Temperature-Controlled Shipping: What You Need to Know

Temperature-controlled shipping is essential for safely transporting sensitive goods that require specific temperatures to maintain their integrity and quality standards. As the global market grows and supply chains lengthen, the need for temperature-controlled shipping has become even more pressing.

Carrying temperature-sensitive products over longer distances through various weather conditions means these products require better packaging as well as temperature-matched storage and transportation. Products shipped in inadequate conditions risk damage and quality issues to the point of spoilage. Spoilage in consumables can be a serious health risk, and the manufacturer can incur hefty fines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We’ll review what kind of goods require temperature-controlled shipping, the problems arising from sub-par logistics services, and how to ensure you’re partnering with the right transportation and distribution provider.

What Types of Goods Need Temperature-Controlled Shipping?

While many food products require temperature-controlled shipping, many other sensitive goods also benefit from a controlled environment throughout the shipping process. If you’re transporting these goods, then temperature-controlled shipping would be the best choice to avoid any damage to the products:

• Pharmaceuticals, confectionery, beverages, and snacks: Transporting pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter products is an essential service requiring diligence at every supply chain step. Poorly maintained temperature and, sometimes, relative humidity can render them ineffective and shorten (or exceed) their shelf life. Poor quality pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter drugs can be life-threatening to patients. Claims for these products can be extraordinarily expensive. While the landed cost of confectionery, snacks, and beverages might not be as expensive as pharma products, the temperature requirements for shipping and storage are just as stringent to maintain product quality and healthfulness.
• Fresh and Frozen Food: To ensure food products are safe for consumption and meet the FDA’s food safety standards, fresh and frozen food should be transported at their required temperature, usually from 36 F to -20 F. These include refrigerated and frozen meat products, fruit and vegetable produce, dairy, baked goods, and other pre-packaged, prepared refrigerated or frozen foods.
• Non-Consumables: Some non-consumable products are sensitive to temperature and require regulated transportation. Chemical products, fresh flowers, and high-value electronics are susceptible to damage in an unregulated environment. Antiques and artwork can also benefit from temperature-controlled shipping.

What Types of Problems Are Caused by Poorly Managed Temperature-Controlled Transportation?

Goods that aren’t shipped in temperature-controlled trailers are more susceptible to the swings in temperature and humidity. During the winter, temperatures below freezing are just as damaging to products as internal trailer temps in the summer of +120°F.

The summer heat and its heat waves also adversely affect temperature-sensitive goods. Shipping perishable and semi-perishable (such as pasta and grains) products outside of temperature-controlled vehicles increases their exposure to the damaging effects of heat and humidity,

Trailers with bad seals or holes, regardless of whether they are dry vans or temperature-controlled, can create conditions for mold, infestation, or even desiccation.

Temperature-controlled shipping should be managed by experts from the moment the goods are packaged and leave the warehouse to their arrival at their next stop.. A break in the temperature-control chain at any point can be costly and, in the case of consumables and pharmaceuticals, hazardous to consumers. So, choosing experienced, reputable carriers for the job is a priority.

Tips for Choosing the Right Temperature-Controlled Carrier

Stay on top of your game with a reliable shipping partner. Here are our tips for what to consider when choosing a carrier:

• Experience and expertise: Supply chains are ever-evolving and sometimes unpredictable. Choosing an experienced carrier will not eliminate issues but will provide a margin for dealing with the unexpected, quickly and efficiently. A company with decades of experience in the industry will know how to handle your freight safely, ensuring your products arrive on time, and provide you with timely communication.
• Reputation: Look for a carrier that has fostered long-lasting relationships with customers and whose reputation demonstrates a track record of meeting requirements.
• Staff: Every operator needs to play their part for a supply chain to run smoothly. Companies that provide in-depth training for their team help protect your goods when handled, stored, loaded, and unloaded. Research references on your potential carrier to see if their values, such as integrity, accountability, and transparency, match yours.
• Equipment and Technology: A professional and reliable logistics provider will have top-notch communication systems, safety technology, and equipment tracking to ensure your freight is transported safely and efficiently.

Contact Colonial Cartage

For over 70 years, Colonial Cartage has provided transportation and distribution services to clients in various industries. Today, we are a full-service carrier providing distribution solutions across 26 states throughout the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Upper Midwest, and the Great Plains states. We offer food-grade dry and temperature-controlled LTL (less-than-truckload), TL, and pool distribution services with an asset-owned fleet.

We’re a family-owned business that prioritizes high engagement, building lasting partnerships with our customers, and providing customer service founded on trust and transparency.