Perishable commodities such as pharmaceuticals, food, personal products, and plants, are part of everyday life. Shipping perishable freight can be challenging due to limited shelf life. Perishable goods must reach the end user quickly while maintaining freshness. Additionally, some perishables have critical applications (i.e. vaccines). Examples of perishable freight include chocolate, dairy, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, flowers, plants, serums, and vaccines. Unique technologies and solutions ensure that perishable freight arrives fresh and on time to its destination.
Shipping perishable freight often requires refrigerated storage to slow or halt any bacteria growth. Perishable items will deteriorate quickly if not transported and stored at the correct temperature. Refrigerated trucks, often called reefers, are specially equipped to move perishable freight short and long distances.
By using proper preparation, packaging, and handling to ensure the goods stay fresh, businesses can cut costs and eliminate customer complaints. Clearly labeling perishable freight contents is a critical component of shipping logistics, eliminating interruptions and delays all the way through the supply chain. Lost revenue can occur if perishable freight is spoiled during transport and storage. Because perishable freight is temperature sensitive, it must be loaded and unloaded swiftly and efficiently. The shortest and most efficient shipping route should be used when transporting perishable goods.
It’s crucial to use the correct packaging when shipping perishable freight. Perishable freight does not fit into a “one size fits all” package. Due to the unique nature of perishable goods, it may be helpful to test the freight packaging prior to shipment. Different types of packaging often used for perishable freight include plastic containers, insulated boxes, styrofoam boxes, insulated liners, insulated pads, dry ice, and ice packs.
Preparing for issues that may occur during transportation can make the shipping process more efficient. When moving freight across the country, delivery windows can be impacted by traffic, miscommunication, breakdowns, and bad weather.
Supply chain logistics is a complicated part of any business. East Coast Transport provides unlimited resources to move perishable freight to the consumer. What are some top considerations when shipping perishable freight?
Shipping Perishable Freight
- What kind of perishables are being shipped? Produce, meat, plants? Understand and evaluate the perishable freight and know the shelf life. Adjust delivery windows accordingly.
- What type of packaging is needed? To preserve freshness, special packaging and storage are required for refrigerated items. Insulating items keeps the freight at the desired temperature.
- What type of environmental conditions are required? If moving perishable freight with a reefer truck, proper trailer temperature is necessary to reduce spoilage. Temperature control affects the overall shipping cost.
- What are government regulations for the freight? Ensure that the movement and storage of perishable freight is in compliance with FDA guidelines and customs.
East Coast Transport is a 3PL (third party logistics) company that can effectively move and manage perishable inventory. We provide short and long distance transportation solutions for shipping perishable freight. Our continued investment in technology and our passion to satisfy our customers drives our process for success one transaction at a time.
Our team is trained in handling perishables per federal regulations and guidelines. We supply transportation tailored to your business, delivering customer satisfaction every time. Call 1-800-257-7877 or contact us via our website about our 3PL logistics services now. Make a change and let us show you the difference.