Posted by UniHeatPacks on 31st Jan 2026
Five Winter Shipping Mistakes Beverage Companies Make
Winter shipping can quietly undo months of hard work for beverage companies. Freezing temperatures, unheated carrier trucks, and unexpected delays can lead to cracked bottles, compromised flavor, carbonation loss, and costly replacements.
In this guide, we break down the five most common winter shipping mistakes beverage companies make—and how to avoid them using smart packaging practices and UniHeat heat packs.
Mistake #1: Assuming Carriers Protect Packages from Cold
One of the most common misconceptions is believing that shipping carriers use heated trucks or warehouses. In reality, most carrier vehicles and sorting facilities are not temperature controlled.
This means beverage shipments may sit for hours—or even days—in freezing environments without any protection.
A shipment can pass through multiple unheated facilities before reaching its destination.
Mistake #2: Using Hand Warmers Instead of Shipping Heat Packs
Standard disposable hand warmers are designed for short-term personal use—not shipping. They often produce high initial heat spikes and stop working quickly.
For beverage shipments, this uneven heat can cause temperature shock or fail to provide protection long enough for transit.
Shipping-specific heat packs, like UniHeat, are engineered to activate slowly and provide consistent warmth over multiple days.
Mistake #3: Skipping Insulation Inside the Box
Heat packs alone are not enough. Without insulation, warmth escapes quickly and leaves beverages vulnerable to freezing.
Insulated packaging helps trap heat and create a stable micro-environment inside the box.
- Thermal liners
- Foam inserts
- Double-walled cardboard boxes
Combining insulation with UniHeat significantly improves shipping success during winter.
Mistake #4: Placing Heat Packs Incorrectly
Even when heat packs are used, improper placement can reduce their effectiveness. Heat rises, so placing a heat pack beneath beverages limits its ability to warm the shipment.
The correct approach is to place the heat pack near the top of the box, separated from bottles by cardboard or padding.
Never place a heat pack directly against glass bottles—use a buffer to prevent hotspots.
Mistake #5: Shipping Late in the Week
Friday shipments are especially risky during winter. Packages may sit in unheated carrier facilities over the weekend, dramatically increasing exposure to freezing temperatures.
Shipping Monday through Wednesday reduces transit time and limits cold exposure.
How to Avoid Winter Shipping Damage
Preventing winter shipping damage comes down to preparation and the right tools:
- Use shipping-specific heat packs
- Combine heat packs with insulation
- Choose the correct heat pack duration
- Pack and position heat packs properly
- Ship early in the week
UniHeat heat packs are designed to address these exact challenges, helping beverage companies reduce losses and protect product quality during cold weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all beverage shipments need heat packs in winter?
No, but if shipments travel through freezing regions, heat packs greatly reduce risk.
Can insulation replace heat packs?
No. Insulation slows heat loss but does not generate warmth. Both are needed.
How long do UniHeat heat packs last?
UniHeat packs last 40, 72, or 96 hours depending on the product selected.
What causes most winter shipping failures?
Lack of preparation, no heat packs, improper packing, and extended cold exposure.
Summary: Most winter shipping failures are preventable. By avoiding common mistakes and using UniHeat heat packs with proper insulation and packing techniques, beverage companies can ship confidently all winter long.