sizes.
• Lift by the handles; never drag a can along the ground.
• Unload on a clean surface and keep lids on until the milk is measured and tested.

After delivery

Rinse cans straight away, wash them with a food-safe detergent and dry them upside down. Our daily cleaning routine shows how. For better handling choose the right size: see the milk can size guide, and keep milk fresh with our tips on farm-to-dairy milk handling.