Temperature-controlled shipping is an essential component of cold chain logistics and involves the transportation of temperature-sensitive products in the food and beverage supply chain. This ensures consumable freight is moved at the appropriate temperature range to ensure its quality and safety. 

Items like produce begin the deterioration process from the second of harvest, and the process of transporting fresh produce from farm to shelf quickly and safely can present numerous logistical challenges. Partnering with a knowledgeable third-party logistics (3PL) provider to have accessible and efficient methods of transportation is truly revolutionary for shippers who prioritize freshness on the dinner table for end consumers.

Using a qualified 3PL expert for cold chain transportation allows shippers to move temperature-sensitive products with the utmost safety and timeliness, ensuring happy customers and an uncompromised brand reputation. 

Why partner with a 3PL for moving food?

Having a flexible and adaptable 3PL partner who understands cold chain logistics is not only important for food safety, but also for compliance with regulatory standards. Many countries have strict regulations governing the transportation of temperature-sensitive products. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, product recalls, and damage to a company’s reputation. An experienced cold chain 3PL will be well versed in this wide range of compliance regulations, making safety and due diligence a worry of the past. 

3PLs understand the ins and outs of cold chain management. They know that temperature-controlled shipping relies on specially designed containers that can maintain a specific temperature range. They can provide access to containers ranging from simple insulated boxes to sophisticated refrigerated trucks, which are critical for preserving the integrity of perishable products, as exposure to extreme temperatures can cause irreversible damage – leading to spoilage and even safety concerns. 

Planning and mitigating shipping challenges: Temperature specificity

Temperature-controlled shipping involves a range of processes and technologies, including refrigeration, temperature monitoring, and data logging. Partnering with a 3PL provider ensures that temperature-sensitive products are transported safely and comply with regulatory standards through a combination of specialized equipment, trained personnel, and robust data monitoring systems. 

3PLs can help mitigate one of the biggest challenges of cold chain shipping: keeping products within their required temperature range throughout the entire transportation process. This requires careful planning and continual monitoring to ensure that the products are not exposed to temperatures that could cause them to degrade. 

Most temperature-controlled shipping focuses on refrigerated goods; however, some instances call for keeping cargo above a certain temperature. While some commodities, like ice cream, require frozen temperature ranges, others must be transported at refrigerated or higher temperature ranges, like some fruits at a specific 34°F. When planning a shipment, it is important to go over all specifications and temperature requirements with the carrier or transportation provider.

One size and season does not fit all

Temperature-controlled freight is not exclusive to full truckload. Many shippers assume that these strict temperature and shipping requirements make them ineligible for less-than-truckload (LTL) options, given the mix of different products sent in one container. However, LTL shipping methods can be as flexible as the shipper needs, and temperature-controlled shipping is entirely possible with the right 3PL partner. For example, beets and cabbage can withstand the freezing and thawing process. However, tomatoes, potatoes, and cheese will experience irreversible damage if they were to undergo the same process and not be fit for sale. Additionally, air circulation is a crucial component in ensuring the freshness of refrigerated loads of perishable items because cool air can stagnate, causing products to lose quality.

Peak season also greatly impacts the circumstances—namely the price—of temperature-controlled shipping and equipment. Due to the functionalities of supply and demand, spring and summer deliver a significant spike in need for cold chain logistical solutions. Because there is a limited number of reefer trailers in circulation, peak seasonal demands increase rates and make capacity swings dramatic when compared to other modes like dry freight. 

Cold chain shipping can be complex, and the mistakes of poor planning can be costly for shippers. Finding a 3PL partner who is well-versed in temperature controlled logistics operations will ensure all food transportation needs are met and end consumers are satisfied, regardless of the requirements.