Consumers across the world have the option of stepping into a store to buy fresh meat or pick up a temperature-sensitive medicine from their pharmacist. The availability of fresh fruit, flowers, meat, medicines, etc is made possible by a set of complicated logistical operations that bring perishable items from faraway countries to the consumers. Perishable freights are extra sensitive cargo that necessitates special handling and operations. To begin with, temperature control is crucial for successful perishable shipments. Apart from being temperature sensitive, these shipments are also time sensitive. Therefore it adds to the problems. For instance, the slightest delay in the delivery of flowers, fish, or meat could result in the cargo getting completely damaged.
Moreover, supply chain companies are required to abide by the strict requirements of the modernized food safety acts in their respective countries that entail frequent monitoring of the temperature of the edibles and pharmaceutical products at every stage of the process of transportation. As per a report by Markets and Markets, the global refrigerated transport market is estimated to reach a value of $21.6 billion in another 5 years, a factor that has prompted small and independent freight forwarders to find new avenues of offering affordable and hassle-free refrigeration solutions.
Keep reading this blog to find out the important things you need to consider before shipping perishable products.
Things independent freight forwarders should consider before shipping perishable cargo
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Select the appropriate shipping option
No matter if you are shipping your perishable cargo by air freight, ocean freight, or ground freight, you should make sure to take note of the exact time it will take for the shipment to reach its destination. This will allow you to determine the exact time for which you need to protect your cargo. Another important thing to remember is that in case your transit time coincides with a weekend then your delivery could get delayed by one or even two days. In case you ship your perishable on a Thursday or a Friday then it might sit in the storage facility for the weekend before reaching its destination.
Even though air freight is not always the cheapest or most feasible option for all kinds of perishable, it can greatly help you to ship your goods on time while ensuring their quality. For example, cut flowers, fruits, or vegetables need to be transported at breakneck speed and for this air freight is probably the wisest option.
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Give special attention to packaging
Ideally, perishables need to arrive at the consignee at a temperature that is below 40 degrees F. Moreover, keep in mind that your shipment might be transported in a hot delivery truck or get handled in a warm facility. Therefore, in order to keep your cargo intact, you need to invest in the right packaging. Dry ice and frozen gel packs could help you to keep the cargo inside the container and retain a cool temperature. However, the cooling component you should use should depend on the cargo, the material of the container, and the mode of transportation you are using. Another thing that comes in handy in the transportation of perishable is insulated packing materials. Insulated packaging such as insulated bags, insulated box liners, insulated pallet cover, etc. will allow you to keep the shipment cool for the duration of the journey.
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Label your cargo correctly
While shipping perishable cargo it is very important to pay attention to the packaging of your shipment. For instance, you need to label the cargo as ‘Perishable’ and add refrigeration instructions, and storage requirements to make sure that the shipment is not left in places with high temperatures. Additionally, you should let the consignee know the date and if possible the exact time of delivery so that they can keep their refrigeration units ready to store the shipment on delivery. Also, keep in mind that if you do not pack the content of your cargo properly then it can shift during transport.
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Carefully execute the last-mile delivery of the perishables
Moving the perishables from the warehouse to the final destination of the consignee’s address is yet another vital part of the shipping process that deserves special attention. During the last-mile delivery of the perishables, you need to ensure that the items are shipped at the right temperature level regardless of the external climate conditions. This part is very important since the handover of the shipment doesn’t usually happen in temperature-controlled areas. The slightest delay in the last-mile delivery process could result in fungal or bacterial growth that might endanger your cargo. It is also a good idea to install a temperature data logger in the trucks if required.
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Be mindful of the shipping regulations
Independent freight forwarders need to have a sound knowledge of domestic and international shipping regulations when it comes to cold chain shipment. There are several countries that prohibit the import of food items like vegetables, nuts, or meat. Therefore, while shipping internationally, you need to be well aware of the regulations of the country to which you are sending your goods.