Seafood is a major industry in Australia, being an island its one of the core trades that have been around for centuries. Currently the seafood industry is made up of both wild captures and aquaculture farms, with stable numbers for the last two decades being approximately being 230,000 tonnes per annum for shipping seafood nationally and internationally. The likes of the United States, the European Union, and Japan are some of the biggest importers of seafood from Australia, and ensuring the shipping seafood is done correctly, exporters of seafood should know what goes into shipping seafood overseas from Australia!
Shipping seafood needs to be done with accuracy. There are some factors that you need to look at when shipping seafood. Freshness, packaging, choosing a right mode of freight and carrier, and shipping markings to ensure that cargo/freight handlers are aware of the goods being transported.
Shipping Seafood: Freshness
Freshness being a very important factor in seafood, if you are opting to ship fresh fish, then you need to note that timing is of the essence. Refrigerate shipping modes are essential for this. If you are opting to sell frozen fish, then the fish need to be moved to freezer as soon as possible.
Shipping Seafood: Packaging
The correct temperature range is vital thus; extra packaging is needed when shipping seafood, especially fresh seafood as opposed to frozen seafood. Thermal blankets and temperature-controlled vehicles are necessary to ensure that temperature does not fluctuate, as well as limit its exposure to outside conditions (direct sunlight, rain and humidity). Temperature-controlled packaging using gel packs can also be utilized based on the different require temperature ranges to suit different payloads. The most commonly used packaging mode is dry ice, which is available in different sizes and suit different transit times to suit your shipment needs when shipping seafood.
Shipping Seafood: Choice of Freight and Carrier
Apart from the choice of packing when shipping seafood, the mode of freight and carrier you choose matters. Ensuring that your cargo load stays either cold or frozen during transit is vital. Things to consider at this point and time include the following;
- Safe temperature range for your cargo
- Dimensions and weight of cargo
- Shipping frequency (seasonally/throughout year)
- Single shipments / to many shipments/ or both
- Location of customers
- Anticipated time in transit
- Requirements for overnight shipping/guaranteed early morning delivery/3-5 day travel
The above information when related to your freight-forwarding partner can let them know the best choice of freight and carrier when shipping seafood cargo on your behalf.
Shipping Seafood: Cargo Markings
It should be advised that all refrigerated packages need to be marked with the following information so that handlers are aware of contents and handling instructions.
- Type of refrigerant inside cargo
- Amount of refrigerant
- Type of product being refrigerated
Ensuring that all these factors have been duly noted and adhered to will ensure the safe transit of your seafood payload. Get in touch with Transco Cargo to help you with shipping seafood within Australia and overseas.