Cold Chain Logistics Management

Preserving perishable goods with impeccable cold chain logistics management is crucial. For instance, if vaccines lose their efficacy owing to bad storage or transportation, it won’t benefit patients at all. It could be rather fatal for them.

Storing goods, such as food, medicines and others, at an optimal temperature is vital for all the parties involved in the supply chain (3PLs or third-party logistics, carriers, storage facilities, etc.). In this article, we will write about cold chain logistics and its equipment.

What is Cold Chain Logistics?

Activities aimed at safely handling and transporting such items from the manufacturer or supplier to the consumer is known as cold chain logistics.

A cold chain logistics management deals in handling perishable, temperature-sensitive goods like fresh produce, meat, dairy, seafood, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and so on.

Perishable goods need to be kept at a certain low temperature range to maintain their quality. For example, some products need to be frozen, some need refrigeration, and others may need extreme conditions (a so-called ultra-low chain or deep freeze). Inability to keep up with the right temperature results in item deterioration and, eventually, the loss of money. As customers often return such shipments, resulting in a loss for the businesses and their delivery service providers.

It is more challenging to maintain the required temperature when carrying goods for a long time.  For instance, various product shipments have to be reloaded multiple times before passing them through multiple distribution or storage facilities. While doing these, one needs to be mindful of maintaining the goods’ quality amid expected temperature fluctuations. The items can also be permanently stored in a sealed refrigerator container.

Cold Chain Equipment and Packaging Options

We've seen that generally trailers, different holders, and, surprisingly, specific vessels are utilised to ship temperature-sensitive items. Liquified gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, CO2, etc) can be stored and transported through special cryogenic tanks, railcars and trailers.

In the meantime, large walk-in coolers and refrigerators that keep the temperature constant are available in distribution centres and warehouse/terminal facilities for storage purposes. Various laboratory refrigerators and freezers help store products such as pharmaceuticals, drugs, tissue samples and other medicines, at optimal temperatures.

Factors That Determine Cold Chain Packaging

As stated above, ensuring optimal temperature is critical to maintaining a product's quality. You should start by packaging the product properly, choosing the right container and refrigeration method. Below are some factors you should consider for packaging - 

• Logistic Fleet

• Shipment Size

• Transit Duration

• Outside Temperature

• Temperature and Humidity Levels Required for Packaging

Conclusion

Not all temperature-sensitive products are not created equal. In order to preserve their integrity throughout the cold chain, you need skilled people with expertise in material handling. Throughout the cold chain management process, shipping companies must adhere to each and every step thoroughly to ensure shipments remain fresh. If you want to ship your products to customers without compromising on their quality, Handover is ready to help you. Collaborate with us now!