HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY TRANSPORT PERISHABLE GOODS
Keeping perishable goods at the right temperature is essential to guarantee the safety and quality of the products. When safety requirements are not met, food can suffer alterations such as discoloration, texture degradation, microbial growth and bruising. Problems that could lead to high costs for retailers.
The transport of
perishable goods must consider refrigeration systems, the energy necessary for
their operation and the need to maintain the integrity of the load. That is why
cold chain products have a higher transportation cost than their standard
equivalent.
Transportation in
refrigerated units is used to keep these products at low temperatures, which
slows down the rate of chemical changes and the growth of microorganisms.
Different ways of transporting perishable goods
These are the
different ways in which perishable products can be transported safely.
Road transport of perishable products
When transporting
perishable items by road, ice or dry ice may be used, while rail transport
involves dry ice and refrigeration systems.
Air transport of perishable goods
Air is considered the
best option for transporting perishable products. Airports have dedicated areas
with cold rooms and freezers. Its temperature control allows you to store and
transport perishable products more efficiently. Air transport is one of the
kings of the sector due to its speed and versatility.
Maritime transport of perishable goods
Goods are transported
in refrigerated ships fully equipped with systems that allow proper air
circulation. Products can also be shipped in refrigerated containers. Before
shipping perishable products, a “Storage Temperature Control Sheet” is used to
specify the temperature at which the refrigerated product must be kept in the
container.
Special vehicles with controlled temperature
Controlled temperature
systems are used to store and ship perishable goods. This is the list of some
vehicles manufactured to keep the products in their ideal temperature and
condition.
- Isothermal:
This type of vehicle has built-in insulating doors, walls, floor, and
roof, which control heat transfer between the exterior and interior
portion of the vehicle.
- Refrigerated system:
The best option is a refrigerated trailer if you transport refrigerated
goods. Generally, it has a non-mechanical cold source system that can
reduce the interior temperature and maintain it at an average of between
30ºC and -20ºC outside temperature.
- Freezer:
Some perishable products need a high freezing point to maintain their
conditions and quality. These require a constant temperature between -12ºC
and -20ºC.
Tips for transporting perishable merchandise
Perishables have a
huge market among all the products and items being shipped, and it is one of
the most widely distributed products worldwide. However, delivering these
products comes with several challenges, so as a manufacturer or producer,
knowing the best way to transport them is key.
Perishable merchandise
could spoil during shipment without proper handling and temperature measures.
To prevent this from happening, some tips should also be considered so that the
products can be shipped correctly to ensure good logistics management.
1. Invest in the right packaging
Not all perishable
products fit into the same packaging. Packaging varies greatly depending on the
type of food. For frozen products, containers should be prepared with good
insulation to maintain the cold temperature. On the other hand, fruits,
vegetables, and baked goods should be wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil to
keep them fresh for preparation and consumption.
Cardboard boxes can be
used for protective
packaging. Wooden crates and
steel containers can also be useful, but they work better for larger, heavier
loads.
2. Add ice packs
Ice packs will keep
the chilled packaging cool to prevent it from spoiling. Also, it will provide a low
temperature to keep you cool. Gel ice packs or dry ice can be used. You can opt
for gel ice packs if you want reusable, easy-to-freeze ice. Dry ice will be
used if long-lasting ice is desired and to reduce the amount of moisture.
3. Secure the wrapper
Once it has been properly
wrapped and insulated, the next task is to keep the merchandise safe. We must
prevent the products from moving around the container during transportation.
It will be necessary
to ensure all the ties outside the packaging are fixed, tight and secure. A
pallet or container will be used, mainly when transported by land or sea.
4. Plan the route and delivery time.
All perishable
products have a limited shelf life. Therefore, they can rot or go bad during
shipping, so transportation should not be delayed route. Fortunately, we can
prevent this from happening. Therefore, the delivery routes and times will be
planned to avoid compromised products.
Transporting
perishable goods can be challenging. Therefore, planning is essential for the successful
process and for the final consumer to enjoy the product in the best conditions.

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