How to ship ice cream- Put the ice cream in the container(s) it is to go with, put it in a poly bag, and then inside a cooled Styrofoam container or an insulated box liner over dry ice. Fold over the poly bag and add more dry ice. Close and seal the shipment.
Ice cream is one of the trickiest items to ship.
It risks melting while in transit, but you must send it right.
You do not want to risk wastage, complaints, and unhappy recipients.
If you have a challenge or do not know how to ship ice cream, keep reading this post.
You will get the best ideas and tips about packaging, how to prevent melting, and a good company you can use.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
- The ice cream to ship
- Dry ice to keep the ice cream sufficiently frozen while in transit. Dry ice is better than regular ice since it is lighter
- A poly bag to put the ice cream in
- Cold gel packs act as a backup refrigerant and for prolonging the life of the dry ice
- An insulated Styrofoam container to maintain the right temperature for your ice cream. It provides insulation and prevents your ice from melting. Use the standard chest and lid style container. You can also use an insulated box liner.
- Cellulose paper wadding to act as cushioning and for the absorption of any potential liquid leaks
- A shipping box to put your ice cream in
- Packaging tape to seal your shipping box
- A package label or a heavy black marker to provide details of your shipment
- The money you will use to pay for shipping
How to Pack Ice Cream
In this guide, you will learn how to ship ice cream safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Prepare Your Ice Cream
Start by putting your ice cream in the container(s) in which you wish to ship it.
2. Prepare the Cold Environment for the Ice Cream
Place the insulated Styrofoam container inside the shipping box.
Place gel packs on the container’s bottom, then place dry ice on top.
You should add dry ice, so it occupies ¼- ½ inch of the insulated container.
If you use an insulated box liner, you will line your shipping box and add the coolants in the same way.
3. Put the Ice Cream in the Cold and Cushion
Put the poly bag inside the container or insulated liner, then put the ice cream inside the bag.
You should not seal or tie the poly bag shut but fold it over and tuck it into the sides.
Insert cellulose paper wadding to eliminate voids or dead spaces on the sides of the insulated container/liner.
The wadding also helps with any condensation created by the ice.
Place more dry ice over the poly bag and add more paper wadding to fill any extra dead space.
4. Seal the Contents
Place the foam lid firmly on the foam chest or flip your liner over to secure the contents.
Close the flaps of your shipping box and seal.
Put a strip of tape down the center of the box and not on all sides.
This allows for the dry ice to dissipate.
Dry ice does not like an airtight container as it builds pressure.
5. Label Your Package
Label your package prominently and tape over the details to avoid illegible addresses and smearing as you label your package.
Have a special hazard label showing that the shipment contains dry ice and is urgent with perishable contents.
6. You’re Ready to Go
Your ice cream is now well-packed with the proper temperatures and ready for shipping.
Drop it at your mailing station nearby for immediate shipping or wait for the post person’s pick up.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Ice Cream?
The cost of shipping ice cream will typically vary from one shipping company to another.
Major determining factors are the weight and size of your package, its destination, and the service to be used.
Usually, insurance charges do not apply to most companies to avoid negligence claims.
You should prepare $50-$100 and more.
Use a shipping rate finder or calculator from your company of choice to get more accurate rates.
You can ship ice cream internationally, but it is more expensive than a local or domestic shipment.
Ice cream will usually require quick delivery.
You will pay more if you use an express service and less with a standard service.
The farther the destination, the more the cost.
If your shipment is heavy, the charge is more than for a light one.
Ice cream requires fast shipping, and delivery should not usually take more than two days.
Most shipping companies and couriers deliver the shipments in hours.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Ice Cream
If you want a cheap way to ship your ice cream and still avoid significant delays and compromising your ice cream, ship with FedEx.
You can get shipping labels from their offices or your computer or phone.
The company offers specialized and insulated packaging for frozen shipments.
They are a fast carrier, which you want when shipping ice cream.
You can use their overnight services- First, Priority, and standard overnight.
The standard overnight service is the most economical of the three options but is also the slowest.
First overnight is the fastest and most expensive, while Priority overnight lies in between.
Final Thoughts
Shipping ice cream requires proper packaging to prevent melting and mess.
If you want to ship ice cream to someone and ensure it keeps its shape and does not melt, use the guide and tips we have provided above.
If you have found the process challenging in the past, try this guide next time.
Your ice cream will reach the intended destination safely with the right texture and taste.
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