Planning reefer shipping can sometimes be extremely complicated. Logistics disruptions and lack of reefer trucks can lead to spoiled products and lost sales when shipping temperature-sensitive goods. Properly organizing your cold shipping activities can guarantee a high-quality logistics experience.
What is reefer shipping?
Reefer shipping represents the supply chain process of transporting perishable products needing temperature control. To accomplish that, shipping services use special reefer shipping containers capable of automated temperature regulation. Besides maintaining suitable degrees inside, reefer trucks protect your goods from the outside weather conditions.
Aside from the meat, dairy, and fresh produce, business owners use reefer trucks to carry medicines, plants, electronics, fine art, cosmetics, and other products requiring climate control. Thus, you can practice cold shipping to move a wide range of goods, expanding your sales potential.
Once you have defined whether it’s necessary to chill, freeze, or deep freeze your products, you can start utilizing reliable reefer shipping practices. They’ll help you eliminate possible disruptions and keep your products fresh even during long-distance transit.
Best practices for refrigerated freight shipping
Proactive reefer shipping generates significant profits for business owners. To keep your cold shipments efficient and profitable, you can use several practices for refrigerated freight shipping to improve your supply chain performance.
Plan ahead, load fast
For the refrigerated freight shipping process, advanced planning is the key. This encompasses all aspects of your supply chain, from inventory to loading. First, verify to pack the items correctly before loading. Since frozen foods are typically stackable, you can condense them into plastic crates or use pallets to secure your freight. However, healthcare products or plants demand precise attention to their packaging and proper locating in reefer containers.
Once a particular loading time is arranged, ensure to be there and load your freight quickly. It will prevent your goods from the effects of outside temperatures so that they preserve their original condition. Eventually, they’ll arrive at the receiver fresh and undamaged, creating high customer satisfaction and adding to your products’ popularity.
Some products, like food and produce, require a faster delivery than electronics and cosmetics. Knowing that, consider the unique temperature requirements for your type of freight. Modernized reefer trucks can regulate the temperature depending on your request, or the carriers can do that manually when needed.
Have a vast network of carriers
An extensive pool of carriers gives you more chances to pick high-service, top-performing reefer carriers to handle your goods. Also, you can quickly switch to another provider without time losses if shipping failure, delay, or disruption. The variety of carriers helps assure that all the requirements for the different product types are met.
Due to the differences in reefer trucks, carriers may offer different reefer capacities. It’s essential to verify your carrier’s transportation units suit your products and possess a reliable temperature regulation system. Try to maintain communication with your carrier network to establish a strong partnership for future supply chain interactions.
Use the retail compliance program
Prearranging all the terms and conditions with your shipping provider is the best way to avoid unwanted shipping-related issues. For retailers, the most reliable way to do so is to set up a retail compliance program. In this mutual agreement, both parties outline the requirements and conditions for partnership. Also, they determine an action plan and charges in case of violation of this agreement.
Refrigerated shipping is integral to global supply chains and provides people worldwide with food, medicine, and other essential goods. Safety is a primary concern for these shipments, so ensure to organize your shipping process properly. Besides, reefer shipping remains a more expensive transportation mode compared to others. Cooperating with an experienced shipping provider is vital to avoid logistics inconveniences.
Compare reefer shipping rates
According to statistics, the demand for frozen products grows constantly. It increases the need for reefer shipping containers and tightens the capacity. As a result, the reefer shipping rates rise, especially during the produce or peak seasons. Still, it’s possible to arrange the refrigerated shipment at an affordable price.
Monitor LTL quotes when planning to ship frozen products and see how the current pricing correlates with your logistics budgeting. The best way to get reasonable reefer shipping rates is to connect with platforms like GoShip. We prioritize meeting your supply chain needs professionally and affordably. Using our online service, you’ll be able to find a suitable carrier with appropriate reefer capacity, compare actual rates, and get a free LTL quote!