4 tips for navigating temperature controlled shipping

Perishable foods, pharmaceutical goods and other temperature-sensitive materials call for a separate set of shipping requirements. Delivery windows are tight, costs can rise and your freight has an expiration date.

Refrigerated freight shipping presents a unique set of challenges, but there’s no need to panic when exceptional resources are right at your fingertips. Let’s take a closer look at a few tips for navigating the temperature-controlled shipping process.

 

1. Set yourself up for success.

Perishable freight is on a strict timeline, so choosing a provider who best suits your specific needs is important. This type of freight has to get to its final destination as soon as possible. You and your provider need to take note of peak times and tight delivery windows in advance. 

Making sure you’ve received a quote you are comfortable with is also something to put at the top of your list. Working in tandem with CH Robinson’s produce division “Robinson Fresh”, we have over a century of experience and a vast carrier network which enables us to provide the most competitive pricing without sacrificing service. 

 

2. Delegate tasks when you can.

Freight service providers will work with you to take care of the day-to-day tasks you may not have time for. Whether it’s scheduling appointments or finding additional capacity, partnering with experts will earn you time that could be used to improve other areas of your refrigerated shipping strategy. 

 

3. Track your shipments closely.

One of the most critical aspects of the refrigerated shipping process is delivery. If a temperature-controlled shipment encounters a delay, the driver’s route is not the only thing that will be thrown off. The freight itself could be in danger of becoming compromised.  

Tracking your shipments down to the minute will ensure you are the first to know, should a delay occur, preventing any surprises on the receiving end of the delivery. 

 

4. Use specialized services as needed.

While all perishable goods have special requirements, sometimes those requirements differ. The steps needed to carry out a produce shipment properly will be different than what a pharmaceutical shipment requires, and vice versa.

To accommodate this, look into specialized freight services. There are options available if your freight is time-sensitive, such as produce or refrigerated pharmaceuticals, has a high value, needs to be expedited or otherwise.

Download our whitepaper Temperature-Controlled Transportation for more information on best practices for shipping temperature-controlled materials. If you are interested in learning more about refrigerated shipping services from Freightquote by C.H. Robinson, get started on your quote today.

 

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