Guide to Temperature-Controlled Shipping

Regardless of the season, knowing how to pack and ship for temperature-controlled shipping plays a vital role in the supply chain. As the winter months carry on and the spring harvest season is on the horizon, now is a good time to stay ahead of the game when it comes to temperature-controlled shipping. From inclement weather to the produce season preparation to mass vaccine distribution, temperature-controlled shipping plays a more prominent role in the supply chain and logistics industry than you may think. Let’s review some tips on packing and shipping for temperature-controlled shipping.

 

Pack and Ship For Temperature-Controlled Shipping

 

Temperature-controlled freight shipping refers to anything that needs to remain at a specific temperature during transit. Produce, food, flowers, and pharmaceutical items are often shipped via this method. This type of freight requires special handling to protect the integrity of the cargo while in the back of a freight truck.

Temperature-controlled shipping also refers to protecting sensitive items from external weather conditions. A route that takes your cargo through freezing cold conditions could mean you should opt for freeze protection services to keep your freight safe. If you’re shipping during the very hot summer months and your cargo is temperature sensitive, you may also need to select temperature-controlled shipping. Damaged or spoiled cargo is not only money out of your business but also products not getting to your customers. So, make it a win-win, and select temperature-controlled shipping for your temperature-sensitive items.

 

Proper Packaging Is Key

 

Setting your supply chain up for success means choosing suitable packaging. You should follow all guidelines when preparing to pack and ship for temperature-controlled shipping. The most common packaging for temperature-controlled freight includes:

Choosing the correct coolant is also a vital step in the packaging process. The best coolants you should use for temperature-controlled freight are dry ice and gel packs. Traditional ice melts and could damage your freight.

 

What’s the Difference between Coolants?

 

Dry ice is generally the best choice when shipping frozen items. With that in mind, never pack dry ice with live seafood or flowers. Additionally, do not let dry ice come into direct contact with any food items. As dry ice becomes warmer, it converts into carbon dioxide. Thus, packaging containing dry ice must have ventilation in order for the gas to escape.

Gel packs are the ideal coolant of choice for keeping goods between 32 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you pack enough gel packs to keep your cargo at the ideal temperature range it needs to be within. Always secure gel packs and similar coolants with tape to protect your cargo. Additionally, include enough padding to prevent movement within the package further. This could consist of peanuts and bubble wrap.

This is especially important when shipping delicate items, such as flowers. Place a layer of packing material between the coolant and flowers to reduce damage.

For more information on other types of freight packaging, be sure to download our free guide to freight packaging. You can explore your options and choose the packaging method that works best for your shipments.

 

Monitoring Temperature-Controlled Goods During Transit

 

Consider add-ons for extra-sensitive shipments to help you monitor the shipment during transit. For example, you can choose to add a temperature-monitoring device. This provides you with real-time updates on your item’s temperature. Remember, any additional services you choose will come at an additional cost, but these services will help ensure your cargo arrives safely and securely, giving you added peace of mind.

Additionally, you can add on services to receive delivery updates. This allows you to know exactly when your shipment has been delivered. It also provides delivery alerts, so you can make sure someone is there to receive the package upon delivery.

As mentioned before, freeze protection services ensure your freight won’t get too cold during transit. Some items that are susceptible to freezing are:

Carrier Experience is Vital

 

Next, pick a carrier that has experience shipping temperature-controlled freight. Carriers with reputable experience know how to regulate temperature during transit and keep a temperature log, tracking your shipment’s temperature every step of the way. This is especially important when shipping cold chain items like pharmaceuticals, biologics, or lab specimens.

Additionally, temperature-sensitive items often need to arrive within a strict time frame. So, selecting a suitable carrier is essential to ensure your item arrives on schedule. Be sure you have someone available to accept the delivery of your shipment, too.

Keep in mind that carriers are generally busier during the holidays, and shipments don’t always move over the weekend. If you have a shipment that needs to arrive by a specific date and time, be sure to let your carrier know your shipping needs before you ship your item.

 

Understand the Rules and Regulations

 

There are several rules and regulations to keep in mind when shipping temperature-controlled freight. For example, dry ice is actually considered a hazardous material. Therefore, the rules and regulations vary based on the amount of dry ice within the package. You must label your shipment correctly to let the carrier know a hazardous material is inside the package.

Typically, U.S. shipments below 5.5 lbs. may be shipped with minimal package markings (as long as the items being shipped are not hazardous). In other words, simply marking the words “dry ice” on the packaging should be enough. On the other hand, packages containing dry ice and weighing more than 5.5 lbs. must comply with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations or International Air Transportation Association (IATA) rules, depending on the mode of transportation.

Additionally, shipments containing pharmaceuticals, diagnostic specimens, and biological specimens are subject to FDA and DEA regulations and federal hazardous materials regulations. Furthermore, chemical shipments may also be subject to federal hazardous materials regulations.

In short, rules and regulations vary depending on what you are shipping, its weight, and more. Understanding the rules and regulations or working with a third-party logistics (3PL) company that knows the ins and outs before sending your shipment is essential.

 

Ship Your Temperature-Controlled Cargo with FreightCenter

 

FreightCenter’s shipping experts can help ship your temperature-controlled shipment. With a network of reliable temperature-controlled shipping carriers and over 20 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of the cold chain industry. Let us help you choose the best cold chain carrier for the best rate and get your temperature-sensitive cargo to where it needs to be all year round!

Get your cold chain products moving today by getting a free online quote, or call 8007167608 to speak with one of our shipping experts today.