Cold chain logistics requires maintaining temperature integrity, controlling all the processes involved means high levels of integration and coordination. Each supply chain partner— from harvester or producer to the ultimate seller—shares responsibility. For example, cold chain transportation units are commonly designed to keep ambient temperature constant, but not to bring a shipment to the optimal temperature. But if a shipment is not adequately prepared and conditioned, its quality may be compromised.
Further, if a shipment will be exposed to extreme cold or heat along the transport route, considerations should be made to protect the products in transit. Transportation that extends over multiple days provides a host of opportunities for breaking the cold chain.
Route selection is important in order to maximize cold chain performance, especially in winter and summer. In extreme temperatures, companies should select routes that minimize the number of times doors must be opened. A lot of monitoring and management goes into handling cold chain shipments. Knowing about extreme weather conditions in advance helps optimize equipment use and better protect products.
Contingency planning is also important. If a truck breaks down, or a refrigeration unit stops working, the carrier must be ready to respond. Even with the best systems and monitoring technology, an unplanned delay or rerouting could potentially jeopardize shipment stability. Shippers should work with their transportation partners to develop contingency plans that clearly map out a strategy in the event of a delay.
Checks and Balances If problems or anomalies that compromise a shipment occur in transit, all trading partners must act to identify the source and find corrective actions. Grower, shippers and importers should all have checklists for documenting procedures for every step of the delivery process, because a solid system of checks and balances can help reduce the risks.
Shippers have to double-check the work of their supply chain partners, and understand the processes they put the product through. When the shipper hands a product off, for example, it is up to the transportation provider to ensure the product has been handled at the proper temperatures. The use of checks and balances for all partners helps ensure the cold chain hasn’t been disrupted along the way.
The final transfer of a shipment into the storage facility presents another potential integrity breach. Key considerations when arranging final product delivery include not only the destination, but also timing. If the warehouse stages too early or too late, product temperature can stray outside the appropriate range. Warehouse employees should also be familiar with the product and the best way to handle it.
Consumers must know that, no matter where a product came from, it complies with food safety and regulatory requirements. This is not the place to take shortcuts.
When a product is stripped and taken into cold storage, it loses integrity at that point. It is then up to the warehouse facility and managers to ensure they handle the shipment properly. Education and training are very important.
While customers will dictate some product storage and handling conditions, equipping warehouse workers with specific product knowledge is a best practice.
Several factors are important to ensure integrity of the cold chain once a shipment arrives at the warehouse. For example, what is the temperature requirement for each product? How long can it stay frozen and still maintain quality? What is the best way to store it? Does it contain allergens that require other products are not placed next to it?”
Everyone involved must be dedicated to handling the products appropriately, monitoring the equipment, and ensuring proper storage. Unlike dry goods that do not require further concern until they are shipped, refrigerated products require 24/7 attention.
Shippers must be very clear about product expectations before a carrier accepts the shipment. They should devise an expectations manual that specifies its requirements in areas ranging from time and temperature control to cleanliness.
They should also use technology while shipments are in transit, so they can check these stipulations automatically. They then load the data on their Website so it can be monitored remotely. These steps allow them to react to issues before spoilage and waste occurs. Preparing for Problems If product spoilage does occur, the companies involved should have agreements in place to establish responsibility for damage.
International borders, knowledge of customs procedures are very important because cold chain shipments tend to be timesensitive and more subject to inspection than regular freight. Understanding local rules, customs, and environmental conditions—as well as estimating the length and time of a distribution route—are important factors in global cold chain shipments. Knowing the export and import requirements and regulations is critical.
Cold chain management is challenging. Shippers have to view it through a lens of safety and quality. They must constantly review how they can improve processes, and whether they have the right practices in place throughout the supply chain.
Consumers must know that, no matter where a product came from, it complies with safety and regulatory requirements. This is not the place to take shortcuts.
Guarding Against Vulnerabilities The entire cold chain process should be about minimizing the time it takes to move a product through the system. Efficiency is key. Vulnerabilities occur if there are delays in handing product off from one facility or stage to another.
To manage cold chain shipments well, all parties must foster a strong partnership. Everyone needs a good working knowledge of best practices for cold chain handling and transportation. Fresh produce have to move as fast as possible to give consumers the most valuable, wholesome product, with as much shelf life as possible.”
Increased globalization and demand for perishable goods are driving significant cold chain market growth. The tasks involved in handling and transporting fresh produce, as well as the energy required for refrigeration, make cold chain operations expensive. As the market grows, companies that understand cold chain distribution, and utilize best practices to improve efficiency and reduce spoilage, stand to gain the most.
