What Is Cold Chain Logistics?

Cold chain logistics is the process of managing and transporting temperature-sensitive products. This can include everything from food to pharmaceuticals to flowers. By properly regulating the temperature of these products, you can prevent them from spoiling or becoming ineffective. In some cases, it's essential to maintain a specific temperature in order to keep the product safe for consumption. That's where cold chain logistics comes in. Whether you're shipping across the country or around the world, it's important to have a system in place that ensures your products arrive in good condition. If you're not sure where to start, don't worry! We'll walk you through everything you need to know about cold chain logistics. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Is Cold Chain Logistics Important?

The transportation of temperature-controlled items, such as temperature-sensitive meals, electronics, and biopharmaceutical medicines, is known as cold chain logistics. The difficulty of maintaining temperature-sensitive commodities within a specific range while traveling across nations and continents is commonly outsourced to a forwarding agent by companies that create them. 

The cold chain logistics process does not begin when products are placed onto a flight or lorry, and the cold chain logistics process does not start. It influences the whole supply chain, from purchase through transportation, storage, and last-mile delivery. You should keep temperature-sensitive items at a steady, particular temperature or temperature range; there usually are two primary ranges: 2-8°C and 15-25°C. During this procedure, goods are subjected to temperature changes, which may be disastrous for the sent items. This may result in millions of dollars in lost commodities each year, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, but it also poses a significant danger to perishable items. 

Correct packing, suitable transportation equipment, carefully designed transit routes, precise timing, and visibility are all part of cold chain logistics to confirm what was intended to happen. This sophisticated synchronization is only achievable with information insights at every stage of the process, from the procurement of supplies through the delivery of items to the ultimate client.

What Are Cold Chain Management Technologies?

To maintain items at the right temperature, cold chain transportation uses various technologies. The duration of the journey, the size of the box, and the season all influence which technique is employed in cold chain management. 

• DRY ICE is mainly used to transport hazardous materials, medications, and food. When exposed to air, it sublimates rather than melts.

• GEL PACKS: Gel packs are used in cold chain pharmaceuticals shipments.

• LIQUID NITROGEN: Liquid nitrogen is a material primarily used to carry biological cargo like organs.

• QUILTS: Insulated quilts could be folded over or placed over goods to maintain a consistent temperature, allowing frozen things to last longer.

How Do Cold Chain Logistic Companies Work?

Many have changed in the past year. Today, freight forwarding and third-party logistics businesses tend to manage all cold chain logistics supplies for the manufacturer; after it leaves the factory, it is their obligation to ensure it gets on time to the client. These cold chain logistics companies offer expert knowledge and equipment for carrying temperature-sensitive goods that your typical A to B provider cannot.

 Data is the most important aspect of cold chain logistics. However, not all data is helpful, and most are more tricky than willing. Cold chain logistics companies utilize intelligent data analytics and technology, which tells how to provide the proper protection to the package.

Conclusion

The life of your product is critical to the success of your business. Unfortunately, it’s surprisingly easy for temperature-sensitive products like food or pharmaceuticals to spoil during transportation if they are not properly cared for. That's where cold chain logistics comes in! By implementing best practices and following a strong protocol, you can ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time - saving both money and customer satisfaction. Do you know how many steps there are in conveyr's all-in-one 3PL management? We'll tell you right now - four! Find out more about our services by reading this blog post today!