Shipping is complicated enough when dealing with normal cargo. You need to keep in mind time constraints, the risk of it getting damaged, misplaced or stolen, the cost and right shipping method for your needs… The list goes on! However, adding temperature sensitivity to the mix makes the whole thing much, much more troublesome. Suddenly, you need to wrangle with a new set of laws, different ways of packaging your cargo, and logistic concerns aimed at making sure it gets to its destination unspoiled. To help with such efforts, we have put together a guide to shipping temperature-sensitive cargo: logistics and packaging material.
Know the relevant laws
Pack your cargo the right way
In order to properly package your cargo, you first need to know just how sensitive it is to change in temperature. If its sensitivity is high, then you are dealing with cargo that requires stringent temperature control at all times, and needs active shipping containers. If its demands are less stringent, then you will likely be fine with passive shipping containers.
Cargo that requires fully climate controlled shipping containers
In other words, cargo that requires active shipping containers. There are actually two different solutions to this particular issue. First, you can use a passive shipping container, but hire a fully climate-controlled vehicle to deliver your cargo for you. This is particularly viable if you are doing shipping where hiring trucks is an option. The second option requires an actual active shipping container. Active shipping containers are typically very large, and thermostatically controlled boxes that then contain smaller crates or containers. A particularly good choice for the material of smaller containers is plastic since its advantages are many, including the fact that they are very damage resistant and easily susceptible to change of temperature. This would make keeping them at just the right temperature much easier. Active shipping containers run on internal power sources, such as batteries. However, you can plug them into another source of power.
Cargo that requires passive shipping containers
Passive shipping containers, on the other hand, have no power source. They cannot actively regulate the temperature of their contents. They keep it at the same temperature as when packed. Just like a thermos. We achieve this by using several layers of packaging. The first layer is the outer shell, for which plastic containers are, again, the best option. The second layer are phase change materials. They can store large amounts of thermal energy and therefore isolate it from the inside of your package. And the third layer are insulating materials. They are sheets of synthetic foams (for example polyurethane) or natural fibers (recycled cotton, paper fibers or natural cellulose), polystyrene foam, or reflective materials such as polymer films with a thin layer of aluminum. This can, of course, be somewhat expensive. The good news is, U.S. is trying to lower the cost of shipping, so you will soon be able to splurge on more expensive containers!
Picking the right shipping company
Now, once you have your cargo ready to go, it is time to settle on a shipping company. Really, what you need to ask yourself is how quickly you need your cargo to reach the target location. If you need to quickly get your cargo there, and there is a considerable distance to cross, you will probably want to opt for a shipping company that specializes in airline deliveries. On the other hand, if stability and lower risk of cargo damage are your priority, and you can afford to wait, you would probably prefer a shipping company specializing in maritime shipping. And, of course, if the destination is reachable by land, you might want to look into trains or vehicles that can ship your cargo! The professionals at Heavenly Moving and Storage claim that you should tailor your shipping methods to your needs, too.
Getting the cargo to the shipping company
Some shipping companies will pick up the cargo you want them to transport themselves. This is, of course, the optimal solution, and you should attempt to negotiate for it whenever possible. However, if such a thing is impossible… Then our concern in such a situation is not simply with ensuring the safe transfer of your cargo to the shipping company. You also need to make sure it is properly stored in their facilities on arrival! You do not want it to be accidentally stored in a facility without temperature control. Not if you are counting on them to keep it at an appropriate temperature for the duration of the transport. This is all the more important in our current situation, where corona outbreaks can cause massive delays.
Take into account loading times
Of course, you might be handing off your cargo to the transport vehicle immediately. In this case, what you need to take note of are the loading times! Even if you drive your cargo there in a climate-controlled vehicle, or you have an active shipping container, if you leave it outside to face the elements while you wait for other cargo to load is less than ideal. It will likely take some wrangling. But, go to the effort of explaining to the shipping company’s employees the nature of your cargo and why it needs to be loaded quickly. If you do, they will likely make an effort to help you. It is in their interest as well for everything to go smoothly!< they will likely make an effort to help you. It is in their interest as well for everything to go smoothly!
Final Word
This marks the end of our guide to shipping temperature-sensitive cargo: logistics and packaging material. We hope that you are at least a bit more knowledgeable and prepared for the task ahead of you than when you had started reading this guide!
Author Bio:
Trevor Lawson is an experienced freelance blogger who enjoys writing for various different businesses. He likes to write pieces meant to help people, particularly small and new startups.Trevor Lawson
