Follow these simple instructions when shipping perishable foods.
Whether you want to send a batch of brownies to your kids at summer camp or college, or send gift boxes of holiday treats to friends or family, knowing ship these perishable foods is valuable information. When packaging and shipping your perishable foods, always keep in mind the foods' freshness, their stability within the box, and expediency in getting the package to the recipient.
Instructions
1. Make sure you let the package's recipient know that you are shipping a package containing perishable foods and when they should expect it. You can get a tracking label from the shipper so you and the recipient can keep better track of the box.
2. Wrap and contain perishable foods such as brownies and cookies for freshness. Stack them on a sturdy plate, in a tin or disposable aluminum pan, or in a zip-top bag. Wrap them in two to three layers of plastic wrap, securing the wrap with tape. If you have items in jars, wrap them in plastic to prevent a mess if the jar breaks or the top somehow comes off. If the foods must be kept cold, consider freezing them solid first before shipping.
3. Wrap each container of food with bubble wrap to provide extra padding, especially glass containers. For cold foods, surround them in cold packs before wrapping them in bubble wrap, and then in two more layers of plastic wrap to contain any moisture that might come off the container or cold pack.
4. Distribute a 2 to 3-inch layer of packing peanuts across the bottom of the box.
5. Pack each of your containers in the box, making sure each container is surrounded by packing peanuts so that the containers do not come into contact with each other or with the sides of the box. Try to allow for 2 to 3 inches between the containers and the side of the box, using packing peanuts to cushion the space.
6. Top the box off with another 2 to 3 inches of packing peanuts.
7. Close the box. You can test the cushioning inside the box by shaking it to make sure nothing shifts. Add more packing peanuts as necessary.
8. Tape the box closed with one to two layers of packing tape, reinforcing all of the box's open seams.
9. Put the correct mailing and return address on the box. If the box must be kept refrigerated or frozen, write or use labels reading Perishable: Keep Refrigerated or Perishable: Keep Frozen on the box.
10. Mail the box. If the package's weight is under 13 oz., you can give it to your mail carrier, but if it weighs more than 13 oz., you must take it to your post office or other shipping location, such as a post office or UPS store. If the perishable foods must arrive as soon as possible, ship the box using overnight or next day service. Always ship frozen foods using overnight or next day service. If the goods can last 2 or 3 days, you can choose the post office's Priority Mail service or UPS' 2nd Day or 3rd Day service.
Tips Warnings
You must clear some perishable items, such as certain fruits and vegetables, through the post office before you ship them. You can clear these items by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS or by asking your local post office. USPS also has restrictions on liquids and powders, which can be mailed only in small quantities. You can buy other quality shipping supplies such as air bags for cushioning and double-wall corrugated boxes for very heavy contents from shipping stores such as UPS. These items are worth looking into and purchasing if the perishable foods that you want to ship are heavier than 30 pounds or very fragile.
Use extra care when shipping foods that must be kept cold so that they do not spoil during their transport.
Related Posts:
One Year Anniversary Gifts For A Girlfriend
Gifts are a wonderful way to show your girlfriend you treasure your one-year anniversary.The one year dating anniversary is special because it celebrates a romance that is still fairly new, but st...
60th Wedding Anniversary Gifts Ideas
The 60th wedding anniversary is the diamond anniversary. In 1937, the American National Retail Jewelry Association established a comprehensive list of anniversary gift items for years up to 15 and...
Food Chopper Vs Food Processor
Both the food chopper and food processor have advantages for the home cook. However, each has distinct features that make it appropriate for specific kinds of cooking tasks. A cook usually conside...
How Does Prepaid Postage Work
Prepay your parcels and send them straight from a mailbox.With prepaid postage, the shipping cost is paid before mailing. This postage payment method exists in various forms and each of them work...
Grow Cattails
Cattails grow in shaded wetlands. You can often find them in marshes, swamps and other areas of stagnant water. Cattail stems are delicious and highly nutritious. They can be peeled and eaten in s...
