Are you planning on mailing perishables? Perishables, also known as temperature-sensitive items, can go bad if not transported using special perishable food shipping containers. Changes in temperatures and environmental conditions can lead to losses when transporting perishable products as they will go bad. Although perishable goods are sensitive, they are essential, and they must be delivered to wherever they are required while fresh and safe for consumption. When you want to ship perishable items, you have to know and understand the logistics involved to ensure they are delivered efficiently and safely.
How to Ship Perishables
Are you planning to ship perishable items soon? If yes, here is a step-by-step how to ensure your goods are transported to your desired destination while fresh.
1. Create a Plan
If you plan to ship perishable goods, the first step you should take is to prepare for the shipping. Perishable products require special packing needs during transportation, hence the need to have a plan ahead. You should also identify the perfect time when you should conduct the shipping to ensure minimal disruptions.
Pro-Tip: When transporting perishable goods, consider doing it overnight as the temperatures are relatively more relaxed and this will keep your items fresh. If transporting by road, many of them are often free of traffic at night, reducing transportation time; hence less refrigeration is required. Also, ensure that the recipient is aware of the shipment so that they can pick them upon arrival to prevent them from getting spoiled.
2. Identify your packing needs.
Once you have planned for your shipping, the next step is to identify your packing needs. The type of items you want to transport will determine the type of equipment you will need to carry them successfully.
Goods that are perishable come in different shapes, sizes, and conditions. Some are in liquid form and some in solid form hence the need to ensure you identify the packing needs that are suitable for your items. Some goods might be fragile; therefore may require specific shipping containers to ensure they do not break. Others might be large hence require bigger transportation containers while some are small and can be shipped together with other perishable items.
Your packaging needs should be guided by the number of things you want to send, the type of shipment you want to use, and if you wish to use same-day or two-day shipping.
Close-up of delivery person holding big cardboard box outdoors she delivering food.
3. Temperature control measures
When it comes to shipping perishables, temperature control measures are vital to ensure they arrive in the best condition possible. The packaging and temperature control measures you use will determine how long your items can remain fresh while in transit. There are different temperature control techniques you can utilize when shipping perishable goods.
The most commonly used are dry ice or cold ice packs for shipping perishables. Using gel packs is the simplest method for cold shipping. This is because they have a lower freezing point than ice; hence they can last longer, giving you more shipping time. Pack gel is also easy to adjust and pack, thus keeping your items fresh and dry. Dry ice is another alternative for people who do not want to use pack gel, although it would be risky. You should use dry ice to transport items that have been frozen, and the amount of dry ice used will depend on the size of the item and the distance to be covered.
Pro-Tips: You should not consider using dry ice as it is deemed to be poisonous when on transit by air. This is because dry ice releases carbon dioxide, a toxic gas, and can increase pressure if your shipping container is airtight.
If you are wondering, can we ship perishable food internationally, the answer is yes. You can use a thermal box or cold box such as this one to package it and mail it to anywhere across the globe. Label your items properly when mailing perishables.
4. Packing
The fourth step is to do the actual packaging. This should be done once you have determined your refrigerants, goods, and insulation. During the packaging, ensure that your products are properly sealed to avoid any leakages during transportation. Making the packaging airtight would also ensure that your refrigerants last for a longer time. The packaging should be done in a manner that does not leave a space as this would lead to jostling. Jostling can leak to breakages of fragile products while in transit and cause a lot of losses.
Once you are done with your packing, ensure that you label your items correctly, indicating the recipient for easier identification at the destination. It would be best if you also remembered to have a ‘Keep Refrigerated’ label where necessary.
5. Ready for Shipping
The last step is ensuring your package is ready for shipping. Once you have done the packaging, ensure that you expedite the transportation to guarantee that your goods arrive at their destination fresh and in pristine condition. In most instances, overnight shipping is convenient and ensures less time is spent on the road. You should also ensure that you package your product when you are ready to ship it to give the refrigeration more life while on transit. Notify the recipient of the impending arrival to ensure they pick the item within the shortest time possible once delivered. This will ensure the product does not overstay at the shipping company, which might compromise its condition and spoil it.
Find The Shipping Supplies You Need for Mailing Perishables at Astro Asia
When shipping perishable goods, you need to be well prepared and ensure you have all the equipment required for shipping. The shipping container’s size will depend on the product you want to ship, and it is up to you to decide. Follow the five simple steps above to make your shipping process easier. Happy shipping!
At last, if you’re a business owner who ships perishable items in large amounts regularly, Astro Asia can provide custom solutions for your shipping requirement. Need a thermal box, cold box or an insulated shipping blanket? Get in touch today for a custom quote.
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