Even though shipping meat can be simple, if you don't know what you're doing, the process can be time-consuming and exhausting. When shipping frozen meat, there is just one opportunity to get it right.
Improper packaging material could cause the meat to defrost or spoil before it reaches its destination. In order to avoid financial loss, we have put together this guide for shipping frozen meat safely and securely.
Types of Frozen Meat That You Can Ship
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1) Seafood Products: This includes clams, oysters, lobsters, and crab in addition to all types of fish.
2) Poultry Products: This comprises duck, turkey, and chicken.
3) Beef & Other Livestock Products: Delectable cuts of red and white meat from cows, goats, lambs, and pigs are included in this category.
4) Wild Game Products: This diverse group includes boar, venison, bison, elk, rabbit, pheasant, and other game products.
Steps To Follow When Shipping Frozen Meat
Here are 9 steps to follow if you want to ship frozen food safely and securely:
1) Weigh the Meat
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Before starting the shipment preparations, the frozen meat needs to be weighed. Frozen meat weighs a bit more than thawed meat. The weight of the meat will dictate the number of coolants required as well as the size of the container that will be used to package the meat products.
2) Wrap the Meat
The second step is to wrap the frozen meat in newspaper and put it in plastic storage bags to stop juices from leaking. In addition to protecting the product, wrapping the product also creates an additional layer of insulation.
3) Place the Wrapped Meat in a Styrofoam Box or Insulated Container
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After wrapping the meat, place it in an insulated container or a styrofoam box. Make sure the box is at least 2 inches thick and is clear of any debris, dirt, or other materials that could impact the quality of the meat. This is especially important if you're using recycled Styrofoam boxes.
4) Use an Insulated Liner
If you do not have an insulated container or a styrofoam box, consider using insulated liners. Insulated liners are reflective foam container inserts that can be swiftly fitted inside any container including cardboard boxes. They offer high-performance heat control.
These personalized liners are practical since they provide insulation that is both conductive and reflective. When compared to other forms of temperature-controlled packaging, reflective container liners are small and space-saving, saving you valuable room and time.
5) Place the Insulated Container in a Box
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Place the insulated container holding the frozen meat products into a robust corrugated cardboard box. Make sure that you place the meat in the middle of the shipping box, 2 inches from the sides.
Instead of using cardboard boxes, you can also use insulated shipping boxes like the ones from Nice Packs. These boxes are made of aluminum, which not only prevents damage during transit but also reflects light and heat to maintain the coldness of your product.
6) Use Coolants
Dry ice and gel packs are necessary when transporting frozen meat. Gel packs contain a refrigerant gel that keeps items cooler for longer. Due to their brief shelf lives, however, they might not be the greatest choice if you wish to ship meat over long distances.
If you want something more durable, consider using dry ice packs. In contrast to gel packs, dry ice is far more trustworthy and leaves no unpleasant liquid behind that can degrade the quality of the meat.
7) Fill Up Any Empty Spaces
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Once you've stuffed your products and coolants in the box of your choice, make sure to fill in any open spaces with packing materials like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and airbags. This step is essential to avoiding crushing the meat.
8) Seal the Box and Label It
After completing the above steps, you can now seal your shipment box. Make sure to label your box with any necessary information and indicate that your product is "perishable." To improve the likelihood that your shipment will arrive at the correct location, place your label on top of the box.
9) Select the Proper Shipping Route
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After the packaging and labeling have been properly taken care of, it is time to look more closely at shipping options. Timely shipping is essential for perishable food, especially if refrigerants are being used.
To reduce transit time, frozen meats need to be transported as soon as possible. The ideal time frame for frozen meat delivery is two days. To ensure that your products arrive within this time frame, plan your shipments at the beginning of the week. This will prevent the shipments from being stuck someplace during the weekend. Holidays may also affect how quickly packages are shipped, so keep that in mind.
Why Is It Critical To Maintain Temperature Control When Shipping Meat?
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Frozen meat shipments must be kept at a consistent temperature lower than 40° F to prevent bacteria from rapidly developing.
Spoilage bacteria and pathogenic bacteria are the two forms of bacteria that can affect the quality of meat. The type of bacteria that causes food to decay and lose its flavor, texture, and scent is known as spoilage bacteria. On the other hand, pathogenic bacteria are microorganisms that can make people sick when consumed.
These microorganisms multiply and spread more quickly in an environment with an elevated temperature, endangering the safety of the products. To stop the growth of bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses, temperatures must be controlled.
How Much Does Shipping Frozen Meat Cost?
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The typical cost of shipping frozen food ranges from $30 to $150. Because each shipment's contents, size, and weight vary, it is impossible to estimate the exact costs of delivering frozen meat in advance.
The pricing is also impacted by the various features and services that shipping companies provide, such as expedited shipment and additional insurance. Before intending to ship products, make sure to ask your shipping firm for an accurate estimate of the cost of shipping meat.
Summary
Even though shipping frozen meat may seem like a tedious process, it is worthwhile if all the necessary precautions are taken. Packaging must be carefully considered if frozen food is to be delivered successfully. To keep your shipment cold, you must use the right coolants, insulated boxes, and thermal liners. To find packaging material to suit your shipping needs, visit Nice Packs.
