Have you ever wondered how foods get shipped? How do they keep food fresh and safe for that cross-country journey or overnight delivery? Shipping food can feel like embarking on an exciting adventure! Whether you’re sending a batch of homemade cookies to a friend or running a business that delivers fresh, farm-to-table vegetables or fruits. Making sure your food arrives safely and in top-notch condition is key.
Let’s dive into the details of how to ship food like a pro, exploring the best packaging materials, the unique needs of different food types, and some savvy shipping tips.
The Importance of Proper Food Shipping
Shipping food involves more than just packing items into a box and sending them off. It is a detailed process that demands careful planning, the use of appropriate materials, and a deep understanding of how different food types react to various shipping conditions.
If you are new to the food industry, you should know that this task is especially critical for the image of your businesses that thrive on customer satisfaction and depend on repeat orders. Poor shipping practices can lead to spoiled or damaged foods, resulting in unhappy customers and potential financial loss.
But, do not worry! This article has a complete guide for you related to all kinds of food and do’s and don’ts you should know.
Types of Food and Their Shipping Requirements
Different types of food have unique shipping requirements. Understanding these differences is very important for successful food shipping.
Perishable Food
Perishable foods can spoil, decay, or become flimsy to eat if they are not kept cold to some specific temperature. To stay safe, these foods need to be refrigerated at 40°F or below or frozen at 0°F or lower. Common examples include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and any cooked leftovers. Refrigeration helps slow down bacterial growth, and keep your foods fresh and safe to eat.
Non Perishable
Non-perishable foods are those that can last for a long time without spoiling. These items are usually processed to extend their shelf life and often include ingredients like dried fruits and vegetables, jerky, and grains. These types of food include canned goods, dry pasta, and snacks, which do not require refrigeration, and have a long shelf life. These items are generally easier to ship and require minimal special handling. However, they should still be packed securely to prevent damage during transit.
Frozen Food
Frozen food is food that has been quickly frozen and kept in that state until it’s ready to be used. Freezing is a natural preservation method that doesn’t need any added preservatives. This process involves exposing food to temperatures below its freezing point, turning the moisture in the food into ice. By doing so, it reduces water activity and stops microbial growth.
Frozen foods, such as ice cream, frozen meals, and seafood, must be kept at freezing temperatures. Shipping frozen food often involves using dry ice or gel packs and insulated containers to ensure the items remain frozen until they reach their destination.
Cooked Food
Cooked food, like prepared meals or baked goods, can be challenging to ship because it needs to stay fresh but isn’t always easy to freeze. Proper insulation and cooling packs are essential, and expedited shipping options are often required to ensure quick delivery.
Choosing the Right Packaging Solutions
Selecting the appropriate packaging solutions is vital for protecting food during shipping. Here are some essential options you’ll need:
Mailer Boxes
Mailer boxes are a great option if you’re in the food subscription business. They are sturdy and versatile, ideal for shipping small to medium-sized items. Mailer boxes are more suitable for non-refrigerated, baked, or cooked food products such as cakes, pizza, cookies, dry fruits, and more. Due to their small size, fitting gel packs or dry ice can be challenging, and adding insulation material inside the box may also be difficult.
Shipping Boxes
Shipping boxes are larger and more robust, suitable for bulkier items or multiple food products. They offer ample space for insulation and cooling packs. This kind of packaging is a hit with those in the meal prep industry as well.
Poly Mailers
Poly mailers are lightweight and waterproof. It makes them a good choice for shipping non-perishable items or additional packaging inside a larger box. Products like coffee beans or specialty teas, which come in resealable bags, don’t need to be shipped in boxes, especially for single orders. Poly mailers are enough and can save you money on shipping costs.
Labels and Packaging Tape
Proper labeling is important for identifying the contents and handling instructions. High-quality packaging tape makes sure that the box stays sealed during transit. Also, they are used to seal boxes and add a touch of branding. But they can also be used on jars, honey containers, or as nutrition labels to give customers important information.
With unique labels, you can set your business apart from the competition. So, take your time to design creative and distinctive labels that reflect the personality of your food business
Additional Packaging Extras
When shipping food items, the packaging itself isn’t enough. You need to add extras to keep the food at the right temperature. Make sure the food stays fresh, and prevent spoilage.
Think about using cold packs, dry ice, insulated liners, or pads to keep your food items in top condition during shipping.
Cold Packs
Cold packs are essential for keeping refrigerated items cool during transit. These reusable ice packs come in various sizes and can be strategically placed within your packaging to make sure your food stays cold. The larger the cold packs are longer they will keep items colder for longer periods.
There are several types of cold packs, which include pliable, gel, foam brick, and solid plastic options. Each type is reusable and durable. Pliable and gel cold packs are particularly flexible, making them ideal for fitting around food items to provide maximum cooling.
Dry Ice
Worried about shipping frozen food for longer trips? It is important to keep frozen items safe from melting. We recommend using dry ice for items that need to be kept at very low temperatures, as it is -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry ice keeps items frozen for extended periods and is highly effective for maintaining cold temperatures during transit.
However, using dry ice comes with its challenges. It can be pricey depending on how much you need, and handling it is time-consuming because it requires special labeling and careful handling due to its hazardous nature.
Insulated Liners and Pads
Insulated liners and pads provide extra temperature control and protection, which is especially useful for long-distance shipments or hot weather. These packaging extras help keep your food items fresh.
Insulated liners, with their bubble wrap texture, have insulating properties to keep food cool. Insulated pads, on the other hand, are a more eco-friendly option made from recycled materials.
What are the best Practices For Shipping Food?
When you’re starting something new, you naturally look for tips to help you do it like a pro. The same applies to shipping food—by following these key tips, you can handle your shipments with confidence and ensure everything goes smoothly.
Know Your Products
To successfully ship food, it is important to understand the specific needs of the items you are sending. Different foods have different requirements for temperature, packaging, and handling.
For instance, most perishable items need to be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid spoilage, while frozen foods should be maintained around 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although 32 degrees Fahrenheit is technically freezing, food tends to spoil more quickly in the range between 0 and 32 degrees. By knowing and meeting these temperature requirements, you can prevent spoilage and minimize waste.
Know the Distance
As a food product business, it’s crucial to balance fast shipping with affordability. You will need to consider the distance your shipment will travel to include enough cooling and insulation to keep it fresh.
For example, if you are shipping fresh seafood overnight, a standard insulated box with gel packs might be enough, but for a two-day shipment, you will probably need a heavier-duty insulated container with dry ice to make sure it stays fresh.
Know Your Carrier
Different carriers have their policies and capabilities when it comes to shipping food, so it is important to research your options and choose one that fits your needs. The cost and reliability of your shipping depend a lot on the carrier you pick, as each has its own rules for food items.
For example, if you are shipping perishable goods, some carriers might need special packaging or temperature controls. One carrier could require insulated containers with gel packs, while another might offer refrigerated transport services that make extra packaging unnecessary.
Shipping Food with Major Carriers
Here’s a look at how to ship food with two major carriers:
USPS
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers several options for shipping food, including Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. These services provide fast delivery and include tracking. However, USPS does not offer refrigerated or frozen shipping options, so you’ll need to use insulated packaging and cold packs or dry ice for perishable items.
FedEx
FedEx offers a range of services for shipping food, including FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. FedEx Express provides overnight and two-day delivery options, which are ideal for perishable items. FedEx also offers temperature-controlled shipping solutions for refrigerated and frozen foods.
FAQs
Can I Send Food Through the Mail?
Yes, you can send food through the mail.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Food?
The cost depends on the weight, size, shipping distance, and the type of shipping service you choose.
How Do You Ship Food and Keep It Cold?
Use insulated containers, gel packs, or dry ice to keep the food cold during transit.
Can You Send Food to Europe?
Yes, you can send food to Europe,
Can You Ship Cooked and Homemade Food?
Yes, you can ship cooked and homemade food.
Can I Ship Food Internationally?
Yes, you can ship food internationally, but you must stick to the destination country’s import regulations and carrier guidelines.
