Tips and guideline to send perishable goods

Tips & guideline to send perisahble goods

The backbone of perishable logistics are reliable & fast shipping. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that send perishable goods really sensitive in terms of temperatures and environmental conditions. Because perishable logistics relay on time to bring  products such as marine product and vegetable, it has to  be handled and transported with reliable freight forwarding. A vendor have to make sure the handling procedures is good. Some of the procedures including special packaging or handling. Before we share the tips, we have to share the challenge so you can see it holistically.

The challanges

Shipping non-durable goods presents businesses with many challenges.  Minor errors or exposures to normal conditions can cause waste in the case of such cargo. Shippers are faced with a difficult task when shipping food products due to the increasing consumer demand for traceability, transparency, freshness, and traceability.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that around 41% of the world's food is lost/broken between the process of harvest and retail. If this can reduce, FAO state that it can save some of this food to help end hunger around the world. It can also lead to savings up to IDR 1,8 - 4,5 Trillion for businesses.  

Some of the common challanges in shipping non-durable items include:

• Temperature control Frozen food like fish, crab or meat should be maintained at constant temperatures in order to prevent spoilage. However, there are risk when shipping this stuff such as power loss, poor handling and broken cold chains. According to the IATA, 20% of perishables are damaged during transit because of a broken cold chains.
• Delays in shipping : Perishable cargo can be ruined by delayed customs processing, port holdups or miscommunications. The current condition such as lockdown in China, or Ukuraine war are affecting global supply chain and it made it more frequent for delays to occur.
• Cross-contamination risk: Contamination is a serious threat to perishable shipments due to the potential health risks it can pose. The shipping company has an increased responsibility to use packaging and handling methods that minimize the risk of contamination.
• Regulatory requirements International shipments are usually subject to tight regulation. Perishable products add layers of complexity. These regulations are continually updated and may lead to the destruction or rejection of food products.
• High shipping cost: Shipping perishables can be costly and time-consuming. These costs must be transferred to consumers by B2B sellers. Unexpected and expensive problems can occur after-sales, which may force sellers to incur additional costs. but worry not, there are several freight forwarder (including us) who commit to give price transparacy with no hidden cost.

This guide will show you how to ship perishable goods and give you smart tips for making it a smooth process.

How do you ship perishable foods?

Properly shipping perishable foods is more than a matter convenience and profitability. It is also crucial for sustainable and responsible businesses.

Step 1: Preparing to ship

Before you take any action, consider the type of food products that you are shipping and how the items is treated. Some perishables like bread and pastries may not be refrigerated but other perishables, such as dairy, meat, seafood and fresh product, need to be refrigerate to keep it frozen.

For non-refrigerated products, it is important to consider the best shipping conditions and temperatures and plan accordingly. Refrigerated and frozen foods might need to be sufficiently cooled before shipping. These products should be kept at the ideal temperature for approximately 20-35 hours before shipping (depend on how long it takes to the destination).

Some of these items must be protected from damage such as water damage and thawing before being packaged. You can use waterproof or airtight wrap, padding or foam inserts to protect your items.

Step 2: Selecting coolants

Frozen and chilled foods need to be kept at the correct temperature while being shipped. Dry ice, insulated boxes and ice packs are some of the options available to shippers for this purpose.

• Insulated container: Insulated containers are equipped with an interior foam padding to keep cool temperatures in mind. Food will last longer if it has thicker foam padding. Three-quarter inch (3/4") thick foam packs are recommended for keeping food chilled over night. One and a half inch (1 1/2") thick foam packs are better for longer trips of up to five days.
• Dry Ice: Dryice is extremely efficient at maintaining freezing temperatures. It can be chilled to -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much lower than regular ice. It is considered dangerous because it is essentially carbon dioxide frozen. Dry ice should be handled with care as direct contact can prove dangerous.
• Ice packs Cold packs are an alternative to dry ice. However, they can be as cold as dry. There are many types of gel packs: foam bricks, solid plastic, and gel packs. Some are reusable, while others are only for one use. Gel packs are used to ship food products that have a temperature of between -32 degrees and -60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Package perishables

Packaging is dependent on whether the shipment contains refrigerated or non-refrigerated food.

Wrap non-refrigerated food like apples in breathable packaging and place it in a cardboard box. To prevent movement, make sure you fill all spaces with padding material. Common padding materials such as bubble wrap and tissue paper can be used.

Frozen and refrigerated foods may need to be wrapped in airtight or waterproof bags. Wrap the bag in an insulated container. If dry ice is used to cool packages, make sure the package weighs no more than 5.5 pounds. Any package exceeding this dry ice weight could be considered hazardous.

Dry ice should not be placed in sealed containers. The gases released by the ice must be allowed to escape. You should also ensure that the ice doesn't touch the food products. Finally, place your insulated container in a corrugated cardboard case.

Step 4: Appropriate labeling

Each perishable shipment must be properly sealed and labeled. The 'H" tape sealing method is recommended by international carriers and logistics companies, such as FedEx, 6,. This method involves applying pressure sensitive tape to the box's top, bottom, seams and flaps.

Next, write the word "perishable” in bold font on the shipping box. You can indicate the preferred orientation of your box with arrows or "This End Up", markings. Make sure you also add "Fragile" sticker for fragile items such as glass and delicate food items in your package.

International shipping regulations require that dry ice be labeled precisely. The label must include the following: "Dry Ice", "Carbon Dioxide Solid" or "UN 1845". The box must indicate the dry ice's net weight in kilograms, and the address and name of the shipper.

Step 5: Choose your freight forwarder

The last step is to place your packaged shipment on a carrier. It is important to make arrangements with your chosen carrier in advance.

You want to make sure you get a seamless and speedy delivery when choosing a shipping company. This will ensure that your goods are kept fresh. If your goods require a refrigerated shipping solution, they should be able to offer the appropriate shipping options, such as overnight delivery or next-day delivery.

Some carriers might prefer to ship shipments with less dry ice than is allowed internationally or require specific preparations. Discuss your specific dry ice requirements and packaging/handling needs with your freight forwarder.

Last, make sure to communicate with the recipient to let them know what to do with the package, how dry ice should be handled, and any storage needs after shipping. Discuss your logistics needs with our logistics expert if you have any question regarding perishable delivery here.