Here at WARP we work our shipping magic in a number of ways, but one of our favorites is making sure our client’s perishable products get to their customers as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you’ve found this page, we’re guessing that you’re interested in moving your temperature sensitive products from A to B. We’re here to walk you through the process from start to finish, and of course tell you why we think we can do it better than who you’re currently working with.

So, what is temperature controlled shipping?

In the simplest terms, the definition of temperature controlled shipping is the transportation of goods that must be kept at a certain temperature from the moment it leaves your facility until it arrives at your customer’s door. When it comes to fresh freight the first type of products that come to mind are food such as fresh produce, meat and seafood and frozen CPG products. But, there are a plethora of other goods that require the proper temperature transport such as live plants, pharmaceuticals and even some dry goods like dried fruits, nuts, breads, and more.

Why is it so hard to ship temperature controlled products?

Perishable goods are highly susceptible to damage due to their fragile nature and how quickly their quality deteriorates with the passing of time. A missed delivery window can lead to an entire shipment of spoiled products and thousands of dollars in losses for a customer. Because perishable shipments are so sensitive, it’s integral that shippers have visibility and transparency from manufacturer to store.

What are the different kinds of temperature control WARP offers?

• Refrigerated – 34-65 degree produce. 28 degree fresh meat and seafood
• Frozen – -20 – 0 meat and seafood. Frozen CPG products. Frozen, raw, pet food
• Freeze Protect – 65 degree + live plants

What types of transport does WARP offer for temperature controlled products?

• Direct Store Delivery – Delivery directly to stores with multiple vehicle types including sprinters, straight trucks and full trailers, with liftgate and “dark store” delivery services available
• Last Mile Injection – Carrier injection via shared truckload to a single last mile carrier sortation center
• Manufacturer to Warehouse Transfer – Transfer of finished products from manufacturer to cold storage

How does WARP help?

The shipping duration of temperature controlled products needs to be minimized as much as possible. The longer it takes to ship, the greater the risk of temperature fluctuations and damage to the product. Therefore, it is always recommended to use express or direct shipping methods that can guarantee narrow delivery windows to minimize the time in transit and damages.

WARP’s technology weaves together the middle-mile and last-mile using their network of temp-controlled cross docks and carriers to provide perishable shippers with a one-stop-shop for their logistics needs. DirectFresh, WARP’s guaranteed same or next day delivery of temperature controlled items, eliminates the need to switch trucks or have products stored in warehouses for an extended period of time. This allows for optimal freshness and quality.

Why use WARP over going directly to a carrier?

WARP’s careful carrier selection and tech integrations allow us to optimize routes and right-size capacity for the most cost-effective and timely transfer of goods. In addition, working with a company like WARP reduces risk for the shipper when it comes to troubleshooting issues along the way and if products arrive damaged. WARP also handles all the communication between the shipper, carrier, and recipient to coordinate shipping arrangements and ensure that the product is delivered in good condition.

In addition, our tech integration with ShipRec provides real-time temperature monitoring of fresh freight in transit directly in the WARP platform. The partnership between WARP and ShipRec improves food safety and works to meet the strict requirements of FSMA regulations to prevent foodborne illness. Users can receive notifications if a refrigerated or frozen product’s temperature is outside of the optimal temperature zone, allowing drivers to investigate issues as needed and alert customers of any issues in advance.

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