HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY TRANSPORT PERISHABLE GOODS

chilled packaging


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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