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Like many people, you might think that shipping frozen food is a complicated process. After all, you must keep the food cold during transit, which isn't easy, especially in summer. However, with a little planning and some basic knowledge, shipping frozen food is quite easy. Keep reading to learn how to ship frozen food successfully.
1. Choose the Right Container
The first step in shipping frozen food is choosing suitable shipping materials. It's usually best to choose an airtight container to keep the food cold for the longest amount of time. There are several different types of containers that you can use, including:
- Coolers: Coolers are a popular choice for shipping frozen food because they are affordable, easy to use and keep the food cold for many hours. Styrofoam coolers with aluminum foil lining are one type of cooler that's good for shipping. Make sure to pack plenty of ice packs with the cooler to maintain the appropriate temperature.
- Freezer bags: Freezer bags are excellent packaging choices for shipping frozen food since they are airtight and well-insulated, which helps keep the food cold during transport.
- Insulated boxes: Insulated boxes are an ideal option if you are shipping a large amount of frozen food. They are sturdy and can be reused, making them a more sustainable option than coolers or freezer bags. Plus, they offer the most insulation for frozen items.
2. Pack the Food Tightly
When you're shipping frozen items, one critical step is packing the food tightly. This is essential to keep the food frozen throughout the shipping process. The best way to do this is to wrap the food in plastic or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped food in a zip-top bag and expel as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Finally, place the bagged food in an insulated cooler or container with plenty of dry ice.
3. Label the Package
When shipping frozen food, it is essential to label the package's exterior clearly. The IATA books provide guidelines for proper labeling, which includes using a blue ice-packs symbol and marking the words "perishable" and "keep frozen." Placards to warn of hazardous materials, such as dry ice, are available, along with many others, from Air Sea Containers. All our labels fully meet the U.S. Department of Transportation's guidelines. Consider stocking up on "Refrigerate Upon Arrival," "Keep Away From Heat" and "Time and Temperature Sensitive" labels, which can all be found on our website.
It is also essential to have the shipper's name and address and the recipient's name and address on the label. If the package is not labeled correctly, it could be delayed or even rejected by the carrier.
