The Process for Mailing Refrigerated and Frozen Food
Mailing perishable food isn’t as simple as putting it into a box and showing up at the post office. It’s worthwhile to consider exactly how you plan on mailing food from one location to another, whether you’re in the business or just need some help for a one-time shipment. Here are our top tips for mailing food so it arrives on the recipient’s doorstep or business in excellent condition.
How to pack refrigerated and frozen food
Your average cardboard box won’t be enough to keep frozen or refrigerated food cold. Instead, look for a cold shipping box from a store like UPS. These are like insulated coolers that will fit in a normal cardboard shipping box.
If you’re packing perishable items like fruit, vegetables or cheese, you’re going to need heavy-duty ice packs as well. Ensure the food is wrapped well to protect it in case of a gel pack leak.
If you’re sending thoroughly frozen foods like meat and fish, it will take a bit more effort. Dry ice shipping is recommended, as it keeps items colder for longer. You may also want to combine dry ice with ice packs. Put dry ice at the bottom and top of the box, with the frozen food and gel packs stacked in between. You’ll want to note how many items are in the box, as the shipping company will likely request this information.
How to go about mailing food
You want to keep the frozen or refrigerated foods stored until the last possible moment. Then you want to pay up for the fastest shipping option you can get. Dry ice, for example, only lasts for a couple days, so if you’re shipping it a longer distance, you’re going to need to pay for expedited shipping.
Shipping carriers all have regulations for shipping perishables and dry ice. Dry ice should be put in packaging with ventilation to allow for the escape of CO2. Some carriers will not accept dry ice packaging for international shipping.
Prepare for delivery
When you need the shipment to arrive is another critical factor to take into account. If you’re shipping perishables right before a holiday weekend, it’s likely going to arrive later than you’d prefer. Shipping companies may also have reduced service on weekends and holidays.
You also want to consider where the food will be sent. You want to make certain that someone will be at the shipping address during the delivery window. The last thing you want is your precious cargo to show up and sit on the doorstep, or for it to be sent back to a mail center, delaying its arrival in the recipient’s refrigerator.
Your best bet is to trust the experts when it comes to mailing food. All Points Transport offers safe, reliable and cost-effective service to all our customers. For more than a decade, we’ve specialized in refrigerated freight, overweight hauling and related services. We have the experience necessary to be a key part of your cold supply chain. Contact us today to find out more about our services and get a free estimate.
Categorised in: Reefer Shipping