Delivery Bags Can Make or Break Your Delivery Service

25 Mar

Delivery Bags Can Make or Break Your Delivery Service

March 25, 2022

Buying Guides

With consumers demanding convenience, safety, and fresh products on the go, delivery and pickup is more popular than ever.

Delivery operations surged with the arrival of COVID-19 and lockdown mandates due to indoor dining restrictions. This popularity, while somewhat dissipating due to indoor areas reopening, has been credited for the survival of some restaurants. Which highlights the importance of having an efficient, effective delivery service.

Whatever your foodservice business, knowing what commercial-grade delivery bags are available and what the options are can help you decide what is best for your operation.

For example, different materials used can impact the quality of the food you serve.

Exteriors

Delivery bags are typically made of nylon or vinyl materials. This enables their exterior to be water-resistant and quite durable. However, vinyl bags do not allow air and steam to escape. This means that products can become moist and lose some of their fresh appearance over time. Because of this, we recommend vinyl bags only be used for carrying menu items short distances.

The main benefit of choosing vinyl bags is their affordability.

Nylon, on the other hand, is a breathable material. This allows steam and moisture to escape, keeping items at proper temperatures and maintaining their fresh appearance for longer. We recommend them for delivery services that cover greater distances.

The main drawback of nylon bags is a more expensive initial investment.

Interior Insulations

Delivery bags use different materials for their interiors. The most common interiors are made of PVC foam, polyurethane foam, polyester foam, or nylon. There is not one that is considered better than the other, but they do have different strengths:

PVC Foam	Soaks up moisture to reduce its impact on food Leak-resistant to reduce spills
Polyurethane Foam	Lightweight for easy transport Breathable to reduce moisture, mildew, and unpleasant smells
Polyester Foam	Durable – even cut-resistant Breathable and lightweight like Polyurethane
Nylon	Water-resistant Easy to clean

Polyester foam is the most expensive because of its cut-resistant interior. However, this feature also increases its longevity so it may offer the greatest value over time.

Configurations

When choosing a delivery bag, you’ll notice two configurations: end-loading or top-loading. End-loading, as its name suggests, is when you load the bag via its “end.” Top-loading is when you fill the delivery bag from its top.

End-loading bags can transport deli trays, pizza boxes, and more. Capacities are dependent on the model purchased.

Top-loading bags are ideal for catering applications because different containers are stackable from the bottom up.

Closures

Top and end loading bags are securely closed with a hook and loop system, zippers, or side release buckles. Zippers are considered the most durable.

Hook and loop system – move the loop around the hook to securely close bags
Zippers – Zip bags with a quick move of the hand
Side release buckles – snap together to keep bags shut, Squeeze the buckle’s sides to release

End loading bags most commonly use a hook and loop system or zippers.

Straps

Delivery bags are carried by handles or straps. Options available are single straps, 2 handled bags, Velcro handles, or sewn-in straps. Bookbag-style bags are also offered.

Colors

Delivery bags come in a variety of colors to meet the aesthetic of your business. The most common colors are red, black, gray, or combinations of these colors such as red bags with black handles.

Accessories

Some bags will come with:

Racks to improve organization
Frames to increase sturdiness
Pouches or pockets for tickets, receipts, etc.
Thermal pads for heating or cooling
Locking clips to secure closures to prevent product tampering
Power packs for heating or cooling
Reflective strips for increased visibility (especially helps during nighttime deliveries)

If the delivery bag you order doesn’t come standard with these accessories, they can be purchased separately. Bags can be upgraded to include these features.

Certifications

The most common certification seen for delivery bags is “CE certified.” However, Cambro also offers certified MADE IN USA models.

Cleanability

All insulated delivery bags can be wiped clean. Several models are machine washable. Be sure to read the features and benefits of each listing to discover whether it should be hand washed.