Preparing and packing your temperature-controlled freight may feel like a daunting process. After all, these shipments need special attention for a good reason. So what best practices should you follow to make sure that you’re protecting your freight for a seamless delivery? Well we’ve got answers for you.
In this guide, we’re going to break down these three essential steps:
- Pack according to the dimensions of your freight.
- Incorporate the right insulation for your shipment.
- Determine your acceptable temperature range.
Pack according to the dimensions of your freight.
Precisely measuring your freight could not be a more important first step to a successful shipment. You’ll need to measure the height, length, and width of your freight and round up to the nearest full inch for the best accuracy.
The specificity of your dimensions is so critical because this information is how carriers determine the amount of freight that can fit on a trailer. While this is important for regulations and safety, being certain about this step will also help maximize capacity. So as a shipper, whenever you can maximize capacity, you’ll be saving money.
Another notable way to maximize capacity is to use containers and boxes that are smaller and more precise for the materials you’re shipping. This will also cut down on the amount of insulation you’ll need to buy and use.
Incorporate the right insulation for your shipment.
There are several ways in which you can insulate your freight and it’s important to choose the right one. Insulation can come in several different forms such as pre-lined boxes, liners, pads, blankets, and filler. Each of these also come with a variety of price points, so remember to consider that for your budget.
Several types of liners and pads are available for boxes and styrofoam containers. Liners typically come in a thermal or bubble wrap-like material. Liners can actually go directly into the container itself lining around the outside between the freight and the walls of the container. Pads are usually made of styrofoam and can be placed inside the container as well.
Additional filler like packing peanuts or bubble wrap may be needed. These fillers help to fill out little spaces between items and protect against force of impact movements while in transit. Blankets are also incredibly useful to insulate freight as they’re easily thrown over pallets.
Determine your acceptable temperature range.
The temperature range of your shipment is vital to understand, not only to protect your product, but also so the carrier has specific guidelines to follow. If shipments get too cold, expansion, breaking or freeze damage can happen. And if shipments get too warm, they can spoil or melt.
A safe range should stay close to the ideal temperature for your shipment. Fluctuations in temperature should be kept to a smaller range as it’s likely that larger fluctuations will negatively impact the quality of the freight upon arrival.
Fully understanding what is acceptable for your shipment and conveying that to your carrier so they’re properly prepared to give your freight everything it needs during transit. And when you work with a provider that is willing to not only invest time in ensuring every last detail of your shipment, but is there for any possible issues along the way, you have a true partner in your supply chain.
If you’re ready for a better partner for your business shipping, contact us today and experience the Pride Logistics difference.
