Best Practices for Shipping Perishables: What to Know.

Any company that needs to ship out perishable goods faces its fair share of challenges. Issues with packaging, transportation, or storage can all lead to problems. Whether you deal with artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, baked goods, or more, you want to uphold your brand’s reputation by ensuring customers get delicious, fresh, and safe food.

Coldkeepers is here to help. Join us as we cover the best practices for shipping perishables. We’ll explore each step you can take to create a seamless and beneficial experience for your customers, from choosing the right shipping materials to utilizing the best shipping speeds.

Understand the Properties of Perishable Goods

It’s necessary to understand the physical properties of your perishable goods before you ship them. Different items have different tolerances regarding temperature, humidity, and exposure to air.

Evaluate your products, note how long they can last at varying storage temperatures, and determine how quickly they degrade under typical shipping conditions. Use this information to find the appropriate packing materials, cooling methods, or shipping speeds for your goods. The more information you have, the easier it is to create a foundation for successful shipping practices.

Choose the Right Packaging Materials

Packaging is one of the most critical components when shipping perishable goods. Not all materials work as effectively, and using subpar packaging can compromise the integrity of your products. Perishable items benefit from insulated shipping containers, such as foam coolers or insulated liners. These materials maintain temperature consistency during transit.

Moisture barriers are another important consideration. Certain products can create condensation, which may damage the exterior of the packaging. Waterproof barriers, such as plastic liners, will mitigate this risk. Additionally, sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes can provide an external layer of resilience and prevent potential crushing during shipping.

Use Refrigerants Properly

One of the best practices for shipping perishables is to take advantage of refrigerants, such as ice packs, gel packs, and dry ice, which excel at controlling temperatures.

Each refrigerant works best under specific conditions. Use ice packs or gel packs for items requiring refrigeration but not freezing temperatures, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Dry ice is a good option for goods that require freezing temperatures, including ice cream or seafood.

Be cautious when handling and shipping dry ice, as it can evaporate into carbon dioxide gas under certain conditions. Follow carrier-specific guidelines on using and labeling dry ice to ensure safety and compliance. Finding the right balance between the amount of refrigerant and the duration of the shipping process is key to maintaining the quality of your perishables.

Ensure Secure Product Placement

Proper placement within the packaging can further protect your perishable goods. Secure the items to minimize shifting during transit, as movement can cause bruising, breaking, or leaking. Wrapping individual items in cushioning materials, such as paper or bubble wrap, can reduce the chance of damage.

Double-bag or seal liquid-filled bottles with tape to prevent spills and leaks. You can use internal dividers or padded compartments to keep baked goods in place and prevent warping or sticking during transit. Always test your packaging strategy to simulate real-world conditions before shipping products to customers.

Consider Using Expedited Shipping

Time is a critical factor when shipping perishable goods. The chances of spoilage or damage increase when it takes longer for your product to arrive at your customer’s address. Many carriers offer next-day or two-day shipping solutions specifically for perishable goods.

Communicate clearly with your customers about shipping timelines, especially for remote locations that may not have expedited shipping options. Shipping perishables earlier in the week can also help you avoid potential delays from weekends or holidays.

Monitor Seasonal Considerations

Seasonal changes can play a role in your shipping process. For example, you may need more refrigerants for frozen goods during a summer heatwave, while you may need extra insulation to protect produce from wilting in the cold throughout the winter.

Anticipating seasonal challenges ensures you remain prepared and adaptable. Maintain open communication with shipping carriers to understand how they handle seasonal issues and adjust your shipping strategy accordingly to mitigate risks presented by extreme temperatures.

Select the Right Shipping Partner

Choosing the right shipping carrier is essential when handling delicate perishable goods. Partner with service providers that have experience with temperature-controlled shipping or offer special handling for fragile and time-sensitive items. Discuss their policies for perishable shipments, including tracking capabilities and the procedures for handling delays or mishandling.

Carriers such as UPS and FedEx have specialized options, like “fresh shipping” services that help businesses that send out perishable products. You always want to check that your shipping partner aligns with your business needs in areas like service coverage, speed, and pricing.

Maintain Real-Time Tracking

Real-time tracking offers transparency and provides peace of mind for both e-commerce entrepreneurs and consumers. Select a carrier that allows you to monitor the status and location of every shipment while it moves through the supply chain.

Having real-time insights into shipping progress ensures you stay proactive in identifying potential delays, allowing you to offer quick solutions if necessary. Sharing this tracking information with customers builds trust and general satisfaction. Tracking allows them to monitor their order from the moment it leaves your facility to the time it arrives at their doorstep.

 

Prepare for Shipping Challenges

Even if you make all the right choices, you may experience surprise issues when shipping perishables. Delays in transit due to weather or logistical issues can impact delivery times and product quality. Prepare for these scenarios by automating communication with affected customers and providing solutions, such as refunds or replacements.

You should also have a contingency plan in place with your shipping partners to resolve these unexpected events. Involving yourself with customer support and being transparent in communication strengthens your business reputation and builds long-term customer loyalty.

Partner with Coldkeepers today to optimize your perishable shipping strategy. We design our insulated shipping pouches to maintain product freshness and quality and ensure that your goods arrive safely every time. Take the next step in protecting your shipments and delighting your customers—contact us today to learn more!