There are many reasons for which shipments incur damage while in transit. In many cases, this is due to mismanagement or mishandling on the part of delivery companies. However, while personnel error is often to blame for damaged shipments, negligence on the part of senders is hardly uncommon. This is particularly true in the case of temperature-sensitive items. Be it perishable food items, computer chips or machine components, special care must be taken in the packaging phase to ensure incident-free delivery. A little bit of preparation now stands to save you a considerable amount of hassle down the line. Individuals and businesses that regularly ship temp-sensitive cargo can benefit from the following pointers.
1. Inform the Delivery Company
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive items, it behooves you to inform the delivery company of this fact. Packages containing temp-sensitive cargo are often kept in special areas and treated with an enhanced degree of delicacy. However, if you fail to bring this to the attention of your preferred delivery company, you can hardly blame them for exposing the package to less-than-ideal temperatures. Furthermore, in advance of making the shipment, look for a delivery company that provides special options for temperature-sensitive cargo.
If your shipment should also be protected from large shocks and excessive jostling, consider equipping it with a good shock detector. Fortunately, SpotSee recently launched the ShockWatch RFID, which has proven effective at tracking damage through supply chains.
2.Select the Right Packing Materials
When working to ensure that cargo remains within a certain temperature range, the right packing materials are key. For example, when shipping perishable food items, you’ll need to provide plenty of insulation and refrigeration. Additionally, take care to avoid reusing boxes and shipping containers for this purpose. The more wear-and-tear they accumulate, the less equipped they are to prevent cool air from escaping.
When it comes to healthcare-related items, make sure your preferred shipping company offers pre-qualified temperature-controlled packaging (TCP). For shipments that are extra-sensitive, you may want to consider refrigerated shipping containers that are temp-controlled and have an internal power source. In the absence of good packaging, temperature-sensitive items are guaranteed to have a needlessly perilous journey.
3. Opt for Expedient Shipping
When shipping temperature-sensitive items, it’s generally in your best interest to go with the fastest option. The longer a temp-sensitive package remains in transit, the more room there is for something to go wrong. Furthermore, even the most effective temperature-controlled shipping containers aren’t designed for long-term use. The sooner your shipment reaches its destination, the sooner its contents can be transferred to a safer place.
While it’s true that damaged shipments can often be attributed to delivery companies, this isn’t always the case. Although these companies are tasked with handling shipments with care, it’s unfair to expect them to take responsibility for mistakes made by senders – especially when it comes to temperature-sensitive cargo. So the next time you find yourself preparing a temp-sensitive shipment for transit, take care to heed the tips discussed above.
GDEX, a top-tier courier service, has a growing footprint in Southeast Asia. Rely on our people, processes, platforms, and products for punctual deliveries, ensuring trust and satisfaction every time.
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