Transporting milk and cream requires careful planning and execution to ensure freshness and safety throughout the journey. As perishable goods, milk and cream pose unique challenges in terms of temperature control, equipment, and regulatory compliance that need to be addressed before shipping.
Understanding Transportation Needs for Milk & Cream
Milk and cream are sensitive to both time and temperature, meaning that they require a specialized approach to freight shipping. There are several transport options within Freight Sidekick’s offered services, including Full Truckload (FTL) and Less Than Truckload (LTL), each with their own merits depending on shipment size and urgency.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Cooling is paramount when shipping dairy products. Refrigerated trucks are necessary for moving milk and cream to maintain the required temperature, typically between 33°F and 39°F. Freight Sidekick offers such services, ensuring your dairy products remain fresh over long distances.
- Full Truckload (FTL): Best for larger shipments that utilize an entire trailer, ensuring no cross-contact with other goods.
- Less Than Truckload (LTL): Ideal for smaller shipments up to 15,000 lbs, allows for shared space while still maintaining necessary temperature controls.
- Partial/Shared Truckload: Perfect for shipments that are larger than LTL but do not need a full truck, optimizing cost with shared space.
Loading and Unloading Procedures
Proper loading and unloading procedures are essential to maintaining the quality of milk and cream. Equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts may be required to handle the goods safely. Continuous cold chain processes must be maintained to prevent spoilage during these stages.
Bill of Lading: A Critical Document
A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a crucial legal document that details the shipment and terms of transportation. It is necessary to ensure clear communication between shippers and carriers about the contents and conditions of the freight load. You can create a valid document using our Bill of Lading Generator to ensure compliance.
Shipping Cost Factors
Several elements contribute to the overall cost of shipping milk and cream, including weight, distance, required temperature controls, and choice of service type. Freight Sidekick provides a comprehensive Freight Quote Tool to help estimate costs and choose the most cost-effective service.
Best Practices for Shipping Milk & Cream
- Ensure appropriate temperature controls through reliable refrigerated services.
- Use a detailed Bill of Lading for clear communication with carriers.
- Opt for FTL shipping where possible to minimize handling by third parties.
- Leverage Freight Sidekick’s Freight Quote Tool to optimize your shipping budget.
Get Personalized Assistance for Shipping Milk & Cream
Get a quote today, call us at 877-345-3838 or email support@freightsidekick.com.
