Important Notice: Potential Tariffs and Uncertainty on Cross-Border Trade

Updated January 31, 2025

At Cedarlane, we are closely monitoring the evolving political landscape surrounding Canada-U.S. trade relations, particularly the potential imposition of blanket tariffs. Should governments introduce retaliatory tariffs on imported goods, it may impact the costs of research, diagnostic, and cold chain-related products offered by Cedarlane.

In our commitment to full transparency, we want our customers to know that we will make every effort to absorb and mitigate any cost increases as best we can. However, there may be unavoidable pricing adjustments on certain imported products.

That being said, our commitment to supporting our customers remains absolute and unchanged. Our goal is to ensure you continue receiving the best pricing, along with industry-leading service. Cedarlane is dedicated to providing the Best Value Guaranteed, leveraging 65+ years of industry expertise and strong supplier relationships to minimize any potential impacts on product costs. With access to global suppliers and a robust portfolio of domestically manufactured products, our technical sales specialists are here to help you source the products you need—at a budget that works for you.

We appreciate your trust and confidence during these uncertain times and will keep you informed as the trade situation evolves. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Kyle Pahapill
Vice President, General Manager
Cedarlane

www.cedarlanelabs.com

Part of TCP Analytical Group
http://www.tcpanalytical.com

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1. How do you determine shipping costs?
    The size and weight of the shipment as well as the shipping location determine shipping costs. We use FedEx for all small parcel shipments and shop around for the best quote from our preferred carriers for less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (TL) shipments. Please note that there are additional charges if a lift-gate is required for delivery (IE the shipping location does not have a loading dock for an LTL or TL delivery). For local deliveries within the GTA/Hamilton area, we have low, flat-rate prices. And of course, you are welcome to use your own carrier.
  • 2. How can I lower my freight rate?
    Consolidating orders so that more is shipped at a time rather than shipping multiple small orders is much more cost effective.
  • 3. My product is temperature sensitive. What do I need to do to package it properly?
    The best way to ensure a product is kept at the proper temperature during shipping depends greatly on the size of the product, the material of the product, ambient temperatures, the duration of the shipment, and the acceptable temperature range of the product. Please feel free to call or email us with the details of your shipment and we will be happy to figure out a solution that works for you!
  • 4. What is the difference between ice packs and foam bricks?
    Ice packs are simply pouches full of a water-based glucose solution which freeze at 0*C in whatever shape they happen to be placed in the freezer. Foam bricks also freeze at 0*C, but consistently maintain their shape whether they are frozen or thawed. For this reason, foam bricks are generally more expensive than gel packs. If you are looking for a more consistent and simple pack out, foam bricks are the way to go. However, if you are just trying to keep something cold, gel packs may be the better option.
  • 5. How do I need to condition the gel packs and foam bricks at the right temperature?
    Gel packs and foam bricks both need a minimum of 24 hours conditioning time in either a refrigerator or freezer to ensure they are completely chilled or frozen.
  • 6. How can I safely dispose of gel packs?
    Our ICE-BRIX and BLACK ICE gel packs are made of an environmentally friendly water-based glucose solution, so simply cut them open, empty the gel into the garbage, and then recycle (if applicable in your area) the plastic.
  • 7. Do I need to use an outer carton for products being shipped in foam containers?
    An outer cardboard carton on a foam container serves only for protection and appearance. It only marginally increases the insulation properties of the cooler. If you are planning on using the cooler for your own personal use or delivering it yourself, the outer cardboard may not be necessary. However, EPS foam is fairly fragile and may break if mishandled, so if you are shipping product using a carrier an outer carton is highly recommended. Furthermore, having the cardboard shell increases the likelihood that the foam cooler will be able to be reused.
  • 8. How do I determine transit duration/temperature cycles?
    Ambient temperatures can vary greatly and fluctuate during shipments depending on the location and the time of year. At Cedarlane, we offer a series of set temperature profiles which have been created to mimic typical Canadian shipments any time of the year. If your needs are very particular, we are also able to work with you in creating your own personalized temperature profile or testing one you already have. We offer temperature indicator software which can be included in your shipments to note where excursions may be occurring and where your shipping solution may need to be adjusted.
  • 9. What is meant by a pre-qualified shipper and will I receive any document evidence of the qualification?
    A pre-qualified shipper is a very specific pack out solution that has been qualified through extensive testing against a detailed profile and has been proven to maintain the temperature of the payload box within a certain temperature range for a specified amount of time. Cedarlane has documentation of the profiles and testing results available for all of the pre-qualified shippers we offer. We also offer qualification testing services, where we can create a pre-qualified solution specifically to meet your needs.
  • 10. What is the difference between a Seasonal and Universal Pre-qualified Shipper?
    A seasonally pre-qualified shipper will require different pack out instructions from season to season. Typically more frozen gels are used in the summer and more refrigerated gels are used in the winter to combat the different ambient temperatures that vary from season to season. A Universal system would have one pack out all year round and passes both the tests of summer and winter using the same pack out and conditioning of the refrigerants. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages; please inquire to find out more information on these systems and what we offer.
  • 11. Where is the best location for a data logger in my shipment?
    The best location for a data logger in any shipment is within the payload box, or with the product that is being shipped.
  • 12. I have searched the user guides and this FAQ but still have not found the answer to my question. What should I do now?
    Please feel free to contact us at 289-288-0014 or toll free at 1-866-ICE-SHIP (1-866-429-7447) or by email at sales@cedarlanecoldchainsolutions.ca and a member of our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!