Though January is almost over, some are still keeping up with New Year's resolutions - many of which deal with healthy behaviors. One common method to enhance an individual's health is taking up vitamins and supplements - also known as nutraceuticals. Because of the push for a healthy new year, January typically accounts for 15% of annual supplement sales, meaning retailers must ensure these items are available to consumers, however they shop. Some types of nutraceuticals even had a head start on this busy month, as due to the ongoing threat of COVID along with the winter cold and flu season, shoppers in the final quarter of 2022 showed a particular focus on herbal immune supplements, which sold at a 48% higher rate than the year prior. Companies like Nature Made went into the new year hoping to capitalize on the trend, launching a new advertising campaign called "The Start of Something Great" to encourage the use of their vitamins and supplements as part of a new wellness routine. The challenge for shippers then, was and is not only ensuring inventory is available, but that vitamin and supplement shipments make it to their destination undamaged.
Vitamins and supplements require some level of care during freight shipment to ensure intact delivery. While they are not fragile to the level of some pharmaceuticals or fresh foods, they also cannot necessarily withstand a typical dry van or container shipment. In the summer, too much heat can lead to melting and congealing, and also a breakdown of the actual vitamins contained in the pill or gummy. Similarly, some vitamins and supplements can lose potency when frozen - a problem when shipping during chilly winter months. And whatever time of year, too much exposure to the sun can also cause damage. All that being said, many opt for temperature controlled freight shipping methods, whether by truckload or intermodal, to ensure consistency throughout the transportation journey. Monitoring any exposure to extreme elements of heat, cold and sun is important as well, so shipments should not be left outside for any length of time in such conditions. When it comes to vitamins and supplements, if reefer options are unavailable (or even if they are), shippers may opt for solutions like blankets, quilts or pallet covers to help maintain a temperature and limit worries about sunlight - or some other insulation for dry van/container shipments. In addition to the elements, when moving nutraceuticals, packaging matters as well. While most are bottled in thick plastic containers, even they can be prone to damage if not boxed well and arranged properly during transport. Too much pressure or any dents can damage these containers and thus their contents as well - making it harder for those who resolved for a healthy new year to make new vitamins and/or supplements a part of their 2023 regimen.
Need help shipping vitamins or supplements? Drop us a line, and we'll follow up to put our nutraceuticals freight experience to work for you. To learn more about us, or logistics and supply chain issues in general, check out our Resources page.