When shipping temperature-sensitive products, such as food or pharmaceuticals, the appropriate temperature is not just a convenience; it can mean the difference between safe and unsafe consumption. This is why, if you’re going to be shipping temperature-sensitive products, you should follow these five tips to increase the odds of a safe and successful delivery.
Analyze Your Route
You may know the destination of your goods, but do you know how they will get there exactly? What vehicles will be used, how long will they be on those vehicles, and where will any transfer points occur? It is knowing the specifics of a shipping route that can make the difference between a safe delivery, and a compromised one. When you know the exact details of your logistics route, you are now aware of potential areas of vulnerability, such as exposure to the elements outdoors while awaiting transfer on or off the tarmac from an aircraft.
Know Your Temperature Requirements
Above all else, this is something every good business owner should know about their product. Whether it is chocolate, wine, or hormonal medication, shipping temperature-sensitive products safely can only occur if you know the optimal range for that product. This becomes even more important if you are shipping different types of products together, as their ranges may be incompatible.
Consider Your Refrigerants
Refrigerants are supplementary materials that can be placed in containers to help maintain lower temperatures. This may be critical if you are shipping raw ingredients and they are not being placed in a reefer unit. Look over your refrigerant options carefully when shipping your goods.
Get The Right Packaging
Shipping sensitive products requires using the appropriate packaging. Ordinary cardboard that leaks out cool air or lets warm air in will not serve your needs. You must research and invest in packaging that will provide the insulation you need or invest in additional protection, such as thermal pallet covers.
Understand Documentation Requirements
Finally, the worst thing that can happen to your shipment is a delay that would have been completely avoidable if your documentation and shipping compliances were all in order. Depending on where your product needs to go, there may be different document or shipping requirements. If you don’t account for this, your product’s movement through the logistics chain could be halted entirely.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive products and want to know the best way to get those products to their destination safely, we can help. Contact us today to explain your shipping needs and obtain a quote.
