Cold chain logistics have to be transported to far-off areas of the world following strict temperature conditions. Making sure that clinical specimens, food and beverage products, vaccines, and other biologicals reach their destination securely and safely with the right temperature conditions is a critical element of any refrigerated manufacturer. As a shipper, you also need to make sure that the cold chain is maintained at all times to avoid any spoilage and contamination.

Tips For Effective Cold Chain Logistics:

Here we’ve provided some tips on managing your cold chain logistics effectively.  

Partnering With The Right Carrier:

Your carrier should be an expert in managing Cold Chain logistics. This partnership is because they will have established partnerships in the industry, which will help you in the long run. Not only this, but they will also have set SOP’s and the latest technologies to facilitate your cold chain maintenance. Transportation time and the newest equipment are crucial when selecting a suitable carrier.

Carrier Involvement At Early Stages:

Involve your carrier right from the start; this means getting their input in the shipment planning process. With sufficient lead time, the shipping company can plan ideal routes and pick-up schedules to provide the fastest transit times. This planning will help your product be delivered with minimum time inside the package.

The earlier you get your carrier involved, the more time you will have to establish a solid communication line, an essential part of transportation in a cold chain. Effective communication will allow all partners to be on the same page so the progress of the cold chain shipment can be tracked. In case of an accident, the carrier will know who to help.

Knowledge Regarding Regulations:

At any given time, the regulatory environment can vary within a country and outside. An experienced carrier will be up-to-date on all the necessary local and international regulations. He will seamlessly navigate your shipment through all custom channels streamlining the whole process. Having a close relationship with your trucking company will allow you to plan around any variation, minimizing delays in the cold chain.

The Right Paperwork:

Any delays within the cold chain can lead to significant losses. So, partnering with the right trucking company will mean they have filed all the necessary import and export documentation. These documents will expedite cold chain shipping without any customs delays.

Packaging:

When we talk about maintaining the integrity of your cold chain products, your biggest enemies are time and external temperature. These components are constantly working against you. Choosing a validated packaging system will ensure your packages are maintained at a specific temperature.

Rips and tears will delay the shipping process. Train your staff to package the shipment according to a set standard. When setting up the right temperature monitoring system, ensure it takes accurate readings. Always conduct test runs to see if the packaging will maintain the required temperatures throughout the shipment process.  

Researchers say that implementing sustainability into different stages of the cold chain can improve your bottom line and have long-term economic benefits. If you’re planning on moving towards sustainable solutions, try using sustainable packaging materials and automating supply chain transactions to minimize paper usage.

Conclusion:

You can only achieve effective cold chain logistics if you partner with the right truckers. The trucking company should regulate each step of the cold chain, making on-time deliveries and sustaining products at the ideal temperature. They should follow all FMSA regulations and use the best cold storage technology.

Also Read: Global Logistics: 5 Easy Ways To Save On Shipping