How to Keep Temperature-Sensitive Freight Safe

• Feb 15- 2021
• Freight Companies

Cargo that needs to be stored at specific temperatures – such as medicines and frozen foods – can be rendered unusable or worthless if it is shipped improperly. Though the brunt of the responsibility for temperature-sensitive freight is upon the shipping company, there are several steps that the client company can take to dramatically increase the chances of the freight safely reaching its destination. MGA International is a local trucking company that works with our clients to ensure the safety of their temperature-sensitive freight.

Select the Right Logistics Partner

Handling temperature-sensitive freight is a special subset of shipping due to the various types of cargo and specialized equipment involved. Companies should thoroughly vet international freight shipping companies that they are considering for their shipping needs. Logistics partners that have solid experience with temperature-sensitive freight, current and operational equipment, certifications, and a clear logistics strategy are more likely to safely complete the transportation of temperature-sensitive freight.

Clearly Define Requirements

The staff responsible for shipping needs as much pertinent information as possible to succeed. Clients should be ready to provide acceptable temperature ranges, specific handling instructions, acceptance/rejection criteria, and any other information whose omission would dramatically increase the chances of damaging the cargo.

Package Freight with Care

Proper packaging of temperature-sensitive freight will protect it from physical damage caused by shifting and similar complications. Using packing aids such as EPS foam or dry ice can help maintain proper temperature ranges during transport.

Ensure That Documents Are Current and Correct

Up-to-date and accurate documentation goes hand-in-hand with clear and comprehensive requirements. It also simplifies the billing and invoicing processes, as well as providing legal protections to both the company and their shipping partner.

Prepare the Source and Destination

Shipping companies can maintain temperature ranges and handling procedures during transport, but the company must be ready to handle and process the temperature-sensitive freight at the source and the destination. The company should have special equipment to treat, heat, cool, or handle the freight, as well as specially trained employees who can properly use the right equipment and techniques to handle and treat the temperature-sensitive freight.

Anticipate Emergencies

Equipment failures, road closures, and vehicular accidents are examples of emergency situations that can jeopardize temperature-sensitive freight. Both the shipping partner and the company should have solid contingency plans to address emergencies that are high-risk as well as emergencies that are common for the freight and routes involved.

Keep Informed

A sign of a professional shipping company is providing a way for customers to track the status of their shipments in real-time, whether the status updates are accessed via a website, a mobile app, or similar internet-enabled means. Also, shipping companies should keep current with the laws and regulations that govern the shipping and handling of their cargo, reducing the chances of legal complications.

MGA International is a premier trucking company local to Illinois, and we proudly serve Canada and the contingent United States. Our services include temperature controlled shipment of full-truckload cargo. Because of our experience with refrigerated transport, we understand that even minor shifts in temperature can lead to severe damage to temperature-sensitive freight, so we take every reasonable precaution to maintain cargo temperature ranges during transport. Please feel free to contact us by filling out our online form or calling us at (844) 334-0039.