Shipping any item can be the riskiest part of the logistic chain for many companies. After all, once it’s loaded in a trick or trailer and heading off to its destination, you have very little control over it and its safety. One of the biggest dangers is temperature related – freezing temps or very high temperatures can both damage a wide range of shipments.
Heat can cause beverages and produce to spoil, ruin cosmetics, and even cause electronics to suffer damage that may make them inoperable. Freezing temps can also spoil beverages or produce and lead to burst containers due to expansion. And the fact is that for most companies – especially those using an LTL shipment method – investing in expensive climate controlled trailers isn’t a valid option.
Passive thermal protection like thermal blankets are a better choice, and one that actually provides some very real results. Understanding the basics behind how it works is worth doing and could help you see just why they’re such a good investment in your company’s shipping department.
With a passive control option, usage couldn’t be easier. You simply attach the blanket or pallet cover over your shipment, ensuring that it is completely covered by the blanket and that the cover itself is secure and in place. That’s all there is to the process.
Once installed properly, this creates a barrier against external temperatures that functions much like the insulation in your home does. Heat, cold, and even moisture will be blocked outside while the temperature inside the shipping blanket will be maintained during the trip. It’s worth noting that temps will vary underneath the blanket somewhat, but the temperature extremes will be much milder and you won’t have nearly as much risk placed on your shipment while it’s in transit.
There are obvious advantages to this system. The lack of moving parts means that failure won’t occur like it would with a mechanical based system, and also means that there is no heavy investment or need for regular maintenance. And the blankets can be reused multiple times throughout several years, letting you get much more for your money. Add that to the simple fact that these options really do work to keep your products protected, and it becomes clear that passive thermal protection is an option you need to look into for your shipping needs.
