How to move sensitive goods safely in any climate
Ever wondered how to ensure your temperature-sensitive goods arrive in perfect condition? Whether you’re dealing with temperature-sensitive adhesives or critical pharmaceuticals, maintaining the right temperature isn’t just important — it’s essential.
Here’s how you can protect your shipment every step of the way.
1. Use the right packing materials
Packaging is one of the best defenses against product damage, and that’s especially true for temperature-sensitive goods. Along with protecting against the normal risks of shipping (movement during transit, loading and unloading procedures, etc.), proper packaging can also keep your freight at the right temperature.
Gel packs and dry ice can help keep your freight cool, while EPS foam effectively prevents heat transfer. Insulating materials like coolers, foam planks, blankets and thermal bubble wrap also help maintain the right temperature. Once your shipment is packed with the appropriate materials, don’t forget to label it for any hazardous contents — such as dry ice — to ensure compliance and safety.
2. Choose the right transportation partner
The more oversight your shipment needs, the more carefully you should vet your carrier. Choose a provider that understands your supply chain and has experience handling similar goods. Be sure to ask about their security protocols, temperature monitoring systems, equipment testing and on-time delivery performance.
For high-value or regulated freight, it's important to check certifications and confirm you're working with a reliable partner. Don’t forget to ask about the type of equipment used and its condition. Details like the age of the fleet can be crucial in choosing the right provider.
3. Ask for visibility
Having visibility during transit can make a big difference when shipping temperature-sensitive freight. With the right monitoring tools, you can monitor your truck’s temperature throughout transit. While your provider should send proactive notifications, it may be beneficial to ask for this access ahead of time. This allows you to make quick decisions if the internal temperature falls outside of your acceptable range.
4. Prepare for weather-related risks
Environmental factors such as extreme heat, cold, humidity and other weather patterns can greatly impact the success of your shipments. Proper planning helps you reduce these risks.
Always factor in the season and current weather conditions when scheduling, even with refrigerated loads. For example, if the dock isn’t refrigerated, you’ll want to prepare a temperature-regulated area to store freight before the carrier arrives. Since the transportation equipment is designed to maintain temperature, it can’t heat or chill items to their set degree range.
5. Provide your partner with all necessary shipment details
Shipping temperature-sensitive freight often involves following specific regulations to ensure compliance and protect your business. For instance, FDA guidelines for food and pharmaceuticals require adherence to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to maintain product safety and avoid penalties.
Working with a provider that understands these regulations is key to staying compliant and operating smoothly. After you've vetted your carrier, be sure to provide all necessary documentation — including accurate details on your Bill of Lading and quote requests — to avoid delays or issues during transport.
Get ready to ship
Need help handling your next temperature-sensitive load? ArcBest has the expertise and solutions to keep your goods safe throughout transit. Whether you’re shipping perishable food, pharmaceuticals or any other temperature-sensitive freight, our refrigerated shipping solutions can provide the protection you need.