The challenges of shipping temperature-sensitive goods are widely known if you manage a company that carries perishable goods. There are many factors to consider while delivering perishables to preserve the cold chain for last-mile shipment. You must run a precise, meticulously-planned packaging and shipping procedure—these inspections ensure that commodities arrive uncontaminated, undamaged, and in good condition.
The article explains shipment planning to delivery to the final consumer and how to transport perishables across borders or cross-border shipping into Canada or the U.S.
Guide to Ship Perishables
If your company’s goal is perishable cross-border shipping, follow the following guidelines to ensure seamless border crossing while maintaining the quality of your items.
Prepare for Shipping
Consider the types of food products you’re sending and any special handling they might need to prepare beforehand. Some perishables, including bread and pastries, may not require refrigeration. A third group includes refrigerated and frozen goods like meat and fish, while others include dairy and fresh produce.
Consider the best shipping conditions and temperatures for non-refrigerated commodities to plan appropriately. The same may be true for items that need to be chilled or frozen before transportation.
Choose a Suitable Coolant
Foods that need to be refrigerated or frozen must be transported at the ideal temperature. For this reason, shippers use a variety of strategies, such as dry ice, insulated crates, and ice packs.
Dry Ice: You should use dry ice for frozen perishables like ice cream or fruit. But when shipping by air, dry ice is regarded as a dangerous commodity; make sure you abide by all relevant laws and standards to avoid problems.
Gel Packs: That have been frozen are perfect for products that need to be kept chilly but not frozen. Depending on your desire, you can utilize gel packs as soft bags or firm blocks.
Insulated Box: Insulated packaging has a foam padding interior to maintain cool temperatures. The longer the item will last at the required temperature, the thicker the foam padding will be.
Appropriate Packaging
Whether your cargo contains frozen, refrigerated, or non-refrigerated food will determine the appropriate packaging. Foods that need to be refrigerated or frozen may need to be sealed in waterproof or airtight bags. Place dry ice or cold packs around the bag inside an enclosed container, ensuring that the total dry ice weight in each package being cooled is at most 5.5 pounds.
Appropriate Labelling
Pay attention to labelling your perishables and ensure correct spelling and formatting problems can arise if the above details need to be corrected.
When shipping refrigerated goods, labelling is highly crucial since you want to make sure the carrier is aware of what they are handling. Without the appropriate label, your products can spend hours in a warm warehouse before being delivered to the client, who might receive a melted or spoiled product.
Ship at the Right Time
If you send your shipment too late during the week, it can remain in a holding area over the weekend and possibly degrade. Ensure you properly investigate the shipping options available to you to resolve this issue. Delivering perishable goods early in the week enhances the likelihood that they will arrive before the weekend.
For help regarding the shipment of your perishables or cross-border shipping, get in touch with Lot Logistics for more efficient shipment. Lot Logistics is a licensed freight brokerage based out of Mississauga, ON (Greater Toronto Area).
