7 Tips for Chilled Shipping During Hot Summers

Summer has begun, and with the heat come shipping challenges. What was a safe shipment in March can be completely different in July. Here are practical tips to keep your refrigerated shipments reliable during the summer.

1. Double your coolants

A rule of thumb: add 50-100% more ice packs in July and August than in colder months. A shipment that needed two gel packs in April will likely require three or four in July.

2. Ship at the beginning of the week

Thursday shipments that sit in distribution centers over the weekend pose extra risks in summer. Schedule critical shipments for Monday or Tuesday.

3. Use airtight packaging

An open EPS box leaks heat through the seams. Seal all seams well with packaging tape, and optionally wrap a layer of reflective insulation film around the box for summer shipments.

4. Avoid direct sunlight

Advise your drivers and distributors not to leave boxes in the sun. When transferred in an uncovered area, the external temperature of a box can quickly rise to 50 °C or more.

5. Consider PCM instead of standard gel packs

Standard gel packs melt at 0 °C and then release heat at that temperature. For products that must strictly stay above 2 °C, PCM elements (melting at, for example, 5 °C) can be a safer choice—they won’t freeze your product but will keep it cool.

6. Temporarily upgrade to heavier insulation

For the three hottest months, it can be worthwhile to switch to heavier cooling boxes—such as from standard EPS to thermo boxes. The extra cost per shipment is typically €0.50-1.00, and you avoid many complaints and returns.

7. Ship the right way

Ask your carrier about refrigerated transport if available. PostNL, DHL, and other couriers offer temperature-controlled shipping options—often at extra cost, but worth it for critical shipments.

Need help?

Unsure if your summer packaging is sufficient? Call our advisors at +31 (0) 255 234 200—we’re happy to assist.