Best Practices for Temperature Controlled Shipping

The integrity of temperature-sensitive products, like pharmaceuticals and perishable food items, hinges on precise temperature control throughout the shipping process. Without these controls, companies risk diminished product quality, regulatory non-compliance, and financial losses. That’s why it’s critical for pharmaceutical companies and specialty food businesses to follow the best practices for temperature-controlled shipping.

This guide explores strategies for ensuring temperature stability, from pre-shipment guidelines to monitoring systems and risk management plans. These best practices can help companies deliver products safely, maintain compliance, and build trust with their customers. 

Understanding Temperature Sensitivity 

Temperature-sensitive products are especially vulnerable during shipping. Fluctuations in temperature can compromise their quality, safety, and effectiveness. 

Impact on Pharmaceuticals 

Pharmaceutical products, like vaccines and biologics, are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Even minor deviations can affect their stability, rendering them ineffective or unsafe. For instance, mRNA vaccines typically require ultra-cold conditions to preserve their potency. Without adequate temperature control during transit, these valuable products could be wasted.

To prevent these losses, pharmaceutical companies must strictly adhere to specific temperature ranges, such as 2–8 degrees Celsius for standard cold chain products. Failing to maintain these ranges can have severe consequences, including patient safety risks and regulatory violations. 

Impact on Food Products 

For the food industry, temperature control is vital to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety. Perishable foods, such as dairy, meat, and fresh produce, require specific temperature ranges to retain freshness. For example, fresh seafood typically needs to be kept between 32–35 degrees Fahrenheit during shipping. 

Temperature fluctuations during transit can cause bacterial growth, spoilage, and diminished flavor. This not only leads to customer dissatisfaction but also financial losses for businesses. 

Establish Pre-Shipping Temperature Guidelines 

Before products are packaged and shipped, businesses should establish clear temperature guidelines. These best practices include ensuring that perishable items reach the required temperature thresholds before packaging to prolong shelf life and maintain quality. 

For instance, frozen products should reach their frozen state before being packed, and chilled goods must be properly cooled. This step minimizes the risk of temperature fluctuations later in the shipping process. 

Choose Reliable Packaging Solutions 

The right packaging solutions are vital parts of the temperature-controlled shipping process. These packaging items protect products from temperature fluctuations to ensure they remain stable throughout transit. 

Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

Corrugated cardboard has become a standard shipping material because of its durability, versatility, and insulating properties. Its multi-layered design, including a fluted middle layer, provides cushioning that protects products from physical damage during transit. Plus, corrugated cardboard boxes are the first line of defense against environmental factors such as heat or cold.

Shipping Liners

Shipping liners sit inside the cardboard shipping box. These liners create a barrier between your product and external temperature fluctuations. 

• Polyurethane shipping liner: A one-piece shipping liner that maintains temperature for up to 48 hours*. It’s ideal for perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, tropical fish, flowers, and beyond.
• Bio-based shipping liner: A one-piece thermal liner made from a cotton-fiber-based material that can maintain temperature for up to 48 hours*.
• Curbside recycling shipping liner: A one-piece liner made from recycled paper products that consumers can recycle at the curb. It can maintain food-safe temperatures for 24 to 48 hours*.  

*Actual performance may vary depending on environmental conditions, gel pack load, packout, etc.

Insulated Mailers

Metallic insulated mailers are lightweight, reflective solutions designed to temporarily maintain the temperature of shipments. These are ideal for shipping small, temperature-sensitive food items such as chocolate or caviar. Insulated mailers can also be used for short-term storage of prescription drugs.

Gel Packs

Gel packs use phase change materials (PCMs) to maintain temperature stability. By absorbing or releasing heat at transition points, PCMs create a constant thermal environment. Gel packs are often paired with shipping liners to maintain product temperature during transport.  

 

Be Strategic About Shipping Timelines 

Shipping timelines play a critical role in maintaining temperature control. By shipping strategically, businesses can minimize delays and prevent exposure to unsafe temperature conditions. 

• Ship early in the week: Avoid shipping on Fridays to reduce the risk of products being stored in transit facilities over the weekend. 
• Avoid shipping near holidays: Shipping around public holidays can lead to delays, which will increase the likelihood of temperature issues. 
• Opt for expedited shipping: Choose expedited or overnight shipping options whenever possible to minimize transit time. 

Create Systems for Temperature Monitoring and Recording 

Real-time oversight is essential for ensuring temperature consistency during shipping. Investing in reliable monitoring systems allows businesses to promptly address any deviations. 

Temperature Loggers 

Temperature loggers are devices placed inside shipments to monitor and record temperature levels throughout the transit process. These logs provide valuable data that companies can analyze to improve future shipments. 

Real-Time Tracking 

Real-time tracking systems take monitoring to the next level by allowing businesses to receive immediate alerts about temperature fluctuations. This technology enables shippers to act quickly when performing tasks such as rerouting packages to prevent spoilage or damage. 

Prioritize Regulatory Compliance 

Adhering to regulatory standards is non-negotiable when shipping temperature-sensitive products. Compliance ensures both the safety of consumers and the business’s reputation. 

FDA Guidelines 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides detailed regulations for handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and foods. These include requirements for maintaining proper storage conditions and documenting shipping processes. 

International Regulations 

For companies shipping products globally, compliance with international standards, such as those outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is equally crucial. Non-compliance can lead to delays, fines, and reputational damage. 

Select Reputable Transportation Partners 

Choosing the right transportation partners is crucial for maintaining temperature control during shipping. These partners should have experience handling temperature-sensitive goods and access to advanced transportation solutions. 

Refrigerated Trucks 

Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefers, are equipped to maintain stable conditions during road transport. These vehicles are ideal for delivering large shipments of perishable goods. 

Air Freight 

For long-distance shipping, air freight is often the best option due to its speed and reliability. Many cargo airlines offer temperature-controlled cargo services specifically designed for sensitive products. 

Develop a Risk Management Plan 

Even with the best practices in place, there is still a risk of unexpected shipping issues. Creating a comprehensive risk management plan can help businesses effectively mitigate these challenges. 

Contingency Plans 

Prepare for potential disruptions with contingency plans, such as identifying secondary transportation providers or alternative routes. This ensures minimal impact in case of delays, equipment failures, or extreme weather conditions. 

Insurance 

Investing in insurance for high-value shipments provides an additional layer of protection. Coverage for temperature-related losses can help businesses recover financially from unforeseen incidents. 

Deliver Products Safely and Reliably 

Implementing these best practices for temperature-controlled shipping ensures the safe delivery of sensitive products while reducing waste. From pre-shipping preparation and reliable packaging solutions to monitoring systems and risk management plans, every step plays a vital role. By mastering these strategies, businesses in the pharmaceutical and food industries can confidently ship their products. 

Want to learn more about improving your cold chain packaging strategy? Contact our team for personalized packaging advice today.