Are you a small business that deals with perishable goods? If yes, then your aim should be to gain the trust of the customers. Businesses need to establish that the goods will be delivered to them safely and in good condition.
Key Takeaways
- Selecting a reliable shipping partner is crucial for perishable goods delivery, with emphasis on delivery time commitments and temperature-controlled infrastructure.
- Proper humidity control through gel packs or dry ice is essential for maintaining product quality during transit.
- Robust packaging solutions, including Styrofoam containers for temperature control and vacuum-sealed boxes with non-toxic plastic wrapping, are vital for product preservation.
- Shipping partners should have extensive knowledge of your business routes and capability to support future expansion plans.
- Nearly 50% of online shoppers purchase perishable goods, making efficient shipping crucial for customer satisfaction and business growth.
Once you have finalized a deal with a partner, delivering the goods safe and sound is very important. At this stage of the sales process, the entire responsibility of shipping the goods relies on the carrier service that you have chosen. However, finding reliable small business freight shipping services is like finding a needle in the haystack. But once you find it, you are all set to become an undisputable leader in your niche. So, how do we find a reliable freight shipping service and efficiently ship perishable goods? Let us find out.
Finding a Reliable Shipping Service for Perishable Goods
Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind when you are trying to find a reliable shipping service for perishable goods:
- Delivery time: Some business giants have really set a high standard for stipulated delivery time. As a small business, the only way you can give these giants tough competition is by staying true to your words. So, let’s assume that you are a small business that deals with medical-grade drugs. You can only compete with the giant pharmaceutical companies by delivering your freight on time. You need to find a company with a coherent shipping infrastructure for this. This will ensure that your freight is delivered on time, and you don’t have to disappoint your partners due to any delays.
- Enquire about their delivery infrastructure: Most businesses need a delivery infrastructure that offers more than occasional freight shipping. Depending on the supply chain that your small business operates in, you may need a freight shipping partner more frequently. Hence, the chosen shipping partner must be able to accommodate these needs. Moreover, since you are shipping perishable goods, ask if they have a refrigeration system in their truck or whether the temperature inside the shipping pallets can be controlled. Along with this, ask them whether they have a shared truckload system for cost-effective shipment.
- Their expertise in your shipping route: Your freight shipping partner must know enough about your business’s shipping route. Ask them the following questions:
- Do they have experience serving the areas where your main suppliers, factories, and warehouses are located?
- Can they assist you in expanding your services to new locations if and when you choose to do so?
Finding a reliable shipping company is just one part of the task. Once you have found a partner, you have to ensure that the goods are delivered safely and sound. In the following section, we will find out how you can do that.
How to Ship Perishable Goods?
Your job doesn’t end once you have found a reliable shipping partner. Nearly half of the total shoppers buy perishable goods online. Hence, you need to be extremely cautious while shipping your goods if you want to build good customer relationships:
- Keep humidity under control: Humidity is one of the main culprits for spoilage of perishable goods. This is why it is important to keep it in check with gel packs that control humidity. You can also use dry ice for this. But remember that some carrier services don’t allow the use of this material.
- The box must be robust: When shipping perishable goods, you must ensure that the box is robust. Styrofoam containers are best for perishable goods that require a controlled temperature. You can also use cardboard boxes with an insulated interior if the goods need to be kept at a warm temperature.
- Using a vacuum-sealed box: Plastic wrapping is used to protect the perishable goods, and vacuum-sealing the box as the final step also keeps them safe. For instance, if you are delivering frozen meat, you can use plastic wrap to prevent it from getting freeze-burnt. Just make sure to use non-toxic plastic.
Conclusion:
The shipping service you choose acts as a brand ambassador for your business. Timely delivery of your freight to your partners is important for establishing an amicable relationship. So, choose the right shipping partner and get ready to establish yourself as a leading goods provider.
