Shipping temperature-sensitive products can be high stakes. Even minor fluctuations can compromise the product’s quality, leading to catastrophic financial loss or worse. Best practices for transporting temperature-sensitive products vary from one industry to the next. Pharmaceuticals like vaccines and blood products, and perishable foods like dairy products, flowers, chemicals, as well as lab samples are among the most common examples of temperature-sensitive products, and each requires its own unique approach.
Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Temperature-Sensitive Products
Discover the most common mistakes when shipping temperature-sensitive goods, and learn how to avoid them in this quick guide.
1. Using Improper Packaging While Shipping Temperature-Sensitive Products
Temperature-sensitive goods need to be packaged correctly at every stage of the shipping process. Failing to take the right precautions, or neglecting to invest in effective packaging options, easily leads to temperature fluctuations that can damage the product’s quality and even ruin it.
Thermal liners, coolers, and temperature-controlled containers must be used, and the goods should be packed tightly and safely so they cannot shift during shipping. In some cases, further precautions, like the use of dry ice, are necessary for the best temperature conditions.
2. Failing to Monitor the Temperature
Continuous temperature monitoring ensures the integrity of temperature-sensitive freight; it is not enough to monitor the temperature periodically. In some cases, the product may appear to be in good condition, only to have suffered serious damage during transport.
3. Improper Handling of Temperature-Sensitive Goods
Temperature-sensitive goods may have to be inspected during the shipping process. They may also have to be transferred from one mode of transit to another, and idle periods are not unusual. It is essential for these goods to be properly handled at all times. In many cases, that includes not just the avoidance of temperature fluctuations, but also ensuring there is no exposure to sunlight.
4. Neglecting to Plan Ahead
Logistics companies responsible for the shipment of temperature-sensitive goods need to plan ahead by preparing the correct documentation and transit plan, as well as by preparing for contingencies.
Many temperature-sensitive products require special permits or need to adhere to certain regulations. Shipping companies should always be aware of these (for example, Good Distribution Practices), and comply with all relevant regulations.
Having your ducks in a row prevents necessary delays that can potentially spoil heat-sensitive products or otherwise render them unusable.
5. Not Hiring an Experienced Shipping Company
Numerous different heat-sensitive products are correctly transported every day, and they reach their destination safely and soundly. That’s not an accident. Competent logistics companies experienced in handling specific heat-sensitive products like foods, flowers, and pharmaceuticals run smooth and secure operations. Every person involved in the shipping process must understand what is required to handle the product safely.
Whether a heat-sensitive product is being shipped a short distance, or halfway across the globe it is essential to work with professionals who understand how to maintain the integrity of the product at all times.
Shipping heat-sensitive products is a complicated and challenging process, but with the right partner, you’ll know your product is in good hands.
Cannonball Express Transportation
Cannonball Express Shipping Company has been providing top-of-the-line service at a reasonable rate. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, we provide nationwide refrigerated LTL services, as well as, local delivery services. Contact us today!
Nationwide Shipping Company Services:
- Refrigerated LTL deliveries in the lower 48 states
- Refrigerated Cross dock
Local Shipping Company Services:
- Redelivery Services
- Truckload & LTL Capabilities
- PUP
- Cross dock
- Transload
- Warehouse and Distribution capabilities from multiple Omaha Locations