Shipping Perishables: How To Keep Items Fresh

Perishable items need specialized, temperature-controlled shipping services to protect their integrity. Perishable cargo may include consumer goods with a short shelf life, hazardous materials, frozen goods, refrigerated goods, and items that need specific moisture levels and airtight packaging.

Any business that relies on the supply, demand, and shipment of food and other perishable cargo needs assurance that their load will be kept fresh throughout transit. Keep reading to learn how to keep your perishable items protected throughout every step of the transportation process.

Four Tips for Shipping Perishables

Correct Packaging
Use the Proper Coolants
Label the Packaging Correctly
Choosing the Proper Shipping Provider

Correct Packaging

Packaging Non-Refrigerated Perishables

Depending on the needs of the items you are shipping, perishable items that do not require refrigeration can be packaged with insulated, leak-proof, or airtight packaging.

Insulated packaging, including styrofoam, aluminum foil blankets, or cardboard, can help keep cargo at a consistent temperature, regardless of the season or the existing temperature outside the truckload.
Airtight packaging can protect non-refrigerated perishables, such as baked goods, from exposure to the elements. This can protect items with a short shelf life from expiring during transit.
Leak-proof packaging is an excellent option for non-refrigerated perishables that can open or leak in transit. Leak-proof packaging may include a plastic lining or bag, depending on the cargo’s shipping needs.

Packaging Refrigerated Perishables

According to the FDA, refrigerated items should be kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Phase change materials, such as refrigerant gel packs, cold packs, and moisture-safe gel packs may be combined with insulation to keep refrigerated perishables cool during transit.
Insulated packaging may include insulated bubble box liners, foam containers, and bubble rolls, in combination with a transportable container such as a cardboard box.

Packaging Frozen Perishables

When packaging frozen perishables, it is recommended that you use dry ice instead of ice packs. According to the FDA, frozen items should be kept at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Solidified carbon dioxide, or dry ice, is a cost-effective option for shipping frozen goods. Dry ice has a surface temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that items packaged with dry ice require special handling, technical regulations, and additional protective packaging. When shipping frozen cargo, it is recommended that shippers combine dry ice with insulation to maintain freezing temperatures.

Use the Proper Coolants

When shipping perishable items, it is necessary to use the proper coolants to maintain appropriate temperatures throughout the transit process. Coolant options may include gel packs, dry ice, and wet ice. Attributes such as the required temperature, material, and cargo content can help determine what coolant option should be used.

Gel Packs

For items that need to remain refrigerated but not frozen, gel packs are the best option. Cold gel packs are typically filled with water and have a freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, there generally is only a 2 to the 8-degree range, depending on the starting temperature and the total volume of each item, when using gel packs.

Gel packs can also supplement dry ice to slow down the sublimation process, keep frozen items cold and preserve the temperature of dry ice. In winter, gel packs can be kept at room temperature and added to perishable items to prevent freeze.

Dry Ice

Dry ice remains at approximately -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit or -78.5 degrees Celsius. As the dry ice evaporates, it transforms into carbon dioxide gas in a process known as sublimation. Due to the low temperature of dry ice, it is an ideal option for items that need to be kept frozen for the duration of the transportation process, such as ice cream, frozen meats, and seafood.

It should be noted that dry ice should not be packed with goods sensitive to freezing temperatures, such as flowers, pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and live seafood. Items packed with dry ice must be kept sealed and airtight to protect the products' texture, taste, and integrity from the effects of dry ice. Dry ice sublimates at a rate of approximately 5 to 10 pounds every 24 hours, making it a durable option when shipping frozen goods for long distances.

Wet Ice

Wet ice, or frozen water kept at a temperature at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, can be used to hold beverages, seafood, and meat cold and on ice. Wet ice must be packaged carefully to prevent water from leaking during transit. Packaging options may include a plastic liner and an outer plastic liner to ensure any melted ice remains inside the package and does not leak onto other items.

Label the Packaging Correctly

When shipping temperature-sensitive cargo, it is necessary that you correctly label the packaging to indicate that it needs to be kept frozen or refrigerated. Label the package ‘Perishable’ or ‘Refrigerated’ on the box and list any information about the recipient and suitable storage needs. If an item needs to remain upright, label the box with “This Side Up.”

You must also notify the recipient of any specific needs, such as placing items into a fridge or freezer upon arrival. Although proper labeling can help diminish the risk for perishable goods, it is necessary to package goods appropriately to ensure they maintain an appropriate temperature and are not damaged in transit.

Choosing the Proper Shipping Provider

You must choose a reliable shipping provider with the capacity to ship perishable goods promptly. When you are shipping perishable goods, selecting a provider that offers expedited shipping options and advanced tracking technology to monitor each shipment is a great idea. Tracking services will allow you to ensure perishable goods are delivered in the appropriate amount of time to protect their quality and integrity.

Three Types of Perishables

Non-refrigerated
Refrigerated
Frozen

Non-Refrigerated Perishables

Non-refrigerated perishables may include:

Food or produce items with a short shelf life, such as bread
Some vegetables
Some grain products

Refrigerated Perishables

Refrigerated perishable items may include:

Fresh produce
Dairy products
Meat
Seafood

Frozen Perishables

Frozen perishable items may include:

Ice cream
Frozen fruits
Frozen desserts
Frozen meat
Frozen seafood

What Are the Benefits of Shipping Perishable Food?

Because perishable items have a limited shelf life and require a temperature-controlled environment, shipments are typically expedited with the shortest route to deliver items in the best state possible.

Carriers can also arrange for specific vehicle options to fit best the type of cargo you are shipping. Insulated containers may be implemented to protect perishable freight from outside temperatures. Refrigerated trucks may also keep the load at or below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezer trucks maintain temperatures between -10 and -4 degrees Fahrenheit and are best used when shipping frozen goods.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Perishables?

Typically, shippers can expect to pay between $30 and $150 to ship perishable packages. The shipping cost depends on the weight of the items you send, the destination, package weight, and any additional shipping services. The time frame you need the package to be delivered is also a significant factor in determining the cost of perishable shipping items.

When determining how to ship perishable items, it is essential to ensure the necessary packaging is used, shipping regulations are followed, and perishable items are shipped quickly to ensure they do not expire. Doing so may affect the transportation costs; however, investing in the shipping needs of perishable items is beneficial for the shipper, carrier, supplier, and customer.

Shipping Perishables: The Bottom Line

When shipping perishable goods, using a trusted cold chain logistics partner is the best way to ensure your items remain fresh throughout transportation. A professional transportation service provider, such as RPM, will ensure your valuable items make it from point A to point B while protecting their quality, safety, and integrity. RPM is in a network of more than 40,000 carriers, equipped with advanced tracking technology to keep their valued customers in the loop on every leg of the journey.

Are you interested in shipping perishables? Visit our website to learn more.