Some temperature-sensitive products and goods are more at potential danger during transport than others. Therefore, it is necessary to make temperature control shipments. Disruptions in the cold chain can result in products having to be disposed of instead of sold.
If the temperature in a cold room rises by only 2 degrees Fahrenheit, the relative humidity drops by about 7%. This reduces the shelf life of products by 50%. It is important to develop a reliable refrigerated transport strategy.
In this article, you will find a description of the different service options and temperature ranges to consider when transporting goods and temperature controlled shipping. This will help reduce disruptions and maintain quality/safety.
What Is Temperature Controlled Freight Shipping?
Temperature controlled freight shipping protects goods from environmental influences or temperature fluctuations during transport, regardless of whether they need to be cooled or heated. The main thing is that the temperature must be regulated throughout the entire journey, from the point of departure to the final destination.
Who uses temperature controlled shipping?
Top industries and goods for temperature controlled transportation:
- Food and Beverages
We are talking about chilled and frozen food, confectionery, and beverages.
- To prevent premature aging and loss of flavor, wine needs to be stored at a consistently cool temperature.
- Frozen desserts, such as ice cream, should be stored frozen to avoid bacterial growth, crystallization, and loss of flavor.
- Perishable meats, seafood, and poultry require temperatures no higher than 40 °F or freezing at 0 °F to prevent bacterial growth.
- Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables can be damaged and lose their flavor if the temperature is not correct.
- Milk, milk substitutes, and dairy products such as yogurt, oat milk, and fermented milk products need to be kept below 45 °F to prevent bacterial growth.
- Floral Business
Flowers and plants, including cut flowers, bulbs, seeds, seedlings, and potted flowers, require consistent temperature, humidity, and air pressure control to maintain color, health, and long-lasting beauty.
- Healthcare
This includes vaccines, medical products such as blood, biological, insulin, etc., as well as pharmaceuticals.
Many medicines and laboratory kits require a specific temperature regime to maintain their effectiveness and safety. Any deviation from this range can render these temperature-sensitive products ineffective or even harmful.
- Live Animals
There are strict international regulations governing the transport of live animals. Organizations such as the FDA and IATA specify requirements for proper documentation, quality of shipping containers, provision of adequate food and water, and maintenance of the appropriate climate during the journey.
Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, delays in delivery, and even death. Therefore, it is extremely critical for logistics companies that transport such goods to have in-depth knowledge of temperature-controlled haulage.
Service Options for Temperature Controlled Haulage
Let’s analyze the pros and cons of different temperature controlled delivery methods. Choose the most cost-effective option for yourself from the following:
Full Truck Service
This option is one of the quite popular for large volumes of transport that require flexibility of departure and destination. Refrigerated trucks and trailers equipped with refrigeration units that maintain the required temperature conditions are used. They are usually used to transport food and pharmaceuticals.
Their advantages are:
- constant temperature control of transport;
- high-quality insulation materials to maintain the internal temperature;
- multi-compartment designs for the simultaneous transport of goods requiring different temperature conditions.
Service With Less Than Truckload (LTL) Cargo
Ideal for small volumes of cargo, a more flexible method in terms of shipment size.
Disadvantages:
- It is not ideal for combining certain products, such as bananas and broccoli (mainly due to their sensitivity to ethylene).
Insulated shipping containers are often used for these shipments. These are passive temperature control solutions that use insulating materials to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior. These containers are used to transport smaller quantities of temperature-sensitive goods.
Products to use:
- thermal blankets;
- vacuum insulated panels (VIPs);
- foam insulation;
- dry ice and gel packs;
- active temperature-controlled containers.
Intermodal Services
This is the transport of goods to one or more destinations using several types of temperature controlled transport without overloading the goods themselves when changing the type of vehicle. Specific trailers are used to move products from one mode of transport to another without the need to remove them from the trailer.
These services are suitable for products that can withstand longer transport times and are less sensitive to rough driving.
Advantages:
- Low costs;
- lower carbon emissions.
Air Freight
Suitable for pharmaceuticals and other high-value goods, ensuring the fastest possible shipment and receipt of goods by the end consumer.
Air transport has a number of disadvantages:
- It is difficult to maintain the temperature at transfer points;
- high price and low profitability.
It is also worth noting the necessity of temperature-controlled storage, namely warehouses. They preserve the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods before, during, and after transportation. They are equipped with different temperature zones for the goods. Temperature and humidity are continuously monitored there. They comply with regulatory standards for the storage of temperature-sensitive products.
Temperature Controlled Haulage Rules: Standard Temperature Ranges for Commons Products
Make sure you are familiar with this temperature controlled haulage regulations:
- Deep frozen: – 18.4 to – 22 °F (– 28 to – 30 °C) for seafood and some meats;
- Frozen: 3.1 to – 4 °F (– 16 to – 20 °C) for meat and some products;
- Chilled: 35.6 to 39.2 °F (2 to 4 °C) for some dairy products, fruits, vegetables and fresh meat;
- Pharmaceutical products: 35.6 to 46.4 °F (2 to 8 °C) for pharmaceutical products, including vaccines and medicines;
- Cold chain: 53.6 to 57.2 °F (12 to 14 °C) for processed food, over-the-counter medicines, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce.
Cold Chain Management Challenges in Temperature Controlled Freight Shipping
As with any other industry, there are cold chain issues that can have serious safety and financial implications if left unaddressed.
- Damaged refrigerator/freezer doors
If the door does not close properly, the appliance cannot maintain the required temperature, which significantly affects its functionality.
Some freezer door designs are specifically designed to prevent damage from loading equipment. Doors with a hermetically sealed, impact-resistant door that automatically returns to its tracks after a forklift impact are required.
Door controllers that come with refrigerators and freezers track several times the door is opened and closed, which can be used to collect data to improve energy efficiency and increase safety in the facility.
If door damage is not repaired, it can lead to food spoilage and other problems in the cold chain. This impacts the safety of employees, consumers, and the overall reputation of organizations engaged in temperature controlled transportation.
- Condensation
Condensation in refrigerators and freezers often occurs due to temperature differences, especially in rooms with various temperatures. This can lead to excessive moisture in the food, slippery surfaces for employees, and food spoilage that can endanger the health of consumers.
One of the best ways to reduce condensation is to use HVLS fans, which create airflow to help regulate humidity levels and air circulation in the room.
- Microbial growth in the freezer
Industrial freezers can face the problem of mold and fungal growth due to improper temperatures or broken doors. Proper maintenance of the freezer helps to reduce the build-up of germs and particles.
You can prevent the development of mold by:
- keeping freezers free of spills;
- cleaning their surfaces;
- using components without lubricants.
If mold does occur, the freezer must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid future incidents that could affect the safety and integrity of the cold chain.
- Excessive heat exposure
Sometimes issues arise before the food even enters the fridge or freezer. Prolonged exposure to high external temperatures during temperature controlled shipment and unloading can deteriorate food or pharmaceuticals.
Using a walk-through dock with a secure seal will help to reduce this difficulty by keeping the products away from external heat and protecting them from temperature fluctuations.
- Damaged goods
Damaged objects, even those outside your cold storage facility, can have a significant impact on your bottom line. Various problems arise in cold chain logistics, such as products that have been transported to the trailer at too high temperatures.
RFID tracking technology is used to keep the goods in good condition during transport. This allows you to alert recipients to problems and prepare them for appropriate action.
It is important that cold chain management takes the necessary steps to prevent these common problems. Ensuring cold chain integrity, customer safety and brand reputation is paramount to the proper operation of cold storage facilities.
Cold Chain Best Practices for Temperature Controlled Shipping
While temperature controlled delivery chains are becoming increasingly complex, there are some effective practices that can be applied to ensure positive results.
- A Safe Experience
Although the average consumer may not always see it, there are countless people involved in the risk-free transport of temperature-sensitive goods.
Qualified expertise – whether from an internal resource or an external supplier – is key to a smooth transport experience.
- Identified Capacity Requirements
The best mode of transport for one shipment may not be the same for the next. However, a strategic approach to capacity can help reduce up-front costs and secure the space you need.
Part of this approach should include considering the needs of your operators. Aligning your goals with theirs will create benefits for both parties.
- Proven Processes
Standardized processes are critical to food safety, especially during “risk of spoilage” (i.e., loading and unloading). These include:
- confirmation of product temperature;
- checking the equipment;
- checking airflow.
- Food Safety Culture
While not all industries require this correct practice, for those who move food, sanitary transport is more than a regulation to be followed. It should be a priority for every company involved.
- Compliance With Regulatory Requirements
Compliance with regulations such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP) ensures product quality and prevents legal issues.
- Staff Training
Training employees to work in a cold chain environment is important. This includes knowledge of temperature control, safe working practices and emergency procedures.
- Selecting Reliable Partners
Working with trusted suppliers and partners is essential to maintaining product quality and adhering with cold chain standards.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
SOPs ensure that cold chain processes meet industry best practices.
- Documentation
Documentation is required for inspections, compliance, and traceability. Temperature logs, determination reports, certificates, and other documents must be properly retained.
- Supply Chain Transparency
The use of technology, such as IoT sensors and data analytics, increases transparency and traceability. This allows you to monitor the location, temperature, and condition of products in real-time.
- Proper Packaging and Insulation
Proper packaging is crucial for temperature-sensitive goods, reducing heat transfer and maintaining stability.
- Risk Assessment and Management
Risk analysis helps to identify potential disruptions in the cold chain and minimize their influence.
- Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Regular monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) helps to evaluate the effectiveness of cold chain procedures, identify problem points, improve operational efficiency, and reduce risks.
Continuous, thorough collaboration and communication will help to easily impress customers and increase their loyalty.
Following these best practices will help to create a stable and reliable cold chain management system that ensures high product quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
How to Choose a Transport Company for Temperature Controlled Freight Shipping
Choosing the right refrigerated transport company is crucial for temperature controlled freight shipping. Here are some important points to consider:
Knowledge and Experience
The company should have extensive experience in transporting temperature-sensitive goods, cold chain logistics, and handling such products.
Modern Equipment
The company should use modern cold chain equipment, including refrigerated trucks and warehouse refrigeration systems.
Compliance With Regulations
Make sure the company complies with international standards set by organizations such as the FDA and IATA. Improper documentation can lead to delays in delivery.
Reputation and Reviews
Look for companies with well-received reviews, especially from customers who also ship temperature-sensitive goods. Their experience can give you an idea of the company’s reliability and quality of service.
Transparent Tracking System
The ability to track the temperature inside the shipment in real-time and notify the sender of any problems.
Conclusions
Temperature-controlled cargo plays a key role in the supply chain. Temperature-sensitive products need to maintain their quality and safety at all stages, from the producer to the end consumer. With the growing demand for fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products, there is a growing need for specialized logistics solutions for their temperature controlled shipping.