UPS is a well-known global shipping company that provides various transportation and logistics services to individuals and businesses worldwide. Many people rely on UPS to ship a wide range of items, including perishable goods that require refrigeration. But the question is, does UPS actually ship refrigerated items?
Understanding UPS’s Temperature-Controlled Shipping
When it comes to shipping refrigerated items, UPS offers a specialized service called UPS Temperature True. This service is designed to ensure the proper handling and transportation of perishable goods that require specific temperature controls, such as pharmaceuticals, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive products.
The Benefits of UPS Temperature True
UPS Temperature True provides several benefits that make it a reliable option for shipping refrigerated goods. First and foremost, this service offers temperature-controlled transportation throughout the entire shipping journey. From pickup to delivery, UPS ensures that the desired temperature range is maintained, protecting the integrity of the packaged items.
Additionally, UPS Temperature True provides proactive monitoring and intervention capabilities. This means that UPS constantly tracks the shipment’s temperature, intervening if any deviations from the specified range occur. This helps to prevent any potential spoilage or damage to the perishable goods.
Furthermore, the service offers highly specialized packaging and handling procedures to maintain the appropriate temperature. UPS utilizes industry-leading packaging materials and techniques to provide an added layer of protection. They also have special handling protocols in place to prioritize refrigerated shipments, ensuring they receive appropriate attention and care throughout the shipping process.
UPS Temperature True Options
UPS Temperature True offers different options to suit various temperature requirements. These options include:
– UPS Temperature True Plus: This service provides the broadest temperature range control, from -20°C to +30°C. It is suitable for items that require deep freezing or extreme cooling.
– UPS Temperature True Standard: This option offers temperature control between 2°C to 8°C. It is ideal for products that need to be stored at refrigerated temperatures.
– UPS Temperature True Cryo: This service is specifically designed for cryogenic shipments, maintaining extremely low temperatures below -150°C.
UPS Temperature True also provides options for various transportation modes, including air freight and ground freight. This allows customers to choose the most convenient and cost-effective method for shipping their refrigerated items.
UPS Certified Healthcare Network
UPS takes the transportation of temperature-sensitive items seriously and has established a dedicated network to ensure the highest level of quality and compliance. This network is called the UPS Certified Healthcare Network (HCN).
What is the UPS Certified Healthcare Network?
The UPS Certified Healthcare Network is a global network of healthcare logistics providers that meet rigorous standards for handling pharmaceuticals, biologics, and other healthcare-related products with specific temperature requirements. This network is comprised of facilities, transportation providers, and other service providers who have undergone extensive training and audits to confirm their expertise in handling sensitive shipments.
Why Choose the UPS Certified Healthcare Network?
Shipping refrigerated items, especially those of a healthcare nature, requires utmost care and adherence to regulations. By choosing the UPS Certified Healthcare Network, customers can benefit from:
1. Compliance with Industry Standards: UPS HCN partners are required to meet Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and other regulatory requirements. This ensures that shipments are handled according to industry standards, minimizing risks and maintaining product integrity.
2. Enhanced Visibility and Monitoring: UPS HCN partners have advanced tracking capabilities to monitor shipments in real-time. This visibility allows for proactive intervention if any issues arise during transportation, ensuring the integrity and safety of the temperature-sensitive items.
3. Global Reach with Expertise: The UPS HCN spans across more than 290 healthcare-dedicated facilities worldwide. With such a vast network, customers can have their refrigerated items shipped globally with confidence, knowing that they are in the hands of experts who understand the unique challenges of healthcare logistics.
The Importance of Proper Packaging for Refrigerated Shipments
While UPS Temperature True and the UPS Certified Healthcare Network provide robust solutions for shipping refrigerated items, proper packaging is also essential to maintain the desired temperature throughout the journey.
Choosing the Right Packaging Materials
When shipping perishable goods, it’s crucial to select packaging materials that can effectively insulate and protect the items. Some common packaging options for refrigerated shipments include:
– Insulated containers: These containers are designed to maintain the desired temperature range by providing thermal insulation. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different shipment volumes.
– Temperature-controlled packaging: This type of packaging utilizes advanced insulation materials and phase change materials to regulate and stabilize the internal temperature. It is particularly suitable for highly sensitive items that require strict temperature controls.
– Gel packs or dry ice: These cooling agents can be added to the packaging to help maintain the desired temperature. Gel packs are non-toxic and reusable, while dry ice can produce extremely low temperatures.
Proper Packing Techniques
In addition to choosing the right packaging materials, proper packing techniques are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the insulation. Some best practices for packing refrigerated shipments include:
– Pre-cooling: It is recommended to pre-cool the packaging materials, containers, or gel packs before inserting the perishable goods. This helps to maintain the desired temperature for a longer duration.
– Secure placement: Ensure that the refrigerated items are placed securely within the packaging, minimizing any potential movement during transportation. This prevents damage and maintains the temperature integrity of the goods.
– Monitoring devices: Incorporating temperature monitoring devices, such as data loggers or temperature indicators, can provide valuable insights into the condition of the shipment. This allows for quick identification of any temperature deviations during transport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UPS does indeed offer temperature-controlled shipping services for refrigerated items through UPS Temperature True. This specialized service ensures that perishable goods are handled and transported with strict temperature controls. Additionally, the UPS Certified Healthcare Network provides a dedicated network of logistics providers who meet stringent requirements for shipping healthcare-related products with specific temperature requirements. To ensure the effectiveness of refrigerated shipments, it is essential to use proper packaging materials and packing techniques that maintain the desired temperature throughout the shipping process. With UPS’s expertise in temperature-controlled shipping and the right packaging practices, customers can confidently ship refrigerated items with peace of mind.