How To Ship Food: A Complete Guide

Virginia Miller

November 15, 2024

In this article

Shipping meals may be complex, especially if you're sending something perishable, like refrigerated or baked items. It's crucial to deliver these meals out as speedy and effectively as feasible, or else they could begin gathering bacteria. At the same time, as it might cost a piece more money, you need some packaging supplies to ship them speedily.

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Shipping food comes with several demanding situations. Mainly, you want to be sure that your food is still fresh when delivered. In addition, there are many food types, and you have to handle each of them in its way while transporting them.

Now the question occurs: how to do that?

Shipping Frozen Food and Other Perishables

Can You Ship Frozen Food?

Yes, you can ship frozen food to destinations within the same country using dry ice as an insulator. However, international shipments are more challenging as they take longer and dry ice regulations vary between countries.

How to Package and Ship Frozen Food

To keep frozen food cold during shipping:

Make sure food is completely frozen before packaging
Estimate the space needed and select an appropriately sized insulated box
Wrap frozen items with newspaper and pack in dry ice or thick Styrofoam
Place heavier frozen items at the bottom and lighter items at the top

Shipping Perishable and Baked Goods

When shipping perishables and baked goods:

Choose items not likely to get crushed or fall apart
Wrap in plastic wrap or foil to retain freshness
Use wax paper between layered baked goods
Pad the bottom and top of box with crumpled paper or bubble wrap

Tips for Successful Food Shipping

To increase chances of your shipment arriving fresh:

Ship early in the week to avoid packages sitting over weekends
Label box as fragile and perishable
Include handling instructions for recipient

With proper insulation and timing, you can successfully ship frozen goods, perishables, and baked items to their destination without spoilage.

Next article: How To Ship Fragile Items

FAQs

Can I ship ice cream across the country?

Yes, you can ship ice cream across the country using dry ice as an insulator to keep it frozen during transit. Pack ice cream in a Styrofoam cooler with enough dry ice and it can stay frozen for 1-2 days of shipping.

What's the best way to ship a frozen casserole?

Wrap the frozen casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap before packing. Place crumpled newspaper or bubble wrap at bottom of box, then the wrapped casserole dish. Surround dish with more bubble wrap. Top with dry ice in a plastic bag before sealing box.

Can I mail cookies overseas?

It's risky to mail baked goods overseas as shipments take longer, increasing chances of spoilage or damage. If mailing cookies overseas, choose a sturdy cookie like gingerbread, wrap tightly, cushion box interior, label as fragile, and ship express.

What if my perishables spoil during shipping?

If perishables spoil, contact the shipping carrier regarding compensation. In the future, ship earlier in the week, choose less perishable items, use more insulation like gel packs, and advise recipient to refrigerate immediately.

How do I keep cake from sticking together when shipped?

To prevent shipped cake layers from sticking, first wrap each cake layer individually in plastic wrap. Place a sheet of wax paper between each wrapped cake layer when packing the box. The wax paper prevents sticking or frosting smudges.

Can I ship meat or dairy products?

Avoid mailing raw meats, poultry, or dairy products which have strict regulations. Pre-cooked and commercially packaged meats may be shipped but require frozen gel packs as insulators and same-day handling to prevent spoilage.

What supplies do I need to ship baked goods successfully?

Supplies needed include: sturdy outer box, smaller inner boxes/containers for each food item, plastic wrap, foil, wax paper, bubble wrap, crumpled newsprint or packing paper, tape, freezer gel packs if perishable, and label marking perishable/fragile.