Guide To Shipping Perishable Goods

Shipping perishable goods requires specialized handling and careful attention to ensure the freshness and quality of the products throughout the transportation process. Whether it’s fresh food, pharmaceuticals, or other temperature-sensitive items, maintaining the appropriate temperature, proper packaging and timely delivery are crucial factors.

By understanding the requirements of shipping perishable goods, businesses can ensure the integrity of their products, meet customer expectations, and preserve the value of their perishable products.

So, what does your business need to know before you take the plunge into perishables or ramp up your existing perishable goods shipping? Let’s take a look at some best practices when it comes to shipping and packing these sometimes-delicate items.

Packaging Perishable Goods Properly

A shipment of perishable goods is only as good as the packaging it’s in. Pack it properly, and your delicate delicacies will arrive unscathed. Pack it poorly, and your perishables will quickly live up to their name. A few tips to follow:

• Extra space is your enemy. Pad your packaging to minimize movement and shifting during transit. Try to fill any extra space with bubble wrap, crumpled paper and the like.
• Many perishables are temperamental about temperature. If your items are temp-sensitive, refrigeration and insulation are the name of the game. Frozen items should be placed in sturdy, insulated containers and packed with dry ice or gel packs. It’s also a good idea to place items that can thaw or melt inside containers with non-permeable plastic liners to contain any liquids and prevent soggy outer boxes.

Smartly Ship Perishable Goods

Most perishable goods have a limited amount of time before they can spoil and even become dangerous. Some extra thoughtfulness with how you choose to ship them goes a long way, such as:

• Speedy shipping is one of the best ways to ensure perishables don’t perish. Through Unishippers, UPS offers Next Day Air^® and Second Day Air^® shipping options that will give you peace of mind on your next perishable shipment. It’s also wise not to ship perishables on a Friday unless you’ve specified Saturday delivery.
• Whether you’re utilizing freight shipping to move fresh foods or medical supplies, ensuring the ideal temperature conditions for your perishable goods throughout the entire journey is crucial. Work with a 3PL that has a diverse carrier portfolio that provides reliable refrigerated freight shipping solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
• Want to be extra sure? This is where insurance comes into play. The cost of insuring your perishable shipment generally pales compared to the cost of replacing a spoiled shipment. Adding insurance to your next perishable goods shipment is easy and cost-effective through our myUnishippers™ online transportation management system.

Partner Perfectly for Your Perishable Goods Shipping

As you’ve likely concluded, shipping perishable goods can be a potential minefield if you’re not careful and informed. Using a trusted shipping advisor like Unishippers is the ideal way to navigate the lucrative but treacherous waters of perishable goods. Our shipping experts have years of experience partnering with small and midsized businesses and finding shipping solutions for all of their unique needs.

Regardless of the type of perishable goods you need to ship, chances are your Unishippers team has seen it before. They can help you craft the perfect freight shipping and/or small package shipping strategy to get your perishables from point A to point B without any issues.

Have questions about shipping perishable goods? Unishippers can help!

Unishippers has more than 30 years of success in the logistics industry and helps thousands of shippers of all sizes move products with great efficiency. We are also part of WWEX Group, alongside Worldwide Express and GlobalTranz. Combined, these three companies make up one of the largest and most diverse 3PLs in the industry, providing shippers with top solutions that help them succeed — whether shipping parcel or freight.

See how Unishippers can help you navigate perishable shipping. If you are ready to talk to an expert, reach out for a free consultation today!