What Is Refrigerated Transportation?
Refrigerated transportation is a special type of shipping method that uses special refrigerated trucks. The main purpose of refrigerated transportation is not only to transport various perishable items like vegetables, fruits, flowers, honey, meat, perfume, wine, dairy but also, to carry sensitive commodities like pharmaceuticals, vaccines, blood, and even organs at a specific temperature. Refrigerated transportation uses special trucks that have a built-in refrigeration system. This shipment process helps items to remain cool at a constant temperature throughout the whole shipment process.
Refrigerated transportation was first conceived in a rudimentary form in the 1800s. Then, ice and salt were placed below temperature-reliant commodities and the cargo was shipped in train cars. This was an inefficient and horrible method of transportation. Goods would get easily perished and result in a major loss. Later in the 1900s, as industrialization was rapidly growing, efficient methods of refrigerated transportation were invented to support and improve cold chain logistics. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, we became highly reliant on cold chain logistics. Because, in the era of globalization, consumers are highly interested to use goods from around the world.
What does cold chain logistics mean? It means to transport temperature-sensitive goods by using thermal and refrigerated packaging methods and combining shipping logistics to efficiently and effectively transport the goods along a supply chain. This implies that the goods are handled carefully, move goods efficiently and quickly to fulfill huge demands, and above all, protect the integrity of the goods.
When do you need refrigerated transportation?
Refrigerated transportation has revolutionized the pattern of human consumption of food. Earlier, people used ice and snow to store their perishable items but the problem with ice is that it melts and so cannot be used in the long run. Currently, trucks, vans, trains, ships, and planes with refrigeration systems are used to transport perishable products. Refrigeration transportation is needed to transit perishable items from point A to point B safely and efficiently. It enables long-distance transportation of food items in a temperature-controlled environment. This helps to prevent food loss and waste and maintains superior quality.
Also, in this decade the Life-Science and Pharmaceutical industries have grown steadily. Improved technology in these fields has led to the formation of those products that are temperature sensitive. Hence, to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of these products, refrigerated transportation is needed.
Benefits of refrigerated transportation
As we know that there are many products like fruits and vegetables for which refrigerated transportation is absolutely necessary. Refrigerated transportation helps to meet the global supply and demand of goods as well as meet the safety compliances. Here are the benefits of refrigerated transportation.
- Transportation of a large number and variety of goods
Many goods perish and lose their value if not transported in a refrigerated system. When we think about products that need a cool environment for transportation, we conclude only food items like fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and dairy. However, many other items like pharmaceuticals, vaccines, chemicals, care products, and medical equipment require a controlled temperature to remain valuable. This is one of the main reasons that attribute to the growing demand for refrigerated transportation as it caters to the global economy.
- Rising global demand for fresh products
One of the latest trends of our society is that consumers are shifting from mass-produced packaged food to fresh food. There is a huge demand for fresh and healthy food options and consumers are even interested to pay more for them. Hence to meet their expectation, refrigerated transportation is used to transport products from location A to B. Products are kept at a controlled temperature and are constantly monitored. This is better than any alternate transportation method because it provides a quicker and more efficient way of transportation.
- Unparalleled Control over products
Shipping technology has improved greatly in the 21st century. Thus, today’s products can be kept in a wide range of temperatures. Temperature control helps to supply medicines, food, vaccines, chemicals, and other items at a standardized temperature. This asserts protection for the products as well as provides assurance for the manufacturers. Suppose, if products get stuck due to an unlikely event or any unforeseen circumstances, consumers can be assured that their products will not degenerate and become worthless. This allows for reducing the wastage of products and the protection of assets.
- Safe delivery of products
Refrigerated transportation services allow not only keep products cool and valuable but also assure reliable and safe service. Today, businesses need assurance that they will not suffer losses because of transportation issues. They understand the potential of a reliable and efficient transportation and logistics service. Right refrigeration service and efficient packaging are used to assure the safe delivery of products. Not opting for a proper refrigeration service can prove dangerous. For example, non-refrigerated transportation of food items can result in food-borne illnesses.
- Meeting the standards of global shipping regulations
Governments around the world are introducing legislation to regulate refrigerated delivery services. Recently, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased its scrutiny to ensure the safety of food handling. The FDA has identified various freshness and poisoning problems and monitors the entire supply chain to maintain the freshness and safety of the food items. In fact, in 2015, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has mandated the transporters to use temperature control to ship food items. This Act also requires that the service provider ensures report training and temperature management to the drivers for each consignment.
Therefore, when you want to opt for a refrigerated transportation service, do consider the following important factors.
- Delivery- The purpose of refrigerated transportation is to deliver perishable goods effectively and quickly and also ensure that the goods do not suffer any damage because of temperature irregularities.
- Customer Service- Professionalism is the backbone of good customer service. Ensure that your service provider is responsive to your questions and assist you as needed.
- Servicing of vehicles- As you are handing over your valuable yet delicate products to the transporter, verify that the refrigeration system is functioning properly. Also, ask them to give their tracking services before handing them your precious products.