Perishable Goods Transportation

Below is a classification of perishable goods. Understanding the properties and characteristics of each product group helps ensure their safe storage and transportation.

• Food products. Items such as meat and fish, dairy products, eggs, vegetables and fruits, ice cream, short-shelf-life cakes, and many others.
• Medicinal products. Vitamins, antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, hormonal and immunomodulatory drugs, injectable medications.
• Cosmetic products. Many hair, face, and body care products contain components that are sensitive to storage conditions.
• Chemical and explosive substances. Acids, lacquers, gases, pyrotechnics. These require rapid delivery with specific conditions maintained (temperature, humidity, pressure based on chemical and physical properties) to prevent accidents and hazardous situations.
• Living organisms. Flowers and plants, animals, and fish are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. The carrier's task is to create favorable conditions for their survival and protect them from stress during transport.
• Technical devices and equipment. Microprocessors, computers, monitors, sensors. For many electronic devices and their components, fast delivery under optimal physical conditions — such as avoiding sub-zero temperatures — is essential.

For delivering products that are sensitive to external conditions and have limited storage and transportation timelines, specialized vehicles with additional equipment are selected.

• Refrigerators and heaters. Climate control systems that adjust the temperature inside the vehicle’s cargo area to an acceptable level, either cooling or heating as needed. For each type of cargo, appropriate refrigeration or freezing equipment is chosen based on its power requirements.
• Isothermal vehicles. Sealed vans maintain a stable internal temperature using thermos-like principles. They are essential for transporting food products and pharmaceuticals.
• Vehicles with humidity control systems. Used to regulate humidity levels inside the cargo area during the transport of flowers, reptiles, marine creatures, and similar goods.
• Insulated cargo trucks. These vehicles maintain a relatively constant temperature for 8–12 hours and are a cost-effective option for transporting perishable goods over shorter distances.
• Shock-absorbing vehicles. Equipped with additional devices to neutralize vibrations and other negative impacts during transit, ensuring delicate items remain undamaged.

When transporting goods with a limited shelf life, logistics companies are advised to monitor the following aspects:

• Precision and speed of delivery. Even a few hours can be critical when a transportation company is handling food products or other rapidly perishable goods. Reliable carriers aim for 100% accuracy in adhering to deadlines when working with such cargo.
• Selection of proper packaging. For many types of sensitive products, it’s important to create multiple protective layers against external influences. This is achieved through packaging made from materials such as cardboard, paper, polyethylene, or sealed bags, chosen based on the specific requirements of the cargo.
• Temperature and humidity control. Refrigerators and similar systems maintain an optimal environment inside the vehicle to ensure the successful transportation of perishable goods and their safe arrival at the destination.
• Compliance with storage and transportation rules. The shipper provides detailed instructions to the logistics company regarding how the entrusted goods should be stored and transported throughout the journey, including during loading and unloading at warehouses.
• Calculation of transit duration. Accurate route planning and time estimation for delivery are hallmarks of professional transportation services for perishable products and goods by road.
• Rigorous monitoring. Continuous tracking of the cargo's condition and location at every stage of the journey is a key responsibility of transport companies when shipping food and other perishable items.

The price depends on the type of cargo and the distance you plan to transport it. Special requirements for urgency, storage conditions, and other specific factors can increase the cost of shipping.

The Roolz platform offers an auction feature for freight transportation. Compare shipping offers and select the best ones in one place. Additionally, we recommend considering how a specific company forms its tariff. What is included in the base cost, and how are additional services (packaging, loading, unloading, storage) charged?

Which transportation company can be used to ship perishable goods?

Urgency of delivery and special storage conditions are the main priorities when transporting perishable food products, medications, and other similar cargoes. These goals are best achieved by companies that meet the following criteria:

• Market reputation and positive customer reviews. Before shipping food or other perishable goods with a transportation company, research their experience and client feedback on independent platforms and forums.
• Fleet condition. The state of the fleet, its equipment, and availability of vehicles with refrigerators, coolers, insulation, and ventilation for reliable road transport of perishable goods.
• Routes. Whether direct and fast delivery is possible to the recipients you work with.
• Commitment fulfillment. Does the transportation company guarantee the safe shipment of food and other perishable goods, ensuring their integrity and timely delivery?
• Express delivery options. Does the company offer expedited shipping, and under what terms?
• Pricing and discounts. How are the carrier's rates structured, and are there special offers for large volumes or long-term cooperation through the Roolz platform?
• Cost optimization. When choosing a transportation company for perishable goods, consider flexible logistics options. Is it possible to use partial vehicle/refrigerator loading without overpaying for unused space? Are there other ways the company helps reduce client costs?

Selecting a transportation company for perishable goods requires a thorough evaluation of all factors involved.

A transportation and forwarding company specializing in road shipments of perishable goods can easily be found in the Roolz directory.

Add your company, find a reliable logistics partner, and conveniently organize freight transportation on the Roolz platform!