Refrigerated transportation involves the shipping of temperature-sensitive products. Simply put, it’s a process used to keep perishable items cold during shipping. Before going into detail about refrigerated transportation, it’s vital to differentiate products requiring refrigeration from those that don’t. Essentially, a refrigerated truck is often necessary for items you need to keep at a certain temperature to remain fresh, including:
- Meat and dairy products
- Fruits and vegetables
- Pharmaceuticals
- Flowers
Typically, shippers use temperature-controlled trucks to transport perishable goods. Such trucks sport built-in refrigeration systems to regulate a shipment’s temperature in transit. In so doing, products can maintain their quality. And although the logistics of refrigeration transport are complex, they are responsible for keeping our economies ticking as they are a vital part of the global supply chain.
Regulation Makes Refrigerated Transport a Necessity
Many customers order food and other perishable items online. And while this is a convenient option, it can create some challenges regarding food safety. Essentially, the core aspect of food safety is temperature control. That’s why refrigerated delivery service is now a regulatory requirement for businesses that ship perishable items.
By using refrigerated trucks and containers, businesses can ensure their products are kept at a safe temperature throughout the shipping process. This protects the quality of their products and reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Hence, as more businesses offer online delivery, they must understand the importance of regulatory compliance.
Generally, refrigerated transport companies are required to implement specific procedures relating to temperature control provisions. The FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act also imposes stricter training requirements for drivers of refrigerated trucks. This ensures they can manage their freight’s temperature and report the same for each shipment.
Consequently, adaptability to these regulations is key to the survival of any firm intending to transport refrigerated goods. If you’re planning to ship perishable products, it would be prudent to establish long-term partnerships with a firm that abides by the Act’s directives.
Preparation is Key
A lot goes into planning the delivery of perishable goods. It’s not just about owning a refrigerated truck and providing related services.
For starters, the transportation company takes stock of what must be shipped to determine the appropriate temperature to transport them. For instance, frozen goods may require temperatures as low as -85° Fahrenheit, while other food or perishables generally require between 33°F and 39°F.
The shipping firm also has to package products using the appropriate or recommended materials to prevent spoilage and protect them in transit. Some of the common materials shippers use include:
- Wood- ideal for frozen products.
- Cardboard- works well with cool freight.
- Styrofoam- is the most effective for shipping perishables without the need for additional insulation.
- Plastic- suitable for frozen or cool freight.
After packaging, the shipping company has to find the ideal plan to load their truck to keep goods from spoiling. Failure to load temperature-sensitive items on time could lead to spoilage, meaning valuable goods could end up as waste before being shipped to the recipient.
Plus, the shipper has to take precautions to avoid damage during loading. This also implies securing their freight in the truck. Then, the driver monitors each shipment in transit and may adjust the truck’s temperature if necessary. Refrigerated trailers usually sport a monitoring system to keep the temperature within a set range. In so doing, the shipper can ensure products retain quality in transit.
The client can take delivery once the goods arrive at the intended destination. And more importantly, the unloading process must be both efficient and quick. One way to achieve this is to use an air curtain. This helps seal in the cool air, preventing it from escaping and reducing the risk of spoiling the products.
Another key factor is to ensure products are stored in an area with good ventilation. Doing so allows excess heat to be dissipated quickly, ensuring products remain at a consistent temperature.
What Value Does Refrigerated Shipping Offer?
When you need to transport goods, time is often of the essence. This is particularly true for perishable items that must be kept cool or cold during transit. Refrigerated shipping can provide several benefits in these cases, helping to ensure goods arrive at their destination in the same condition they were in when they started their journey.
It may also extend the shelf life of non-perishable goods by keeping them cooler during transit. As a result, refrigerated shipping can offer substantial value for businesses needing to transport goods quickly and safely.
Besides, transporting perishable goods can be a tricky business. If goods are not stored at the correct temperature, they can spoil during transit, leading to business losses and customer disappointment. It also explains why more businesses are opting for refrigerated shipping, even though it may cost a bit more.
But, the gains far outweigh the price you pay to transport perishable products. When goods are shipped refrigerated, there is no risk of spoilage en route. Thus, businesses are assured their products will arrive in perfect condition every time. Moreover, customers are more likely to be satisfied with products that have been shipped refrigerated, as they know they will be fresh and of the highest quality.