When shipping frozen food, there are several potential issues that can arise leading to unsatisfied customers. And no one wants that, right? So let’s walk through the freezer and see the most common problems that can occur when shipping frozen food and goods:
- Temperature fluctuations: Frozen food must be kept at a consistent temperature of -18°C (0°F) or below to remain safe for consumption. Any fluctuation in temperature during shipping can cause the food to thaw and refreeze, leading to quality and safety issues.
- Solution: ship with dry ice and make sure your 3PL partner is using the correct amounts based on time in transit, heat index and carrier shipping methods
- Inadequate insulation: Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a consistent temperature during shipping. Inadequate insulation can cause temperature fluctuations and spoilage, leading to wasted product and lost revenue.
- Solution: use a reliable insulation such as EPS or KTM Green cell or Temperpack ; Your 3PL should have testing data to provide substantiation for their insulation
- Incorrect food packaging: Choosing the wrong packaging can result in damaged goods, leaks, and spillage, etc.
- Solution: It behooves you to pack your product in packaging that can withstand the rigors of shipping. Carriers are notorious for tossing boxes. Also, remember that dry ice dissipates leaving a void in which product can be tumbled.
- Poor labeling: Proper shipping labeling is crucial to ensure that carriers handle the shipment appropriately and that your consumers react accordingly.
- Solutions: Labels should include the contents, weight, and packaging date, as well as “perishable” and “keep frozen” labels to alert carriers and consumers to the product’s sensitivity. You also want a dry ice warning for your consumers.
- Delayed delivery: Any delay in shipping can cause the food to thaw and refreeze, leading to quality and safety issues.
- Solution: It’s crucial to work with reliable carriers who can ensure timely delivery of frozen goods.
- Regulatory compliance issues: Failing to comply with food safety regulations can result in fines, legal issues, and damage to the brand’s reputation.
- Solution: It’s essential to stay up-to-date with food safety regulations and work with 3PL shippers and carriers who comply with these standards.
To avoid these pitfalls, do your research or hire an experienced and trustworthy 3PL to do it for you. Proper insulation, packaging, labeling, and temperature control are all critical factors to consider, along with working with reliable carriers.
eGourmet Solutions has a proven track record in frozen fulfillment: 15 years of experience, millions of packages shipped, long-term clients who stay with us because we are partners, not mere providers.
For a free fulfillment quote, call us at 800-791-7093, email us at [email protected] or click here.
