How to Ship Perishable Food
From shipping food to beverages to transporting medications and more, if your business ships perishable items, you need these simple tips for sending perishable food and other things!
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Specialized FreightHow to Ship Perishable Food Safely and Efficiently with FreightCenter
Shipping perishable food is a process that requires careful planning and strict guidelines to ensure that the food products remain fresh and maintain quality. From vegetables and fruits to dairy products and meats, these perishable goods demand specialized handling and temperature-controlled environments through transportation.
We believe that FreightCenter is a top-tier 3PL to consider when shipping perishable food; with our 25+ years of industry expertise, extensive carrier network, outstanding customer support, and reliable and efficient delivery services, you can trust that your perishable food items will be handled with precision and care while being delivered safely to their destination.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Types of Perishables Foods Shipped
The transport of perishables such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy products, and flowers continues to increase globally every year. This is due to growing consumer demand for healthy and fresh produce all year round, irrespective of seasonality. Since most perishables and fresh produce have short shelf lives, air cargo is the preferred mode of transportation.
Types of Perishable Foods Shipped
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Spices and Dried Herbs (although most are sent by sea)
- Meat and Meat Products
- Seafood
- Shellfish
- Cheese and Dairy Products
- Eggs
- Baked Goods and Confectionery
- Frozen Food
Maintaining the Cold Chain
Various ways exist to maintain the cold chain from origin to destination, depending on the product type, flight duration, and connection times.
Unit Load Devices (ULDs)
Equipped with a motor, batteries, and a dry ice compartment that maintains the temperature for up to 72 hours, ULDs are the ideal solution for susceptible pharmaceutical products. Various types of insulated packaging are available such as cardboard boxes with expanded polystyrene or aluminum sheets. This packaging comes in multiple sizes and is usually sufficient on direct flights if combined with a coolant.
- Isothermal containers.
- Insulated packaging.
Refrigerated and Frozen Air Freight For Foodstuffs
Air freight is sometimes the only solution for specific shipments of perishable products. The option of refrigerated or frozen shipping on a large scale or full plane load is unavailable. This is due to perishables good’s short shelf life and ensuring the item arrives usable to the consignee.
- Air Freight Services
- Air freight
- Reefer and frozen air freight
- Logistics Services
Using air freight to transport products that need to be maintained at a specific temperature is very risky as there are many critical points in the logistics chain that threaten the cold chain. From loading at the point of origin, awaiting loading on the runway (often in the sun), time in the hold (where the temperature can be anything from -18ºC to +20ºC), or waiting times in a warehouse, there are many external threats to the temperature of the product calling for specialist treatment by an expert perishable cargo freight forwarder.
Planning is crucial. Calculations must include flight duration, connection times, cut-off times for each flight, clearance times, etc.
- Air freight
- Sea Freight
- Customs Broker (Willson)
- Logistics, Distribution, and Warehousing
- Project cargo
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
No need for a full truck? No problem. Our LTL shipping allows you to share trailer space and cut costs while still getting reliable, fast delivery. Perfect for smaller shipments - pay only for the space you use and and enjoy top-tier service every time.
Need a dedicated truck for your shipment? Our FTL services give you exclusive use o a full trailer, ensuring faster transit times, less handling, and maximum efficiency. Whether a bulk shipment, heavy in weight, or time-sensitive, we'll get it there - safe, secure, and on schedule.
When hours matter, air freight is the fastest way to ship across the country or internationally. FreightCenter connect you with compliant air cargo carries for rapid, secure delivery - ideal for perishable food shipments on a deadline.
For businesses shipping large quantities of perishable food, FreightCenter offers volume shipping discounts. By consolidating your shipments and working with our network of carriers, you can lower costs without sacrificing reliability or speed.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FreightCenter is an Expert in Shipping Perishable Food
At FreightCenter, we understand the critical role that shipping perishable food plays in your supply chain. When it comes to transporting food like fruits, vegetables, and dairy, we are the unrivaled choice. Our extensive network of carriers ensures reliable and efficient delivery, regardless of the size or weight of your shipment.
With our advanced technology and industry expertise, we streamline the entire shipping process, saving you valuable time and money. Count on us to handle complex logistics, provide transparent tracking, and offer competitive rates. Give our expert agents a call at (800)716-7608 and experience peace of mind knowing your perishable food will reach its destination safely and on time with FreightCenter, your trusted partner in freight transportation.
FAQ: Shipping Perishable Food
Q. Can I ship perishable food with FreightCenter?
Yes, FreightCenter specializes in arranging temperature-controlled shipping services for perishable items like meat, seafood, dairy, and produce.
Q. How do I book a refrigerated shipment with FreightCenter?
You can get a free quote online or call a FreightCenter shipping expert to book reefer freight for perishable food.
Q. Do I need special packaging for shipping perishable food?
Yes, you must use insulated boxes, gel packs, dry ice (for frozen items), and tamper-proof packaging to ensure food safety.
Q. Is it safe to ship perishable food long-distance with FreightCenter?
Yes, FreightCenter coordinates with carriers experienced in cold chain logistics to ensure safe, long-distance delivery of perishable goods.
Q. How much does it cost to ship perishable food with FreightCenter?
Costs vary based on weight, distance, freight class, temperature requirements, and packaging. You can get an instant quote online.
Q. Is there insurance available for perishable food shipments?
Yes, FreightCenter offers additional freight insurance to cover perishable food in case of spoilage, delay, or damage.
Q. Can I track my perishable food shipment with FreightCenter?
Yes, you can track your perishable food shipment from point A to point B with FrieghtCenter with our advanced tracking tools. All you need is your tracking number.
Q. Can I get volume discounts for shipping perishable food with FreightCenter?
Yes, FreightCenter offers volume discounts and negotiated rates for regular or high-volume shippers.
Q. Can I schedule pickup and delivery windows for perishable food shipments?
Yes, you can request scheduled pickup and delivery times to ensure someone is available to receive your temperature-sensitive freight.
Q. Does FreightCenter follow FDA food safety guidelines for shipping?
Yes, FreightCenter ensures that all carriers meet FDA and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) requirements.
Q. Can I ship perishable food internationally with FreightCenter?
Yes, FreightCenter offers international refrigerated freight options and helps navigate customs regulations for food products.
Q. Can I ship perishable food to rural areas with FreightCenter?
Yes, FreightCenter’s network includes carriers that deliver to rural or remote areas with proper temperature control.
Q. What labeling is required for perishable food shipments?
Label packages clearly with “Perishable,” temperature requirements, handling instructions, and hazmat labels (if using dry ice).
Q. Can small food businesses use FreightCenter for perishable shipping?
Absolutely. FreightCenter supports small businesses and startups shipping perishable products like baked goods or meal kits.
Q. What industries benefit from FreightCenter's perishable food shipping?
Many industries benefit from FreightCenter’s services. This includes foodservice, agriculture, grocery, meal delivery, seafood, and bakery industries. All of these industries commonly rely on FreightCenter.
Three Things You Didn't Know About Shipping Perishable Food
The "Danger Zone" Is Critical
Perishable food must be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacteria growth that can make it unsafe to consume. Temperature-controlled shipping is critical in shipping perishable food. Talk to an expert freight agent about our temperature-controlled freight services.
Just-In-Time Delivery Is Widely Used
Grocery chains use just-in-time inventory for perishables - products arrive exactly when needed, reducing waste but requiring precise logistics. FreightCenter offers Just-In-Time Logistics for your perishable food shipments.
Insulation Materials Are A Must
When shipping perishable food, insulation packaging is a must. Instead of Stryofoam, many companies now use biodegradable insulation. Our freight agents will assist you in ensuring you have the right packaging for your perishable food items.
