Shipping Food with uShip
Food shipping requires a high level of care due to temperature specifics and legal restrictions. It's important to choose the best food shipping company for your needs. As communication is of the utmost importance when delivering a sensitive product like produce, you need to know where your shipment is at all times. No matter the type of food being shipped, you want a carrier who can help take the stress out of shipping your temperature sensitive products.
When researching your carrier options, it's important to find as many food shipping companies as possible. Be sure to compare them to each other - looking for experience, communication styles, and reviews. Price of shipping matters as well, but you may not always want to go with the cheapest option. With uShip, we provide shipping quotes, reviews, and the ability to talk to the transporters directly, all in one place.
USE FOOD SHIPPING PACKAGING
Whether you decide to use a carrier who provides reefer shipping or one that offers non-refrigerated methods, it is recommended that your food be properly packaged. The following are items needed to help keep food at adequate temperatures.
- Insulated Containers: Invest in sturdy, insulated styrofoam containers for all items you need to keep cool or frozen.
- Coolants: Depending on what you're shipping, you can either line the container or you can add a cooling agent (gel packs, dry ice, etc.) inside the packaging.
- Alternative Insulation: If choosing not to use a styrofoam container, there are alternative products that can offer sufficient insulation. These options include air-filled insulated liners, insulated pads, insulated liners, and styrofoam cut sheets.
- Absorbents: If your food can thaw, be sure to place an absorbent pad or mat on top of your liners. Double bag or wrap if necessary.
- Padding: Once your goods are in the packaging, pad and pack to minimize movement during transit. Consider materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts to provide at least 2 to 3 inches of protection.
- Seal Food: Keep food fresh by wrapping goods in plastic wrap, shrink wrap, or foil.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Food?
The average cost for food shipping depends on the distance, timeframe, and what you’re shipping. It costs $2.24 per mile to transport food less than 100 miles, but costs $1.46 per mile to transport food less than 1000 miles.
Visit our cost to ship food and beverages page for an inside look at the uShip food shipping process. There, you'll be able to view food shipments completed on the uShip marketplace, so you can get a good idea of what your shipment may cost.