How to Ship Frozen Food Safely & Proficiently to Your Customers?

Shipping frozen food is no child’s play. The flavor of your frozen food can go bad just because of a minor temperature change. That’s why maintaining the temperature of your frozen food is very important. If you are in the food business and selling frozen meals, then this blog will prove to be a perfect read for you. In this blog, we are going to learn how you can ship your frozen food item safely to your customers. We will also explore the types of materials that are used in the making of these boxes and how to keep your food chilled for long hours. So, let’s dig in. 

Factors to Consider While Shipping Frozen Food!

Now, to ship your frozen food items to your customers, there are some factors that you need to carefully consider. Being considerate about these factors will help you learn how to ship frozen food overnight to your customers, especially when there’s a long shipping distance involved. 

• Temperature Setting & Control 

The most accurate temperature scale that keeps your frozen meals fresh is 0 degrees to 18 degrees Celsius. Even a minor change in this temperature scale will ruin your food for you. The previously mentioned temperature will only be maintained with the help of proper cooling agents such as dry ice and gel packs. Additionally, the use of insulated boxes will also keep your food chilled during transit. Another common factor that plays a great role in keeping your food cold is the seal-tight packaging with the help of thermal liners and dividers. 

• Categorize the Type of Frozen Food 

The next step would be categorizing your food. You need to understand the freezing requirements of your food, as every frozen food category has different shipping needs. For instance, all kinds of meats, such as fish, chicken, pork, and lamb, need vacuum-sealed packaging with heavy-duty gel packs. Also, their temperature should not be set above 18 degrees Celsius. But if we take the example of frozen vegetables, they can stay fresh for longer hours as they are not temperature-sensitive. Therefore, choose your custom food packaging according to the food requirements. 

• Estimation of the Delivery Locations

Your frozen food packaging features will be decided by keeping in mind the delivery locations and the distance. If you are delivering to a far-off location that will take hours, then use high-end insulation material. Make sure to ship your frozen food at night when delivering to a place with a tropical climate. Never ship frozen food items on weekends. Therefore, understand the time zones and climates of the place you’re delivering to. 

• Selection of Frozen Food Carriers 

This is one of the most important parts to keep your food fresh. Many companies do not allow you to add dry ice and other cooling agents to your packaging. Therefore, look for a carrier that provides temperature-controlled logistics with the addition of cooling agents. A company that has no track record of delaying orders will prove to be a great fit for your products. 

• Safety Regulations & Compliance

You need to learn about the safety regulations of all states when shipping frozen food. The guidelines should be followed if you don’t want the delivery of your products to be rejected. One of the strict guidelines that every food retailer must follow is to mention the use of dry ice on their packaging. Dry ice is made up of materials that can cause great harm. That’s why you should mention it on the packaging. Additionally, you need to make sure that your frozen food regulation matches the protocols of the FDA and USDA. 

• Transparency with Your Customers

When you are delivering frozen food items to your customers, you need to have thorough communication with them. Because if your package arrives at your customer’s doorstep while they are unavailable, it can create a problem for you. And we know that you do not want an unsatisfied customer. That’s why you keep your customers updated with all the shipping details. 

Packaging Materials Used to Create Frozen Food for Safe Shipping

You need to learn about the materials that are used in the making of frozen food packaging, just so you can get a better idea of how these boxes can keep your food fresh. Three of the most common types of materials used in the making of frozen food boxes are as follows:

• EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Foam Boxes)
• Mylar Packaging, known as Foil Liners 
• Vacuum-Insulated Panels made up of polyurethane 

EPS is a lightweight insulator that keeps your food at the proper temperature for extended periods of time. Reflective foil liners, on the other hand, are made of paperboard or cardboard and block all heat from entering your packaging. Furthermore, vacuum-insulated panels keep your food cool by trapping cold air inside the box. They are a perfect solution to keep your food chilled when delivering them to hot areas and far-off locations. 

Finally, ensure that your carrier company delivers your food within 1-2 days, and not longer. 

How Much Will It Cost You to Ship Frozen Food Overnight?

As a food company owner, you might already be aware of the overpriced shipping. Insulators, high-density packaging materials, and cooling agents, as well as other costly features used in their manufacturing, make these boxes highly priced. But you don’t have to worry, as there are many reliable carriers that offer reasonable rates and incredible services. 

Conclusion!

A frozen food business will help you generate great revenues. But, to make your business successful, you need to follow all the guidelines that have been mentioned above. Lastly, if you are looking for a reliable packaging company, you can chat with Boxit Packages now.

Read to Know! What is Best For Foodstuff Packaging and Reasons Behind It?