In logistics management, few challenges are as demanding as shipping and packaging perishable goods. Perishable goods encompass a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and more. Let’s explore more about transporting these goods with a short shelf life and the solutions that ensure consumers can receive fresh and safe products.
Challenges in shipping perishable goods
Whether it's farm-fresh produce, life-saving pharmaceuticals, or other delicate items, maintaining the quality of these products during transportation is crucial. Logistics experts must overcome these five specific challenges when shipping these temperature-sensitive items.
1. Sensitivity to environmental factors
Temperature, humidity, and handling can all impact the quality and safety of perishable goods. Controlling these factors during shipping is essential.
Temperature control is perhaps the most critical environmental factor when it comes to preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods. Even minor temperature fluctuations can accelerate spoilage of fresh goods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
Humidity, the level of moisture in the air, is another critical factor that can affect perishable goods. For instance, leafy greens require higher humidity during export to prevent wilting, while certain fruits like citrus need lower humidity to avoid mould and rot.
2. Short shelf life
Unlike non-perishable items, which can often be stored for extended periods without significant degradation, perishable goods have a limited lifespan.
For example, seafood should always be kept at cold temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. This is because bacteria are naturally present on the surface of seafood. When the temperature is within the danger zone (typically between 4°C and 60°C), these bacteria can multiply rapidly, which causes spoilage, degradation, or even health risks if not handled properly.
3. High demand for fresh products
Consumers today have high expectations when it comes to the quality and freshness of their food and other perishable products. Freshness is not just about the physical appearance, but also the products’ taste, texture, nutritional value, and safety.
This is driven by factors such as increased awareness of health and nutrition, a desire for better taste experiences, and concerns about food safety.
With increased demand, logistic professionals must navigate the complexities of sourcing from different regions to meet year-round demand, especially for seasonal items like strawberries, peaches, and cherries.
4. Regulatory compliance
Different countries and regions have distinct standards and regulations for importing perishable goods. Importing perishables often requires extensive documentation, including certificates of origin, quality certifications, and compliance with phytosanitary or food safety regulations.
Regulations related to product safety, labelling, packaging, and documentation can also vary significantly from one location to another. Navigating these complex and often changing requirements can be a daunting task.
5. Cost implications
Shipping perishable goods is definitely not the cheapest way. It often comes with a higher price tag compared to non-perishable items due to the specialised requirements involved, such as food refrigeration costs, specialised medical packaging, and expedited transportation.
Shipping solutions for perishables
To mitigate the sensitivity of perishable goods to environmental factors, these three measures are typically taken:
1. Cold chain logistics
Perishable goods are often transported using cold chain logistics. This involves maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the supply chain, which helps preserve the quality and safety of the items.
The process starts at refrigeration facilities equipped with specialised cooling systems and environmental controls. These facilities ensure that perishable goods are stored under controlled conditions before they begin their journey.
When it's time to move the goods, they are loaded into specialised transportation equipped with refrigeration units to maintain the necessary temperature, even when faced with varying external conditions.
Throughout transportation, real-time monitoring systems track the temperature inside containers or vehicles. If any deviation occurs, immediate alerts are triggered, allowing for swift corrective action.
Quality checks at various stages ensure the products meet safety standards and maintain their visual appeal.
2. Specialised packaging
During shipment, perishable goods are typically packaged using materials that provide thermal insulation and protect against temperature fluctuations and humidity.
Vacuum-sealed packaging is a common choice for preserving the freshness of a wide range of perishable supplies, from meats and cheeses to vegetables and coffee. They prevent the growth of spoilage-causing bacteria and help extend the shelf life of products by removing air from the packaging.
Insulated packaging is also indispensable for products that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. These containers are lined with materials that provide a barrier against external temperature changes.
