Known as one of the most common types of goods moved domestically, transporting food by truck comes with unique challenges. In the U.S., trucking is the most conventional method for moving food, accounting for nearly 70.5% of transport. Whether you work at a company or an individual shipper, knowing how to ship food by truck has numerous benefits. Along with growing your business, the possibility of mishaps, like cargo spoiling leading to monetary loss, lessens. While there are different ways to move this shipment type, this article will focus on movement by truck. If you plan on shipping foods and other perishables by air, click here.
What to Know Before Transporting Food by Truck
Before deciding on transporting foods domestically, it is crucial to understand how to protect the cargo during the journey. Proper packaging can prevent damage while keeping that freight at a specific temperature. For example, carriers should not transport meat in a cardboard box, which can lead to contamination. Understanding that foods are perishables and have limited lifespans is also essential. Many shippers use expedited trucking services to prevent spoiling and ensure that the goods are fresh.
Some of the mandatory documents that the DOT requires for domestic transport include:
- Bill of Lading – A document a carrier issues detailing the shipment’s quantity, type, and destination.
- Freight Bill – An invoice specifying the various shipping costs that the carrier or logistics company charges.
- Proof of Delivery – A receipt confirming that the carrier has delivered the shipment to the recipient.
Specific foods like alcoholic beverages are considered hazmat (hazardous materials) and require proper labeling.
What is The Process
The cold chain begins before the goods go on a truck and can start at the origin facility. The temperature of the warehouse must be sufficient to prevent spoiling. When the shipper is ready to move the cargo, the carrier must load and unload it properly. The food must stay at the appropriate temperature during the journey to avoid damage. The parties involved maintain mandatory documentation throughout the process, while carriers and shippers ensure compliance with regulations. Once the goods reach their destination, a market, distribution facility, or another location, workers unload them following proper procedure to prevent mishaps.
Temperature-Controlled Shipping
A common type of transport shippers use to move food is temperature-controlled shipping. The type of container that the carrier uses is a reefer or refrigerated container. These containers are insulated to protect the goods from spoiling and are usually between -22 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain reefers can reach close to -85 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of the insulation and technology, temperature-controlled trucks can sometimes have limited capacity. Along with food, reefers ship pharmaceuticals, flowers, electronics, and other goods that spoil at specific temperatures.
When transporting food or other perishables by truck, the shipper must prepare for the challenges that can come with it. First-time shippers should particularly understand how to effectively move cargo like food with limited mistakes. Speaking to a freight broker is ideal to ensure your temperature-sensitive shipments are delivered successfully. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com for a quote to begin your shipping journey today. Along with temperature-controlled shipping, we provide other solutions like drayage, expedited, and heavy haul for shipping your cargo domestically.