Shipping food internationally and domestically
Are you an individual shipper wishing to send some delicious items to your family and friends living far away at a reasonable cost? Or a company selling food products and looking for a reliable logistics partner? Check our packaging guidelines and learn how to ship food internationally and locally.
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Shipping services for agri-food industry businesses
If you are a licensed food manufacturer, an online delicacy store or a company selling food consumables, you need a reliable logistics partner for shipping goods in a time- and cost-effective manner. Eurosender can suggest multiple local and international logistics solutions for your business, depending on your company’s shipping needs.
HOW YOU CAN SHIP
What services can you use for sending food by courier?
Do you have different requirements? Request an individual offer
How to pack food for shipping
Make sure you go through this checklist before sending food items through the mail:
- Wrap each food item in plastic foil and put the food into a plastic or insulated food container.
- Place a cold pack under the container (if applicable). Make sure the cold packs you use cannot leak and are well attached not to damage the cardboard box or the surrounding boxes during the transit.
- Wrap the food container with ordinary or thermal bubble wrap and put the container into a smaller box.
- Fill empty spaces with cushioning materials. Place the smaller box into a slightly bigger one. Fill any empty spaces with cushioning materials.
- Seal the box. You can also add a warning saying “Fragile” or “Handle with care” on the box.
How to pack dry bulk for shipping on a pallet?
- Prepare big cardboard boxes or special bags for agricultural products.
- Pack the commodities in bags or boxes.
- Wrap the food container with ordinary or thermal bubble wrap and put the container into a smaller box.
- If you’re shipping dry bulk in bags, make sure they are securely closed and cannot be damaged by any sharp objects.
- Put the boxes or bags one onto another on the pallet.
- Secure the shipment with straps.
When shipping cold items or food that need temperature control, well-protected cold packs should never be replaced with ice or anything else that could melt or leak and cause any damage.
What should you keep in mind before sending food abroad?
International food shipping is a common practice, even though severe restrictions apply to many types of products in different countries across the globe.
If you are a private individual, the best option for you would be to send canned and non-perishable food items. In some cases, vacuum-sealed products can also be accepted. As a rule, shipping food requiring time and temperature control internationally is a real challenge for individuals because of strict policies adopted by courier companies. You should know that some food additives, like BVO, can be legal in the USA, but illegal within the EU and vice versa.
Licensed companies working in the consumer products segment can ship all types of food internationally, provided they comply with safety, packaging, labelling and import regulations of the destination country. They must also have all the necessary certificates and pack food items properly for shipping.
It is crucial to check whether certain types of products can be legally exported to another country. For example, EU companies willing to send food to the UK must know that besides general EU requirements, extra regulations may apply. For instance, only companies from approved EU member states are entitled to export meat and eggs to the UK.
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MORE INFORMATION
FAQs about international food shipping
Can you send food internationally?
Yes, if it is properly packed and is not likely to cause any damage during transit. Thus, it is not recommended to ship home-made meals and perishables. Canned and packaged foods that are not prone to spoilage are the best choice when it comes to shipping. If you decide to ship packaged food abroad with Eurosender, you can check the estimated delivery time on our website.
Do people send food items by courier?
Yes. Most courier services accept non-perishable food items. Perishable goods are also regularly sent through courier services by many people, especially within the European Union, as in these cases, the parcels do not undergo customs controls, with the exception of islands such as Ireland or the UK. It should be noted that shippers do it at their own risk and proper packaging is of paramount importance in such cases.
How to ship oatmeal raisin cookies?
It is recommended to pack this type of food items in rigid containers for successful shipping. Before placing the cookies in such containers, you can wrap them in bubble wrap.
What is the best transport option for urgent dry bulk delivery (grain, rice cargo shipments, etc.)?
Airfreight – shared cargo service
Optimal solution for dry bulk delivery by plane: ship humanitarian food assistance in a prompt way
Dedicated full charter flight
Book a plane for sending significant amounts of grain and other dry bulk commodities abroad
Is there any insurance for shipping expensive food items?
Unfortunately, there is no uniform answer. It depends on the Terms and Conditions set by the courier company transporting the goods and on the quality of packaging.
Take into consideration these guidelines when shipping food nationally and internationally. Nevertheless, please consider that following them does not guarantee that the courier company will transport your package without restriction. In case you decide to ship food, Eurosender will not be held responsible for any damages caused by the transportation of your shipment.