Safe and Cost-Effective Solutions for Shipping Perishable Food
Shipping perishable food items presents the challenges of balancing product quality, costs, and timely delivery. Traditionally, dry ice has been the go-to solution, but that solution carries with it the burdens of safety hazards, major expense, and complex regulations. Alternatives, like gel packs and insulated containers, offer a more manageable and cost-effective approach.
You should also check PeriShip’s curated weather forecasts for transit routes prior to shipping perishable food items to identify any areas with potential delays due to weather.
Dry Ice Issues
Dry ice costs $1.00 to $3.00 per pound. Needed volume makes that total add up quickly. Safety issues aside, shipping regulations and environmental impacts make alternatives increasingly attractive. For businesses shipping internationally, especially to countries like Canada, compliance with specific packing instructions and the need to obtain necessary licenses are crucial. Carrier agreements and potential packing strategy adjustments further complicate the use of dry ice.
A Low-Cost Alternative: Gel Packs and Insulated Containers
Regardless of the cooling method, adherence to USDA standards is paramount. Frozen items must maintain temperatures at or below 0°F, while refrigerated foods should stay between 0°F and 40°F throughout transit. To avoid the expense, handling difficulties, and regulatory burdens of dry ice, a combination of gel packs and insulated containers may be the solution.
Gel packs, filled with non-toxic, water-based gel, offer consistent temperature maintenance and a more controlled cooling effect that helps minimize spoilage. Their flexibility prevents overly harsh freezing, which is a common dry ice issue. Dry ice also sublimates at extremely low temperatures and can cause freezer burn. For environmentally conscious brands, biodegradable options are available, and handling gel packs is significantly safer than dealing with dry ice. They also simplify shipping by avoiding the stringent regulations associated with the latter. That translates to reduced costs for special labels, licenses, and potential fines.
Where to Source High-Quality Gel Packs
Choosing the right gel packs is crucial for maintaining product integrity. Businesses should research vendors, request samples, and test them under various conditions. The good news is that high-quality gel packs may be purchased from packaging suppliers or directly from manufacturers. Names brands such as Nordic Ice Gel Packs, Polar Tech Re-freezable Gel Packs, and cooler Shock Gel Packs are highly rated. Gel packs such as these can provide consistent temperature for up to 48 hours.
Insulated Shipping Containers
EPS foam containers are popular for their lightweight and effective insulation. Insulated liners, reflective films that maintain temperature, and reflective metalized film bubble mailers for smaller items are also viable options.
These containers require gel packs to maintain cold temperatures over extended periods.
Choosing the Right Container
Chosen containers should be large enough to accommodate products and cooling elements without crushing or allowing excessive movement. The more diverse a business’ product lines is, the larger their range of container sizes will be. Likewise, durability is essential to withstand transit impacts and, while optimizing cost is important, containers that provide adequate protection are critical.
Even with quality packaging and temperature-controlled shipping, additional precautions ensure product freshness. Here is PeriShip’s 5 tips for packaging food for shipping.
Pre-Cool Your Containers & Refrigerants
Freeze gel packs for at least 24 hours and pre-condition containers in a cooled environment. PeriShip’s logistics planning helps align packing with shipping times, minimizing exposure to ambient temperatures.
Strategically Arrange the Food
Arrange products to maximize air circulation and cooling efficiency. PeriShip’s packaging experts can advise on optimal packing configurations to ensure consistent temperature throughout the container.
Seal & Insulate Tightly
Use high-quality sealing tape and additional insulation like bubble wrap or foam inserts. PeriShip’s knowledge of proper sealing techniques ensures that packages are secure and that temperature stability is maximized.
Leverage PeriShip’s Perishable Shipping Expertise
PeriShip specializes in perishable logistics, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of businesses shipping food. Services include weather forecasting and tracking to help ensure on-time delivery and product integrity.
Double Check Regulations and Compliance
Navigate complex shipping regulations with PeriShip’s compliance expertise. PeriShip stays up-to-date on changing regulations and provides guidance to ensure that businesses remain compliant and avoid costly penalties.
PeriShip is a leader in time-critical, last-minute shipping solutions that offer clients unparalleled expertise across diverse industries. We provide clients with a dedicated support team with logistics expertise and provide customized information to make informed shipping choices. For your time-sensitive shipping needs, we work to make your experience as stress-free as possible and work to exceed expectations as a collaborative partner in your desire to fulfill customer requests.
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