Shipping perishable freight is a sensitive process that involves proper packaging, temperature control, and a short enough delivery window so that the freight does not spoil. Products like food, pharmaceuticals, plants, and personal products need to be shipped quickly to the end-user in order to maintain their freshness. While non-perishable items are most often shipped in dry vans, perishable freight is shipped in refrigerated trucks, or “reefers”. The climate-controlled containers of a reefer slows or halts any bacteria growth that may deteriorate perishable freight.
What is Considered Perishable Freight?
Perishable freight includes any goods that have a limited shelf life and that require refrigeration to avoid spoilage. Some examples of perishable freight are serums, vaccines, flowers, plants, vegetables, meat, eggs, fish, seafood, fruits, chocolate, and dairy. Perishable foods include items that are likely to decay, expire or become unhealthy to consume if not refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, or frozen at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Other perishables like serums and vaccines have critical applications and require constant temperature control.
What is Required in Order to Ship Perishable Freight?
The “Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be used for such Carriage (ATP Treaty)” sets out regulations for shipping perishable freight and outlines standards to ensure optimal conditions for transporting perishable items. The ATP treaty includes definitions and standards for equipment to be used for shipping perishable freight, as well as procedures to check for compliance with standards. By measuring and checking the insulating capacity and efficiency of cooling or heating appliances, freight carriers can ensure that their reefers are working properly and keeping their clients’ products fresh. It is also necessary to check governmental regulations before shipping perishable freight to ensure compliance with FDA guidelines and customs.
Benefits of Shipping Perishable Freight
Given the limited shelf life of perishable freight, these shipments are completed swiftly to avoid spoiled products. The shortest and most efficient route is used so that perishable items arrive to the end-user in good condition as quickly as possible. There are also a few vehicle options to suit the specific type of freight you want to preserve. Isothermal trucks carry an insulated container that limits the exchange of heat between the inside and outside of the van. Refrigerated trucks have a non-mechanical cooling source that can maintain interior temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Freezer trucks use a cold production mechanism to maintain a consistent temperature between -10 and -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Trickier Aspects of Shipping Perishable Freight
Since perishable freight can spoil for multiple reasons, it’s important to pay attention to the details that can help avoid expired products. Minimizing the amount of time in transit by planning a short and efficient delivery route and quickly loading and unloading products plays a big part in a successful delivery. Proper packaging and labeling of products can also save them from being stored in the wrong location without the ideal climate control. Using packaging like plastic containers, styrofoam boxes, insulated boxes, insulated liners, insulated pads, dry ice, and ice packs will help perishable freight stay fresh throughout the trip. By clearly labeling perishable freight contents, you can avoid interruptions and delays that can result in spoilage.
Why East Coast Transport LLC?
East Coast Transport LLC has all of the resources needed to ship perishable freight to consumers. We strive to satisfy our customers by continually investing in modern technology and finding creative solutions to meet short and long-distance shipping needs. Get in contact with East Coast Transport today to see how we can help you with the logistics of shipping perishable freight!