How To Ship Refrigerated Products

Shipping refrigerated products can be tricky, as you must maintain the proper temperature for the goods throughout the shipping process. For example, if you want to ship frozen food that is not kept at the proper temperature, it can spoil and become unusable.

To ship refrigerated products, you'll need to use a shipping method that can accommodate perishable items, like refrigerated trucking or overnight air shipping. You'll also need to pack your products in an insulated container with gel packs or dry ice to keep them cool during transit.

This article highlights some tips on shipping temperature-sensitive products to arrive at their destination in good condition.

Packing the goods for shipping

Shipping perishable frozen foods like dairy, meat, seafood, or fruits and vegetables can be tricky. For example, you must keep the goods frozen solid throughout the shipping process when shipping frozen food. If frozen foods thaw even partially, they are susceptible to spoilage.

Here are some tips for the packing stage of the shipping process:

Pre-cool the goods

Freezing perishable food before shipping will help maintain the desired temperature during transit. Especially for goods that will be in transit for more than 24 hours, freezing the goods will help keep them at a consistent temperature.

Use the proper packaging material

Depending on what you are shipping, you will need to use different materials. For example, you will need to use insulated packaging for perishable items. A few options include using an insulated container inside a shipping box and cold packs or refrigerant gel packs.

If you are shipping temperature-sensitive food, you will want to use freezer packs. You can also use regular ice, but it will melt and potentially damage your product. When packing your items, use a plastic bag, packing paper, or bubble wrap to prevent them from shifting during transit. You may also want to use packing peanuts for extra space and protection. They come in different materials. So, be sure to get the right ones for your needs.

For shipping frozen goods, a cardboard box is a great option. Just reinforce the bottom of the box with packing tape or a plastic lining. If you are shipping carbon dioxide-sensitive items, use an exterior cardboard box. This will help keep the gas from entering the box's interior and damaging your product.

Using foam containers or an insulated box and cold packs is much cheaper. Using bubble wrap will also help.

But, you will need to ensure your product can withstand the cold. Make sure to check with the shipping company before shipping.

Use an insulated shipping container

Insulated shipping containers are available in a variety of sizes. They can be used to ship both refrigerated and frozen items. These containers have thick walls to keep the interior temperature stable, even in extreme temperatures.

When choosing an insulated shipping container, choose one big enough to fit all of your items and that has enough extra space for the insulation material.

Some insulated shipping containers come with built-in refrigeration units. These units use either freon or ammonia to keep the container's interior cold. If you choose this option, ensure you have the training and certification to handle these chemicals.

Pack the goods in a cardboard box

Cardboard is a good insulator and will help to keep the goods cold during transit. Remember to line it with a plastic liner before adding the goods to protect them from moisture.

Do not overpack the box

When packing refrigerated goods for shipping, it is important not to overpack the box. The more goods there are in the box, the more heat they will generate. This can cause the goods to thaw partially or entirely during transit. If you are shipping perishable products, pack them in small quantities. This way, it will stay cold throughout the shipping process.

Leave extra space in the box

When packing refrigerated goods for shipping, you should leave extra room in the box. The goods will expand as they freeze, and you don't want them to be too tightly packed in the box. If the goods are too tightly packed, they may break during transit.

Additional space in the box will also allow you to add more packing material if needed. For example, use this space to add more cold packs or frozen gel packs. Materials like gel packs dampen vibration and protect against shock, making them ideal for refrigerated shipping.

An excellent alternative to gel packs is styrofoam cut sheets. They are cheaper and can be easily found at most hardware stores.

Wrap goods individually

It is better to wrap each item individually, especially if you are using packaging that is not airtight. This will help prevent the items from touching each other and potential and keep them from spoiling if one item in the shipment happens to spoil.

Use ice packs or dry ice

To keep your goods at a safe temperature during transit, you will need to use either ice packs or dry ice. Dry ice, or frozen carbon dioxide, is the better option if you are shipping for an extended period, as it will last longer. But it can be more expensive than ice packs and can be dangerous to handle if you are not familiar with it. Ice packs are a good choice for shorter shipments or shipping perishable food.

Some safety tips for handling dry ice:

• Wear gloves when handling dry ice to avoid burns.
• Do not put dry ice directly into the shipping container with the goods, particularly for food shipments, as it can damage them. Instead, place it in a separate container and then put that container into the shipping container.
• Ensure the container is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide gas.

Seal the container

Seal the container tightly once you have packed the goods and added the ice packs or dry ice. Some good options for sealing the container include tape, plastic wrap, a lid, and pressure-sensitive packing tape. This will prevent warm air from entering and melting the ice packs or dry ice by sealing the container.

Label the container

Print labels for the container with perishable goods and include the date that the goods were packed. This will help the shipping company ensure that the goods are shipped promptly and not held up in transit for too long. You may also want to include a note indicating that the goods should be kept at a cool temperature during transit.

Storing the box before shipping

Once you have packed the box, you will need to store it in a location that will stay cold until it is shipped. If you are packing perishable food, consider storing them in a refrigerator or freezer. If you are packing other items that require cool temperatures, such as pharmaceuticals, you may want to store them in an insulated container inside a refrigerator.

Once you have packed the goods and labeled the container, you are ready to ship. But first, you need to choose the correct shipping method to ensure that your goods arrive safe and sound.

The Shipping Process

Depending on the type of goods you are shipping, you will want to choose a shipping method to get the goods to their destination safely and on time.

How to choose your shipping method

For example, if you want to ship frozen food like seafood, the best option would be a next-day air shipping method to ensure that the seafood stays fresh. On the other hand, if you are shipping baked goods, you can choose a ground shipping method like trucks, as they will not spoil as quickly.

If you are shipping hazardous material, thermostatic-controlled shipping, or other special items, choose a shipping method that can accommodate these items.

You will also want to consider the distance the goods will be traveling and the weather and time of year. For instance, if you are shipping goods to a very hot or cold location, you will want to choose a shipping method that takes this into account.

Some perishable products you can ship by truck include:

• Fruit and vegetables
• Bakery goods
• Meat
• Dairy products

Some perishable products to ship by air include:

• Seafood
• Chocolate
• Pharmaceuticals
• Flowers

Find the right shipping partner

It is crucial to find the right shipping partner when shipping temperature-sensitive shipments. Some companies specialize in perishable products and can provide cold storage, packing material, and insulated foam planks to keep your shipment at the desired temperature.

Some things you will want to take into account when choosing a shipping carrier include:

• The type of goods you are shipping
• The destination of the shipment
• The shipping speed, or transit time
• The costs

Choose a shipping company you can trust, as you trust them with your refrigerated goods. Take your time to research different companies, and pick the one that you feel confident will get your goods to their destination safely and on time.

Prepare your shipment

In addition to packing the goods, you will also need to fill out any necessary paperwork. This includes a bill of lading, which is a document that lists the details of the shipment and the shipper and recipient information.

You will also need to include a packing list, which should list all of the items in the shipment and their weights and dimensions. Including this information will help the shipping company appropriately pack the goods. It will also help them track the shipment.

Ship your goods

Once you have packed the goods and filled out the necessary paperwork, you are ready to ship. Be sure to get a tracking number from the shipping company so you can track the progress of the shipment.

Track your shipment

It is essential to track your shipment to see where it is at all times. This way, if there are any delays, you will be able to track the shipment and see where it is.

Shipping frozen foods or other perishable items can be more complicated than shipping other items. Still, as long as you take the necessary precautions, you will be able to ship them without any problems.

The cost of refrigerated shipping goods

Shipping frozen food can be expensive, especially if you are shipping internationally. The cost of shipping refrigerated goods will vary depending on the type of product you are shipping, the weight of the shipment, and the distance it is traveling.

Shipping companies typically charge by the pound. So, it is essential to weigh your shipment before sending it. You may also need to pay for special packaging items or insurance for your refrigerated shipment.

Generally, you will need to factor in customs fees and duties when shipping internationally.

Wrapping Up

When shipping refrigerated goods, choosing a suitable shipping partner and packing the goods adequately is essential. You can also use bubble wrap to ensure the safety of frozen foods.

Be sure to include all necessary paperwork and get a tracking number from the shipping company. This way, you can track the progress of your shipment. Shipping refrigerated goods can be expensive. So, get a quote from your shipping company before sending your shipment.

If you want to ship frozen foods, following the tips in this article will help you ship your goods safely and on time.

If you're looking for a reliable shipping company to ship your refrigerated goods, request your free quote today. At A1 Auto Transport, we’ve helped hundreds of clients to ship their good and even make international moves without all the stress involved.