6 Cost Considerations When Hiring Climate-Controlled Transporters
Most people don't think about the transportation of their food. However, the truth is that the food we eat often travels hundreds or even thousands of miles before it reaches our plates. That's why we must have efficient, climate-controlled transportation systems in place. Perishables that require a temperature-controlled environment include dairy products, fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, plants, and pharmaceuticals.
Here are the factors that influence the cost of climate-controlled transportation.
1. Temperature Considerations
Every perishable good has an ideal temperature for climate-controlled freight transport. Temperatures lower than the ideal can lead to freezing or chilling. Freezing may cause structural alteration and damage to some goods. Similarly, temperatures higher than the ideal may increase water loss in some goods. Dehydration decreases the quality of some perishable goods such as flowers.
The rates for cooled, chilled, and frozen goods differ. The freight company considers factors such as wear and tear and the fuel required to maintain the desired temperature. In addition, different cooling systems are necessary, which reflects in the price.
2. Product Handling and Storage
The goods you intend to ship influence the cost of your climate-controlled freight transport. For example, goods such as dairy products and meat have specific FDA guidelines for handling and storage. In addition, the freight contractor ensures proper climatic conditions for cross-docked freight.
3. Security Needs
Items like pharmaceuticals and paintings require security in addition to climate control. The security includes integrating special security features in the transportation vessels. Also, this may require trained personnel. All these factors influence the final quotation on your freight transport contract.
4. Technology
The technology aspect involves additional features such as real-time monitoring. For example, you can track real-time location and climate condition graphs updates. This provision is advantageous for highly delicate goods, emergency services, and documentation purposes.
5. Insurance
Numerous risks develop between delivery and shipment timelines, including weather, traffic, and customs. These factors will be considered when determining the insurance premium you incur when transporting your goods. In addition, depending on the quantity of your shipping, you may be required to pay for transportation and storage facilities.
6. Freight Integration
Different types of climate-controlled transportation logistics depend on whether you want your goods delivered by road, air, sea, or rail. In addition, each of these media will vary in cost to ensure a cold chain is maintained throughout the shipping process. Thus, if you want to take advantage of these media, you may incur the charges of working with separate delivery service companies.
Similarly, you can leave the entire process to one freight transportation company.
Conclusion
Climate-controlled transportation services ensure that you distribute the highest quality goods. An experienced climate-controlled freight transport company will leverage affordable, safe, and efficient systems, saving your time and money.
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