This summer is already off to a hot start and while things seem to have cooled off in a much-needed reprieve, there’s no guarantee that it’ll last for long. For those with nothing but tanning and a trip to the beach to worry about, the sun is a welcome addition to their day but for those looking to ship perishable and high-risk items, the heat can add a stress that they just don’t need. Whether shipping food, plants or other temperature-sensitive items, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you with your packaging and shipping this summer.
Consider Faster Shipping Options
While the cooler months could allow for a slower shipping option, hot weather is the ideal time to invest in the next day or even same day shipping services. You don’t have the time to play with perishable items, especially those that are temperature sensitive and so it may be ideal to invest in special delivery services. Additionally, opting for groupage services could have your items on a truck and off to their destination much more quickly than if opting for a specific courier service, and at a much lower cost.
Be Smart With Shipping Times
When it comes to hot weather and shipping perishables, the time you choose to ship can make all the difference. Sending your package on its way throughout the day could leave it subject to the midday sun and the resulting scorching heat. Instead, try and pick later shipments as the day begins to cool, or even an overnight delivery to avoid the sun completely. Night shipments could even lead to a lower cost for both you and the recipient due to lower demand.
Use Insulation
Foam insulation and polystyrene containers are viable options for those wanting to keep their items cool in the heat. Not only will these materials help keep the cold in, but they’ll also keep the warmer air out and can often act as padding within a box alone. This way, you won’t need any excess space around the container or the box that could warm up during transit. However, it’s best to take this on a case-by-case basis. If your items are fragile, you may still need excess padding to be safe, in which case, foam peanuts could be an ideal option.
If Using Ice or Gel Packs, Make Sure You Account For The Price
Ice and gel packs are a great way to keep shipments cool and work wonders when utilised alongside the aforementioned insulation. However, by adding ice packs or gel inserts, you’re going to have to account for excess weight and potentially larger dimensions, too. Whether you apply this cost to your customers’ final fee or you cover the costs yourself is up to you, but this is still a price you’ll need to consider.
Label Correctly And Inform Your Courier
If you’re shipping perishables, make sure everyone who crosses paths with your box knows it. Labelling your shipment as temperature sensitive will ensure that couriers and freight drivers alike will do their utmost and take extra care with your goods, keeping them in cooler environments where possible and not out in the blistering sunshine. Similarly, you need to inform your delivery company before they pick up the shipment for delivery. This way, they can account for any potential adjustments they made need to make in order to get your goods from A to B successfully. You could even choose Signed-For delivery to ensure that your recipient knows when the parcel arrives and can immediately bring it into a cooler environment where needed.
Shipping in the heat doesn’t have to be stressful and while most of us can sweat at the idea of shipping something like Chocolate, seafood or even flowers during the hottest parts of the year, there are thousands of successful companies across the globe who do exactly that every year.
Here at Barrington Freight, we will do our utmost to cater and care for your commercial shipments, but for more information and to speak to one of our experts, please get in touch, today.
