Shipping perishable goods can become a daunting task. You need to pay attention to many details so that they arrive at their destination without getting spoilt. From the transportation method to the proper temperature, you need to ensure that every detail is properly controlled during the shipping.
People who ship perishable and refrigerated items face a unique challenge, and these challenges pose a threat to their business as the demand. No one wants to buy goods that have lost their freshness, so it becomes necessary to find means of ensuring that these food items stay fresh before, during, and after the shipping process.
This article will give anyone who has a business shipping perishable items insight into how to prepare their goods for shipping. It is a concise guide on how to ship perishable goods.
How Do Prepare Non-Refrigerated Perishable Goods For Shipping?
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Let’s start with perishable goods that do not need to stay within a certain temperature to remain good. These are goods, usually food items, that are not temperature specific but short shelf life.
In these cases, the most important consideration is the packaging. Even though these items do not need refrigeration, they are still prone to effects from certain elements like weather. You should package these items the same way you package your frozen or refrigerated perishables.
How Do You Prepare Frozen Perishables For Shipping?
There are goods like meat and fish, ice cream and frozen desserts, and fruits that require you to freeze before transporting them. They require special attention, especially when packaging and maintaining the right temperature while shipping. You need to pick out the best packaging and find a way to maintain the goods at a particular temperature till they get to their destination.
Fortunately, we have a few tricks up our sleeves that you can use to ensure that your goods remain frozen and in good condition.
How Do You Prepare Refrigerated Perishables For Shipping?
Shipping refrigerated items can get very tricky. These items are usually food items that might spoil if left for too long at an unsuitable temperature.
Like frozen perishables, the trick here is to pay attention to the packaging and the temperature. You should keep the food items at a stable temperature for at least 30 hours.
Tips On How Best To Ship Your Perishable Goods.
Let’s talk about a few things you can do to ensure that your goods are shipped and reach their destination in good condition.
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Preparing The Goods
This is an important stage, and things go wrong if they are not done properly. The preparation you give your items depends on the items you are shipping. If they need to be refrigerated or frozen, then do so. Also, please do the same for the packaging you will use for them.
Keep the goods safe, and do not expose them to harm or spoilage before you pack them up.
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Choosing The Right Packaging
Picking out the right packaging is crucial when you are shipping perishable goods. There are many ways things could go wrong, so you have to ensure you cover all grounds. Below is a list of things to do when preparing your packaging for shipping perishable items.
- Make sure the goods are properly insulated. It is the first line of protection from spoilage. If you are shipping items that need to be kept at a certain temperature, ensure that you provide insulation between the items and the cooling agent.
- Choose the right cooling agent. For refrigerated perishables, cold packs are the best option. For goods that require freezing, the best option would be dry ice. Research the right amount to use so that you do not use too much or too little.
- Choose the perfect packaging for the cooling agent you choose. If you use dry ice, then wood boxes are a good option. Ensure the packaging you choose does not leak or expose the goods to the elements.
- Do not leave unnecessary spaces in the container you use. Look for packaging that will fit your goods snugly, leaving enough space for your cooling agent. If you do not find a container that meets this criterion, you might have to get one designed and made for it.
- Another important packaging detail that most people take for granted is labeling. Ensure that your packages are sealed and labeled properly. This is to prevent any unnecessary delay and give the packages a sense of urgency.
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Proper Time Management
Time management is necessary when you are shipping perishable items. It takes one second for a batch of items to spoil. So when you are shipping these items, make sure you work with time.
Please take a look at each item and consider how long it takes them to spoil. If they require freezing, they may be able to last longer on the roads, but those that don’t usually have a shorter shelf life and require a shorter trip.
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Shipping And Delivery
You will require the help of a shipping and delivery company. And choosing the right one is just as important as any of the stages we have mentioned. It would be best to look for a company that offers overnight and on-demand delivery services.
Make sure that they are experienced and professional. You do not want amateurs handling your perishable items. Professional delivery companies can help you make important decisions like the type of transportation you need and what extra services you might require for the prompt delivery of your goods.
Please don’t go for cheap because they are likely to be inexperienced and unprofessional, which will not bode well for you or your goods.
You might have noticed that shipping perishable items is not as simple as it sounds, and it requires a lot of planning and attention to detail. There are some steps you can handle yourself, but in most cases, it is better if you get the help of a good delivery service company. They will provide you with packaging materials and help you follow the necessary protocol to ensure your items get to their destinations as fresh as they possibly could be.
