Challenges and Solutions in Food and Beverage Shipping

Mastering the complexities of perishable freight

Whether you're a supplier shipping to restaurants, a meal delivery service going to residential addresses or a vendor getting your products on retail shelves, one thing is certain: shipping food is not for the faint of heart. The temperature- and time-sensitive nature of these products carries some built-in risks, but the right approach can help you overcome them.

Let's explore some of the hurdles facing the food and beverage industry and how they can shape your logistics strategy.

Challenge 1: Staying on top of food safety regulations

If ship food and beverage goods, you know just how crucial it is to stay on top of health regulations. This involves adhering to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which was put in place to help prevent foodborne illnesses - a problem that impacts nearly 48 million people in the U.S. every year. This important law sets strict standards for how food-grade products should be handled.

Though the regulations involve multiple parts of your supply chain, examples include rules around the kind of equipment you can use, the documentation required to prove compliance, and the training everyone who loads, unloads and transports food must complete.

Solution:

Working with a trusted transportation provider can help keep food-grade products safe from the supplier to the consumer. They will ensure their carrier partners adhere to FSMA requirements and can implement solutions like required trailer washouts and pulping products to ensure the internal temperature meets your specifications.

Challenge 2: Keeping products fresh

Food products often require precise control of their environment to avoid spoilage. Fluctuating outside temperatures, extended transit times, and inadequate storage can all contribute to diminished quality and safety.

Solution:

When choosing a transportation partner, ask how they manage the risks of shipping temperature-sensitive goods. For example, providers that use optimized routing can cut down on transit time and help drivers avoid congested areas that could cause delays. This means your products spend less time in reefers or warehouses - helping them stay at the perfect temperature.

Other tactics include having access to dependable refrigerated trucks and SOPs in place to maintain product integrity. Choose a provider with strong carrier relationships and a proven track record of success with these types of goods.

Challenge 3: Balancing transportation costs with service quality

While it's important to manage expenses, cutting corners can lead to compromised service, which may impact the quality and safety of your products. Additionally, the need for specialized equipment and rapid delivery options can add to the overall cost.

Solution:

Evaluate your logistics needs and identify areas where you can optimize without sacrificing quality. Consider consolidating shipments to reduce costs and negotiating contracts with carriers to secure better rates. Working with a logistics partner who understands the nuances of perishable freight can also help you strike the right balance by offering solutions that align with your budget and service expectations.

Ship food and beverages with ArcBest

Navigating the complexities of perishable freight requires careful planning and attention to detail. By partnering with an experienced provider, you can develop a robust logistics strategy that supports the efficient and safe delivery of your products.

ArcBest truckload service, MoLo is committed to building strong partnerships that keep your supply chain running smoothly. Learn about our solutions for the food and beverage industry, and let's work together to create reliable strategies for your business.

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