Shipping for Food Products: Perishable and Non-Perishable Guide

Shipping food requires special attention to safety, packaging, and regulations. Whether you're sending perishable items that need refrigeration or shelf-stable products, proper handling ensures your products arrive safely and legally. This guide covers everything you need to know about food shipping.

Understanding Food Shipping Categories

Perishable Foods

Examples:

• Fresh meat and seafood
• Dairy products
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Prepared meals
• Fresh baked goods
• Frozen foods

Key requirements:

• Temperature control
• Fast shipping
• Insulated packaging
• Cold chain integrity

Non-Perishable Foods

Examples:

• Canned goods
• Dried foods
• Coffee and tea
• Snacks and candy
• Condiments (shelf-stable)
• Baking ingredients

Key requirements:

• Protection from damage
• Moisture control
• Temperature extremes
• Proper labeling

Perishable Food Shipping

Temperature Control

Cold chain basics:

• Maintain safe temperature throughout transit
• 40°F or below for refrigerated
• 0°F or below for frozen
• Monitor and document

Cooling methods:

• Gel packs (refrigerated items)
• Dry ice (frozen items)
• Phase change materials
• Refrigerated trucks

Insulated Packaging

Materials:

• EPS foam coolers
• Insulated box liners
• Reflective bubble wrap
• Vacuum insulated panels

Choosing packaging:

• Transit time expected
• Ambient temperature
• Product temperature sensitivity
• Cost considerations

Dry Ice Handling

Regulations:

• Classified as hazardous (Class 9)
• Maximum 5.5 lbs via air without special handling
• Proper labeling required
• Ventilated packaging

Usage tips:

• Calculate sublimation rate
• Don't seal containers airtight
• Handle with gloves
• Include warning labels

Shipping Speed

Perishable requirements:

• Overnight or 2-day maximum
• Plan for transit delays
• Ship early in week
• Avoid weekend arrivals

Non-Perishable Food Shipping

Packaging Considerations

Protection from:

• Crushing and impact
• Moisture
• Temperature extremes
• Pests
• Contamination

Packaging materials:

• Sturdy corrugated boxes
• Moisture barriers
• Adequate cushioning
• Food-safe materials

Glass and Breakable Items

Extra protection:

• Individual wrapping
• Dividers between items
• Double boxing
• Fragile labeling

Regulatory Compliance

FDA Requirements

Food businesses must:

• Register with FDA
• Follow labeling requirements
• Maintain food safety standards
• Meet packaging requirements

Labeling requirements:

• Ingredient list
• Nutrition facts (if applicable)
• Allergen warnings
• Net weight
• Manufacturer information

State Regulations

Cottage food laws:

• Vary by state
• Often allow home-based food production
• Usually limited to non-perishable
• Sales limits may apply

Check requirements for:

• Business licensing
• Food handling permits
• Kitchen inspection
• Labeling rules

USDA Requirements

For meat and poultry:

• USDA inspection required
• Specific labeling
• Temperature requirements
• Documentation needs

Carrier Considerations

USPS Food Shipping

What's allowed:

• Non-perishables: All services
• Perishables: Restricted
• No dry ice over 5.5 lbs
• Proper packaging required

Limitations:

• No temperature-controlled service
• Transit times not guaranteed
• Not recommended for highly perishable

UPS and FedEx

Better for perishables:

• Faster transit options
• Temperature-controlled options available
• Dry ice handling
• Weekend delivery options

Specialized Food Carriers

Options for food:

• Goldbelly (marketplace + shipping)
• FreshDirect logistics
• Regional cold chain carriers
• LTL refrigerated freight

Seasonal Considerations

Hot Weather Shipping

Summer challenges:

• Higher ambient temperatures
• More cooling needed
• Shorter safe windows
• Increased spoilage risk

Solutions:

• Faster shipping
• More ice/dry ice
• Better insulation
• Early week shipping

Cold Weather Shipping

Winter considerations:

• Freezing concerns for liquids
• Less cooling needed for cold items
• Can work in your favor
• Still need insulation

Cost Management

Reducing Perishable Shipping Costs

Strategies:

• Optimize packaging weight
• Negotiate carrier rates
• Ship in bulk when possible
• Regional fulfillment
• Right-size cooling materials

Minimum Order Thresholds

Why they help:

• Offset shipping costs
• Improve profitability
• Customer expectation setting
• Better packaging efficiency

Quality Control

Pre-Ship Verification

Check list:

• Product temperature
• Packaging integrity
• Correct items
• Proper cooling
• Labels attached

Customer Communication

Inform customers about:

• Expected delivery date
• Handling instructions
• Refrigeration needs
• Shelf life after receipt

Handling Issues

When problems occur:

• Respond quickly
• Offer replacement or refund
• Document for improvement
• Adjust processes

International Food Shipping

Additional Challenges

Consider:

• Import regulations
• Longer transit times
• Customs delays
• Country-specific bans
• Documentation requirements

Generally avoid:

• Highly perishable international
• Restricted ingredients
• Complex customs items

Key Takeaways

Know your product type: Perishable vs. non-perishable determines everything

Temperature is critical: For perishables, cold chain integrity is paramount

Compliance matters: FDA, state, and USDA regulations must be followed

Choose right carrier: Not all carriers handle food well

Package appropriately: Right insulation, cooling, and protection

Consider timing: Weather, day of week, transit time

Communicate clearly: Customer expectations and handling instructions

Food shipping requires extra attention to detail, but with proper planning and execution, you can safely deliver food products to customers while maintaining quality and compliance.