What you need to know about Perishable Shipping
by Mashum Mollah Ecommerce 07 November 2019
Shipping anything is risky, it can be a long journey for the supplier to the customer and there are plenty of opportunities for the package to be damaged or not kept in the right temperature range. It’s also difficult to identify when an issue happened, or if it did.
This becomes even more complicated when you’re perishable shipping items, which is why it’s essential that you know everything you need to know about perishable shipping.
That’s what this article is here to help with.
Use The Right Transport:
The first thing you need to do is understand that a reputable refrigerated transport service will look after your package and ensure it remains at the correct temperature. This is the safest and really the only way of sending perishable items.
Firms operating in this sector will know what temperatures must be maintained, how to handle the items, and can deliver the items very quickly, even over large distances. They will know the current regs and adhere to them.
This should be seen as not just the most convenient way of shipping perishable items, it should also be the safest way. Perishable items that are suspected of being kept at the wrong temperature should not be kept.
Package It Properly:
It’s more than just finding the right size box and adding some cushioning to protect the perishable item. Packing an item properly means making sure the box is properly labeled and all parties involved in the shipping process know that the item is perishable, the conditions it needs to be kept in, and when it needs to arrive.
Of course, you also need to insulate the box to help maintain temperature, Styrofoam sheets are very good at doing this, or you can use insulated liners and pads. It’s even possible to use dry ice but this is classified as a hazardous material.
You shouldn’t use paper wrapping or string, they will easily be damaged or snagged during the delivery process.
It is also vital that the delivery destination is accurate and very clear you don’t want perishable items going to the wrong address.
Consider Shipping Times:
You need to verify when your shipping company will collect the item and when it will arrive. Some firms don’t operate over the weekend and if the item is sat around for the weekend it’s difficult to confirm that it has been treated properly.
By planning in advance you’ll be able to ensure it spends as little time as possible in transit.
Shop Local:
As a supplier or receiver, you’ll find that the produce stays fresher if it has short delivery trips. That means, wherever possible, you should use local produce and keep your delivery distances short. This will help to maintain quality and reduce the chance of your package being damaged.
However, just because you’re delivering locally doesn’t mean you should use your own car or van, the temperature, and other regs still need to be adhered to.
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