What Is the Cheapest Way for eCommerce Companies to Ship Frozen Food?

When shipping frozen food products for an eCommerce business, there are multiple factors you need to consider. Unlike other products, frozen foods are particularly time- and temperature-sensitive, meaning you must implement the right solution to successfully fulfill shipments and satisfy your customers. 

From a dependable carrier to the right ice, there are several ways to save more money on your frozen food shipments without compromising operations. The following are some of the best ways to keep costs lower while maintaining the quality of your products and deliveries.

Find a Reliable Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider

The most important way to save money and make sure shipments get where they need to go is to turn to a trustworthy 3PL provider. If you’re an eCommerce business owner and want to maximize your reach across the U.S., a 3PL with the right resources can help you achieve this. 

3PLs work with all major carriers that can provide ground shipments across most of the continental U.S., with a minimum of two fulfillment centers. With at least one center located on the east coast and another on the west, you’ll be able to reach most states and cities in 1-2 days via ground vs. air which is very expensive in comparison. 

When looking for a 3PL, you should turn to one that has ample experience with frozen and cold foods. They’ll have a deep understanding of what these products require to facilitate timely shipment.

Use Dry Ice to Cool Frozen Food Items

Dry ice is one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to keep frozen foods cold throughout the shipping process. Dry ice consists of potentially hazardous liquified carbon dioxide and requires sufficient care when handling it, but when properly implemented, it can make sure food items stay at the ideal temperature level. 

Many companies that sell this product can supply it for food shipments at a reasonable cost, making it relatively easy to source and use. A good perishable foods 3PL will have plenty of dry ice on hand, so this would be one less thing to worry about. 

Use the Right Containers

For frozen food and other perishable items, you’ll need to find insulated food containers that can prevent items from spoiling or thawing during transit to your customer. An appropriately sized box along with the right insulation will be critical to keep costs down and losses to a minimal. Once your products are adequately insulated and dry ice and/or gel packs are added, your food items should be ready to ship.

Purchase Bulk Frozen Food Packaging Materials

To prepare for surges in demand, you must have plenty of packaging materials available. To procure the supplies you’ll need while saving money, buy these materials in bulk when possible. This will enable you to prepare bulk shipments with consistent efficiency. Over time, you’ll be able to see the cost benefits of buying packaging materials in bulk with reduced per-unit costs.

Additionally, try to ship your products in bulk if this is doable. Your carrier may offer bulk shipping rates, and you may be able to create a designated temperature-controlled space to store products in bulk before the carrier picks them up. If you are working with a 3PL, they should be able to get you the best rates for carriers such as FedEx and UPS due to the nature of their relationship and the volume they give them. Additionally, some 3PL’s provide boxes and insultation while others will store and use what you send them.

Experience Success with Cost-Effective Frozen Food Shipment

To maximize the profitability of frozen food shipments for an eCommerce business, the right strategy is vital. You’ll need to take all these items into consideration to get the best possible results from your operations. Finding the right carrier, incorporating dry ice strategies, buying bulk packaging materials and containers, and other steps can help you save money. However, they can be hard to locate and manage on your own.

At Gray Growth Logistics, we can help you get the start you need with your frozen food products. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your eCommerce business!