When December rolls around, cold temperatures become the norm across much of Canada. Because of this change in the weather, shippers face an additional barrier when it comes to certain items, and that challenge is figuring out how to keep freight from freezing. The most obvious examples of products that could be damaged include beverages such as soda, juice, beer, and other liquids, which could cause the packaging to rupture due to expansion. 

However, the less evident dry goods, such as grains, are also impacted, and they, too, can sustain degradation that renders them useless. This may sound like a terrifying possibility. But with careful preparation for the winter season, you can prevent your cargo from freezing throughout the winter, regardless of whether you are carrying full truckloads, LTL (less than truckloads), or intermodal.

We have compiled a few pointers for you here on how to effectively maintain the readiness of your warehouse over the winter months. Even though winter has already begun, we will offer some recommendations for preventing frozen cargo so you can be prepared.

Think About Your Cargo Requirements

Some things are not affected by the cold, but there are also other things that are influenced by the cold that you might not expect. The quality of certain dried foods may significantly deteriorate if they are left exposed to the air. Things like grains are included in this category. In particular, beverages and other kinds of liquids provide a significant risk. When liquids freeze, they expand, causing the bottle’s contents to be subject to additional pressure. 

Some containers have a limited capacity for expansion and contraction before they break, but the danger is always present with overfilled glass jars, metal cans, and plastic bottles. Before you can schedule a shipment, you need to have a complete understanding of your products and the temperature requirements for safely transporting them.

Set your BOL to “Protect against Freeze”

The bill of lading (BOL) contains a list of service terms specific to every cargo. Its function is to provide the transporter instructions on proceeding with a shipment. Marking “protect from freeze” on your bill of lading and stating to the carrier that you want to inform them of your decision allows you to make a claim for “protect from freeze” coverage if your shipment is susceptible to damage from cold weather. Through the use of this document, shippers are able to provide carriers with any specialized instructions for the freight’s handling.

Technology-Based Temperature Monitoring

If the potential for damage is limited, but the shipment could still be affected by the cold weather, your shipment may only need to have the carrier check the trailer’s temperature. They have access to a wide range of technological instruments that can be used for this purpose; however, you will need to request this on your BOL. If you adhere to these instructions, you will increase the likelihood that your goods will arrive at their destination unscathed.

Use Pallet Covers and Cargo Blankets to Prevent Freeze

Most service providers make pallet covers and blankets available to their customers, which helps protect your merchandise from the effects of frigid weather. The use of insulating pallet covers and blankets, similar to the use of Styrofoam coolers for frozen shipping parcels, locks the outer conditions out and maintains a steady temperature within the shipment.

Provisions Against Freezing during Periods of Inactivity

If you need to ship something over the weekend, idle freight could be an issue for you. LTL businesses will cross-dock customer orders when they are not in transit most of the time. Without the appropriate preparation, this method could potentially result in damaged goods due to exposure to the surrounding environment. You should contact your logistics provider to change shipment timetables for exceptionally fragile items or verify that sufficient safeguards are made to protect your product. At the same time, it is en route to ensure enough protections are taken. In addition, you can select rush service, which will eliminate this issue.

Protect from freeze during idle days

If you need to ship something over the weekend, idle freight could be an issue for you. LTL businesses will cross-dock customer orders when they are not in transit most of the time. Without the appropriate preparation, this method could potentially result in damaged goods due to exposure to the surrounding environment. You should contact your logistics provider to change shipment timetables for exceptionally fragile items or verify that sufficient safeguards are made to protect your product. At the same time, it is en route to ensure enough protections are taken. In addition, you can select rush service, which will eliminate this issue.

Protect from freeze with a logistics partner

This winter, if you are transporting goods sensitive to temperature, you should get in touch with a provider who is familiar with your line of work and can offer advice on how to avoid catastrophes caused by freezing temperatures. If you are transporting goods sensitive to temperature, you should get in touch with a provider as soon as possible. I-Way Logistics can provide dependable capacity for temperature-controlled shipment via truckload, less than truckload (LTL), and rail across the United States.

Final Thoughts

Due to the winter weather and the increased traffic volume, some deliveries may be delayed or canceled. Shippers and carriers are obligated to take all steps that can be considered reasonable in this scenario to ensure that goods arrive at their destinations in good shape. It would be best if you made preparations to prevent things from freezing. Get in touch with us to learn more about how I-Way logistics  can support you in preserving order flow over the winter months. Give us a shot today, and you’ll see how tough we are.