Everything You Need To Know About Cold Chain Logistics

Cold chain logistics is the term used to describe the process of moving chilled items from one place to another. It takes planning and careful control to ensure that the goods arrive in as good a condition as when they left.

The field of cold chain logistics has always been important in Australia. In recent years trade has grown both across the country and the international market.

The Basics Of Cold Chain Logistics

There is an abundance of products that need to be shipped from one location to another. At the same time, these products need to be kept within a certain temperature range. The logistics of storing, loading, and transporting these goods, while maintaining temperature is cold chain logistics.

It should be noted that this doesn’t always mean frozen temperatures or even chilled. Many products simply need to be moved at room temperature which can be challenging in very hot or cold weather.

Preparing Merchandise For Transfer

You know your product and in what conditions it should be stored to ensure longevity and quality. As a manufacturer, you’ll already have the facilities to produce and store these products safely.

Of course, you need to log what these conditions are, this will allow you to send the details to any receiver. This ensures they know what storage they need to have ready for the stock arrival.

You’ll also be able to supply the parameters needed for your product to the courier company.

Selecting The Courier

A key part of the cold chain logistics process is choosing respectable and experienced refrigerated couriers. The best way to verify them is to ask people that you know who are likely to have dealt with them. You can also research them online and may even find information on social forums regarding the service they offer. 

Once you have verified this you’ll want to speak to them.

A good courier will have temperature monitoring devices in the truck and a warning system to tell the driver and head office when the temperature is moving close or goes out of its required range. This helps the driver and courier firm take steps to maintain the correct temperature.

Extra Cold Chain Aids

To help ensure the product travels in the right environment and remind the courier that you are also monitoring, you can add specially designed stickers to your stock. These are made for various temperature ranges. If the temperature moves outside the designated range the sticker changes color.

This alerts the receiver and ensures they know to reject the delivery, effectively proving that the courier company is at fault. These stickers can also tell you about impacts and drops. Having them on your stock encourages the courier company to take the best possible care of your stock.

Training

You should not overlook the importance of having well-trained staff at your base. This ensures the products are maintained in a temperature-controlled environment and that they are all packaged properly to make the journey. Having well-trained staff is vital to the success of any cold chain logistics effort.