When it comes to securing temperature-sensitive cargo, it is imperative to take the situation seriously. It may sound silly, but a few degrees up or down may ruin your precious belongings.

Running a temperature-controlled warehouse comes with a lot of difficulties, so it’s best to do thorough research. After all, customers are putting their trust in your hands. With that in mind, let’s see what you can do to make sure securing temperature-sensitive cargo goes without any issues.

Tips for securing temperature-sensitive cargo

Securing temperature-sensitive cargo is one of the common warehouse problems you might encounter. To solve this issue in the best possible way, you should always follow good tips and best practices. The three most important categories to cover are packaging, handling, and transportation.

Packaging process

The packaging process for temperature-sensitive cargo has a couple of steps. It might sound like a lot to do, but it’s best to cover everything and secure the cargo.

Test packaging and products

As a first step, it is important to figure out what packaging to use for what product. To determine this, a series of tests are required. You must know how packaging and the products react to different weather conditions, shock, impact, compression, etc. There are a couple of different protocols you can follow: American Society of Testing & Materials, International Safe Transit Association, etc.

The importance of documentation

As we already know, documentation is especially important for smart inventory and warehouse management. However, it also plays an important role when it comes to securing temperature-sensitive cargo. Every package that contains temperature-sensitive cargo should have proper specifications and labeling. The best is to perform an inspection prior to shipment. Furthermore, it is important to keep a copy of the report for at least 90 days.

Inspection

Furthermore, it is crucial to inspect the container for any defects. Inside should be clean, dry, and well shut. Any issue with the container may jeopardize the cargo. Before you load the container, make sure that the temperature matches what’s in the documentation. Refrigeration must work without any issues.

Handling

When it comes to handling, there are really just a few important things to take care of. First of all, you should provide all the necessary documentation to everyone who is involved in handling the cargo. Lack of information might result in improper handling and further may lead to damaging the cargo.

Also, everyone should have the proper equipment for handling temperature-sensitive cargo.

Transportation

Picking the transportation provider is one of the most important decisions to make. First of all, they must be punctual, and well equipped to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. Another great bonus is if they provide a claims-free loss service.

You should inform the driver of all the necessary information. He or she must have a copy of the documentation where the required temperature is stated. Furthermore, you should provide phone numbers to all the mechanical and refrigeration facilities in the case of an emergency.

Best practices for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo

Transportation providers should always follow best practices for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo.

For starters, they should provide quality trailers or containers, and have the monitoring equipment to track the slightest temperature changes during transport. Next, they should be familiarized with all the procedures of handling and storing temperature-sensitive cargo. Also, if there is a need for temporary storage, they should have all the conditions to perform this service.

Remember to ask for the transportation route to ensure that the cargo will be transported without delays and as quickly as possible. Finally, the transportation provider should also provide you with a 24/7 phone number for any support or questions, as well as the documented list of anyone that handled the cargo in the process. Whoever was included must have a certificate that he or she knows how to handle temperature-sensitive cargo.

Going the extra mile

The best way to go the extra mile for your customers is to offer more than they expect. By following all the procedures and requirements mentioned above, you are securing the cargo in the best possible way. Also, sometimes your clients may need additional services, like finding movers, storage units, etc. If you can go the extra mile and provide them with good contacts, like reliable companies, it will not go unnoticed.

Remember, it is crucial to get a positive review from your customers. Word of mouth is one of the strongest ways to advertise.

Tips for securing temperature-sensitive cargo – delivered.

Let me give a quick summary of all the procedures in order. First of all, both the cargo and the container should be properly inspected. Everything should be documented, and the documentation should be provided to everyone involved in packaging, handling, and transportation. The logistics provider should have all the necessary equipment to transport and store the cargo, and also to monitor any temperature changes.

By following these tips and best practices, securing temperature-sensitive cargo will not be difficult. Since different clients have different needs, it is important to be flexible, while making sure to follow all procedures and regulations.

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Mark Stephens is a blogger and a freelancer for preferred-movers.com. With the experience of over seven years working in the moving industry, he gladly shares his knowledge and expertise with his readers. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, and further researching new topic in the moving industry, so he can always stay up to date with the newest information.