HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR PERISHABLE GOODS LIKE A PRO

Fixing problems in perishable logistics is not only about getting goods to the right place, on time, and in good condition. It’s also about making sure that we don’t overlook any potential issues that might affect this process—such as the added stress of traveling over long distances, or the need for additional refrigeration space at every step. When we’re moving something fresh and fragile from its place of origin to its destination, we need to take a moment to ask ourselves: Have we thought about everything?

 Perishable logistics is the process of planning and coordinating actions that are needed to deliver perishable goods. Transportation, warehousing, refrigeration, and other logistical operations have time as the most important factor. Any delay might be dangerous for product quality, which can result in lost sales or even serious health problems.

Transporting perishable goods can be a bit tricky, but some basic tips can make the process easier:

i.                 ‘Freshness’ is the most important thing to think about when you’re transporting perishable items. When you’re planning your route and schedule, it’s important to consider the time it will take for your product to get from point A to point B; this is why you need to set up a schedule that covers all shipping times—both the time it takes your product to reach its destination, as well as the time between delivery and consumption.

ii.                When it comes to perishable items, you also have to consider temperature control. You want to keep things at a steady, even temperature throughout their journey; this will help them stay fresh for as long as possible. Having different stops where products can be stored can work well with this kind of schedule; this way, if your shipment arrives at point A and needs to be kept there for some time before being delivered across town or out of state, your routes can accommodate this by allowing for adequate storage at points B and C.

iii.               Limit the number of stops, or “stops” in distribution terminology, as much as possible. The fewer the stops, the fresher the goods will be when they reach their destinations.

iv.               Ensure that your freight handler can handle a wider range of temperatures. If they specialize in refrigerated transportation, they’ll know how to handle your goods.

v.                Make sure you know where the trucks are going and when they will arrive at each stop. You want to avoid too many pre-cooling stops, as well-meaning employees can sometimes store perishables too close to other products with strong scents that can transfer off onto your products

vi.               Not checking the temperature of the truck: It’s important to check the inside of the truck for leaks or holes before you start loading up your supplies. Make sure you are keeping track of the air temperature and make sure it stays within a reasonable range during your trip to the destination.

vii.             How many people are on your team? The more people you have working on getting your product out in time, the better chance you have at avoiding any mistakes or issues! If this is a big project, consider hiring someone just to work on logistics alone.

viii.            The importance of knowing what kind of food you’re transporting: There are a variety of food items that need to be handled differently than others during transportation. Consider using different trucks for different products like frozen food, dairy, and meat products.

Conclusion

 The tips in this article could help improve your experience in transporting perishable goods. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive 3PL solution that can help you transport all types of goods, TGL can be of assistance.

If you’ve been researching 3PL solutions, you’ve probably noticed that there are plenty of options out there. However, there are a few key aspects that make TGL stand out from the rest of the crowd. First, we have extensive experience in the industry, and we’ve proven ourselves time and time again to be reliable, trustworthy partners to our clients. Second, we have resources that are appropriate for all types of businesses—whether you’re looking for standard services like container shipping or full-service 3PL solutions that include warehousing, transportation, and even inventory management, we’re here for you.

Our 3PL services are designed to help your business get more done with your current resources so you can focus on growing your business to its fullest potential. We look forward to working with you and seeing how we can improve your success rate in transporting goods!