Understanding Cold Chain Logistics and Its Importance
When storing items at home or at work, it’s simple to maintain proper and designated temperatures if there is equipment for refrigeration or freezing. When temperature-sensitive packages are transported from a manufacturing or production facility to the end user, precision handling and expertise is required to ensure the safe and timely delivery.
Why is Cold Chain Logistics Such a Thing?
Let’s put ourselves in a situation where we are going to have a picnic on a hot day. You wouldn’t leave potato salad roasting in the sun but can let plates and serving utensils remain in a picnic basket in direct sunlight. Cold chain logistics functions in a similar way but it is done on a considerably greater scale.
Cold chain logistics involves managing conditions such that ideal temperatures are maintained during transport. This includes selecting proper packing materials and identifying the most cost-effective delivery method. Balancing the cost of expedited delivery with the risk of spoiled or damaged products requires knowledge and insight into the specific requirements of your products.
Let’s break down some of the key areas where cold chain logistics plays a starring role:
1. Meats, Dairy, and Produce
You’ve moved away from your hometown but still love the pizza or cheesesteak sandwiches from one of your favourite restaurants. You’re in luck! They sell meal kits so you can enjoy the taste of home 1,000 miles away. OR it’s your anniversary and you’ve ordered your favourite cut of steak or fresh seafood to enjoy a gourmet dinner at home. OR you have a passion for artisanal meats and cheeses that you can’t find at your local grocer.
There’s no bigger disappointment than having your special-order items arrive a day late and spoiled or on time and damaged. PeriShip’s team of logistics experts work with brands to identify the best options for packing shipments to ensure customer satisfaction. PeriShip also monitors and manages shipments for time and temperature sensitive deliveries. When on-time delivery is the difference between delight and disappointment, PeriShip can help specialty food companies reduce waste and improve operations.
2. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
For healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, properly managed cold chain logistics isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Indeed, it may well mean the difference between life and death. Some medications and testing materials require storage under well-maintained conditions and are often time sensitive. A single day delivery delay can be catastrophic and is often very costly.
3. Vaccines
The recent pandemic brought the importance and significance of vaccines to the forefront. Some vaccines have strict temperature requirements as they might become ineffective or even hazardous when stored outside of acceptable ranges.
Some vaccines require extremely low temperatures as low as 760F (- 60℃). These rather fragile vaccines are critical to improve and save lives.
4. Non-Perishables:
It’s not surprising that cold chain logistics is not limited to perishable goods only. Additional products that may require temperature-controlled environments include:
- • Some sweets and pastries
- • Electronics that are sensitive to heat
- • Some cosmetics and personal care products
- • Specialty beverages and drinks
These items may not be spoiled or unusable, however, properly maintained temperatures ensure products arrive in top condition.
The Cold, Hard Facts
Skilled cold chain logistics management can make all the difference when trying to create satisfied customer experiences. With some items, ensuring timely delivery is essential to avoid a crisis.
Many brands do not have the ability to transport individual parcels via refrigerated truck. Expedited delivery is required in addition to proper packaging, gel packs and dry ice with environmentally friendly products. Enlisting the support of trained logistics professionals like the team at PeriShip can help to set you up for success. When things don’t go as planned, PeriShip’s service representatives can intervene on your behalf during the last mile of delivery. Should a delivery exception arise, rest assured their team of experts is already working on ways to resolve issues and preserve the integrity of your products.