Have you ever wondered how fruits, vegetables, flowers, and pieces of meat get transported for your business? If you are ever worried that your products might get spoiled, withered, or compromised even before they reach their destinations, this is where temperature-controlled shipping will ease your concerns.
As the name suggests, temperature-controlled shipping refers to the transport of goods sensitive to climate conditions. These goods require proper handling, the right storage, and careful shipping while regulating the appropriate temperature needed to keep those goods in good condition.
In this article, we’ll cover four practical tips for effective temperature-controlled freight shipping:
1. Factor in freight temperature sensitivity and value
It’s worth knowing that shipping goods have different temperature, speed, and security requirements. This is why it’s best to categorize these goods according to their identified and evaluated needs and be sure to distinguish perishable items from those that are not. As per the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a shipment is considered perishable if its contents deteriorate over time if exposed to severe environmental conditions, such as a high temperature or humidity. Some common examples of perishable goods are meat, fruits, vegetables, plants, and pharmaceuticals, among others.
2. Be wary of packaging limitations
Freight shipping commonly uses certain modes of transport, such as a truck that may have some restrictions. For instance, a truck may have limited space due to an extra layer of insulation to keep the goods fresh. Because of the limited space, you have to consider the appropriate packaging for your items so that they will fit well. At the same time, be sure to maintain temperature control and stability suited for your products, from the point of origin up to the destination.
3. Have the best packaging option
Keep in mind that it’s possible that your products––especially perishable goods––may be exposed to harsh elements, such as high temperature or humidity. For this reason, you have to ensure that you opt for the best packaging option to keep your products safe. As much as possible, this packaging should be able to protect your products effectively. Also, be sure to opt for one with proper insulation so that it can reduce the transfer of heat through the packaging container walls.
4. Use a highly reliable freight service provider
If you want effective temperature-controlled freight shipping, you have to be highly critical in choosing the right freight service provider. As there are a handful of providers in your area, be sure to understand your needs and choose one that can meet all those requirements. As much as possible, this service provider should be trusted with a highly reliable service and a good track record of satisfied clients. Ultimately, partner with a logistics company to take advantage of the following benefits: food and beverage knowledge, good connections, a single POC for all your shipment, and transport tracking and monitoring.
Conclusion
At this point, you now realize that temperature-controlled freight shipping comes with many challenges and obstacles. Yet, you can effectively plan and prepare for it by prioritizing your shipments’ sensitivity and value, recognizing the limits of packaging, choosing the best packaging option, and using a reliable shipping service. Be sure to consider all these factors discussed above to have a streamlined, effective, and solid shipping for your climate-sensitive goods and the benefit of your business!
We’re a third-party logistics company in Monroe, North Carolina, that handles shipping across the town or even country. Our services include protective refrigeration, job-site deliveries, over-dimensional permitting, expedited deliveries, and loading, and unloading, among others. If you require reliable logistics services, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
