Free Shipping
on orders over $500

Lifetime Support
from the experts

Money Back Guarantee
Not happy? Send it back!

Using temperature loggers when transporting fresh basil

The temperature joys of transporting basil

Today I had a question about the use of temperature loggers with the transport of fresh basil. The problem was in regards to the receiver rejecting shipments because the basil was out of the required temperature range (8° to 14°C). The temperature logger needed to either demonstrate that the basil was within range, or try to identify when and how often it was out of range.

The temperature joys of transporting any item

This is a common problem for anyone shipping temperature sensitive goods. When you are shipping directly to the customer they are in control of accepting and rejecting the shipment. If they reject it, then you have a battle with either the customer or the transport company. So how can you demonstrate that the goods are fit for delivery, or if they aren’t, that the transport company has failed to provide the required service?

Temperature loggers when transporting

The answer is obvious “with a temperature logger” and there are other blogs explaining the benefits of temperature loggers when transporting anything.

The next big question is then “which temperature logger?” and it is this question that I want to look at in more detail.

We have a wide range of loggers and often there is no practical difference between them for many customers. In this case, however, there are two questions that quickly point to the “best” solution.

Question 1 – what do you want the receiver to know?

There are a couple of possible answers for this, and it will point you to a specific brand or model of temperature logger.

Question 2 – where do you want to place the logger?

The reality is that the thermocron, logtag and tempsen loggers are all reasonably small and can be placed almost anywhere.

The thermocron is significantly smaller than the other two, and since it is stainless steel it will be water resistant. The lack of indicators, however, is likely to rule it out for this application.

Both Logtag and Tempsen have the option for an external probe. This means that the logger can sit on the outside of the box and the probe go through a hole and be placed where ever it is required. Probes are water proof and can be placed anywhere.

The practicalities of “where”

One simple answer is “where the customer will test it”.

But since there is likely to be a significant variation in temperature it is worthwhile actually doing a single run with a number of loggers in the one box. This will provide an insight into the temperature variation within the box. If there isn’t much of a variation then the choice as to where to place it is immaterial, and it can go in the most convenient location.

 

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.