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Transportation Temperature Monitoring

Many a day goes by where we get asked about the benefits of logging temperature, and how does a temperature logger help with the compliance to food safety requirements or the requirements of “Strive for 5” vaccine storage. But, every now and then there comes a question that makes us think and use the knowledge that we have on logging equipment.

Yesterday was one of those days.

A freight company asked us how they could ensure that the art pieces they were taking overseas would be transported at both the correct temperature as well as the correct humidity.

Asking the usual questions it appeared that there was to be a large quantity being transported and that air freight was out of the question, so these needed to be placed into a container and shipped by sea freight. They were talking of hundreds of pieces of art.

They had arranged the boxes to ensure that there would be no damage to the pieces and the frames, but at the last minute the insurance company had asked them what controls they had on humidity and what proof did they have that the temperature and the humidity was going to be OK. They were perplexed as it had never been an issue with single pieces airfreighted, but the longer journey meant a greater chance of exposure to moisture.

There was hygroscopic material placed into many areas of the container. The problem was proof that the artwork would not be subjected to high humidity.

This customer purchased 20 Thermocron HC with card fobs to log both the temperature and humidity throughout the journey. The loggers were to be placed inside the artwork cartons, as well as in three points inside the container to ensure the levels were OK inside. eTemperature was included as well so that the receiver could download the logs of the journey on arrival.

The journey was going to be about 6 or 7 weeks, so the 8000 readings available in the Thermocron HC, the temperature and humidity were going to be recorded every 30 minutes which would well and truly cover the journey.

Hopefully we will find out the results.

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What is covered with our shipping insurance?

Our normal terms and conditions (like most businesses) is that you take possession the moment an order ships. If the order is lost or damaged in transit then, in theory, it’s your problem. In reality we will have a conversation and try to work out a good way to resolve the issue where we are both happy (or not too upset).

Shipping insurance is there to remove the drama. If an order is lost or damaged in transit, we will simply send out a replacement, and we will then deal with the courier directly to resolve the original problem.

Our shipping insurance also means that if an order is delayed beyond what is normal and reasonable then we will send you another shipment (stock levels permitting). Then you should receive one of them sooner, and when the second one arrives you simply Return To Sender.

How much is shipping insurance?

Shipping insurance is 5% of the cost of the goods.

Is it worth it? Practically we have had far less than 5% of shipments have problems. It is, however, what Australia Post and other couriers charge. Ultimately insurance is about peace of mind and less hassle when something does go wrong.

Shipping insurance as an option

Shipping insurance is offered as an option on all our web sites. You can select it at the checkout.

For large orders our staff may also ask if you would like shipping insurance.

If you would like shipping insurance on an order you are placing with us, just ask.

Mandatory shipping insurance

Unfortunately we have had a couple of large orders not make it and then the customer refused to pay. A friend suggested that the easy way to avoid the dispute is to insure any shipments where we have a significant risk.

If you would like an immediate line of credit (30 days to pay) and have the goods ship immediately (no credit check delays) and are purchasing over $500 then we will add shipping insurance to your order.

The shipping insurance can be waived if the order is between $500 and $2,000 and you provide us with a formal confirmation that you accept responsibility of the goods once they ship.

Alternatively you can prepay by direct deposit or credit card.

What is not covered?

If there is a clear proof of delivery to the shipping address provided then we class that as delivered. Unfortunately there are cases where it is lost somewhere between the loading dock or receptionist and ending up in your hands. But we also know that a photo of the bag against a generic grey background is not proof of delivery, it is just proof of existence! It needs to be a reasonable proof of delivery.

It also doesn’t cover the expectation of overnight delivery. For example, if we were to ship to Melbourne (we are in Sydney) then we would expect it to be delivered within about 3 days. Most of the time it is overnight, but there are enough floods and other issues that regularly cause minor delays. Sending a second order the next day tends to not fix the problem. If it is super urgent, talk to us about how we can minimise the risk.

For damage claims we ask that you contact us immediately and we will probably ask for photos or some proof. The shipping insurance doesn’t cover claims weeks later. We do have warranty covering our items, but it excludes physical damage (e.g. being dropped). If the goods are damaged in transit then please let us know ASAP so we can cover it under the shipping insurance.