When it comes to securing temperature-sensitive cargo, it is imperative to take the preparation process seriously. It may sound strange, but even a few degrees up or down may ruin your precious belongings. As one of the top temperature-controlled shipping companies, Four Winds Bahrain know how running a temperature-controlled warehouse comes with a lot of challenges. That’s why it’s best to do thorough research. After all, our clients are putting their trust in our hands. With that in mind, let’s see what you can do to make sure that storing temperature-sensitive cargo goes without a hitch!
Tips for securing temperature-sensitive cargo
Securing temperature-sensitive cargo is one of the most frequent warehouse problems people tend to encounter. To solve this challenge in the best possible way, you should always follow our efficient climate control tips and best practices. The three most important steps to cover are packaging, handling, and transportation.
Packaging process
The packaging process for temperature-sensitive cargo has a few very strict steps. Now it may sound like a lot to do, but it’s best to cover everything in order to properly secure the cargo.
1. Test different types of packaging for all your products
Firstly, it is important to figure out what packaging to use for what product. To establish this, you will need to perform a series of tests. You must analyze how packaging and the products react to various weather conditions, shock, impact, compression, etc.
Fortunately, there are a couple of different protocols you can follow:
- American Society of Testing & Materials, or
- International Safe Transit Association.
2. The importance of documentation
Secondly, documentation is especially important for smart inventory and warehouse management. And it also plays a crucial role when it comes to securing temperature-sensitive cargo. Every package that contains temperature-sensitive cargo should have adequate specifications and markings before freight forwarders in Bahrain can pick up your cargo. The best thing you can do is perform an inspection prior to shipment. Also, it is mandatory that you keep a copy of the report for at least 90 days.
3. Inspection is crucial for securing temperature-sensitive cargo
Thirdly, it is crucial to inspect your shipping container for any defects. It should be clean and dry on the inside before you shut it. Any issue with the container could potentially put your precious cargo at risk. Before you load your items, make sure that the temperature inside the container matches what’s in the documentation. Refrigeration needs to be running without any issues.
4. Handling temperature-sensitive cargo
When it comes to handling temperature-sensitive cargo, there are just a few things you need to take care of. Before anything else, you should provide all the necessary documentation to everyone who is working at handling the cargo. Lack of information often results in improper handling. Furthermore, it may lead to damaging the cargo.
Transportation
Picking the transportation provider is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. First of all, your shipping company must be punctual, and well equipped to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. Another great bonus you can look for is a claims-free loss service. Another responsibility you have is to inform the driver of all the necessary information. He or she must have a copy of the documentation where the chosen 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 need to meticulously follow best practices for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo. For instance, they need to provide quality trailers or containers. Next, they must have the monitoring equipment to track the slightest temperature changes during transport. Additionally, they should thoroughly know all the procedures of handling and storing temperature-sensitive cargo. Also, if you have a need for temporary storage, they should satisfy all the conditions to perform this service.
Remember to ask for the transportation route. You want to ensure that the cargo will be transported without delays – and as quickly as possible. Finally, the transportation company should also give you a 24/7 phone number for any support or questions. As well as the documented list of the personnel that handled the cargo in the process. Whoever was included in the transportation process must have a certificate that he or she knows how to secure temperature-sensitive cargo.
Going the extra mile
The best way to go the extra mile is to offer more than your clients expect. If you commit to following all the procedures and requirements we have mentioned above, you will be securing the cargo in the best possible way. Also, sometimes your clients may request additional services, like finding movers, storage units, etc. If you can go that extra mile and provide them with reliable and efficient contacts, like reliable companies, it will not go unnoticed.
By adhering to these tips and efficient practices, securing temperature-sensitive cargo will not be difficult. Since different clients have different needs and requirements, it is important to stay flexible. Simply follow all procedures and regulations and you’ll do a great job.
Finally
Sometimes lives can depend on the secure and safe shipments of sensitive cargo. Such is the case with vaccines, blood, and other temperature-sensitive products. When shipping these products, quality control becomes especially important. Many of these products are highly responsive in relation to temperature and other environmental factors. So they need to be shipped in a very specific or controlled way.
If you do not secure temperature-sensitive products for shipping, then there is a risk of damage to the products. Additionally, not complying with temperature requirements might also put you in danger of violating several regulations and laws. Avoid the risk of ending up with a costly write-off due to spoiled inventory and call us! We hope that our tips can help you mitigate your risk when it comes to shipping temperature-sensitive products.