Guide to Cold Chain Logistics - AVG Logistics

 Best 3PL Service Provider in India - AVG Logistics 

What is cold chain logistics?

The planning and execution of the safe transportation of temperature-sensitive products over long distances while maintaining the proper temperature and humidity requirements and using the proper equipment and transportation method are called cold chain logistics.

It is also referred to as cold chain logistics. Temperature-sensitive products include certain types of food, pharmaceuticals, biological samples and specimens, beverages, etc.

The expression "cold chain coordinated operations" can at times be misconstrued. Contingent upon the kind of item, the temperature prerequisites for capacity and transportation differ.

Not every product needs to be stored at very low temperatures or sub-zero temperatures. Some products need to be stored and transported at room temperature to maintain their texture and quality. This is particularly obvious during the brutal winters in specific nations.

The storage and transportation equipment used for such goods must meet these requirements. Although the term "cold chain logistics" is the most common, it could also be called "temperature-controlled logistics" based on the previous statement.

Cold chain logistics concerns all phases of a temperature-sensitive product, from production to storage at the production facility, transport to the customer's warehouse, and storage at the customer's premises.

Different products have different temperature requirements.

Cold chain logistics provides you with the ability to perform temperature-controlled storage and transportation. The overall temperature settings that are followed are:

 Frozen meat and seafood -30° C and -18° C (-22° F and -0.4° F).

Frozen meat and seafood -18° C and 0° C (-0.4° F and 32° F)

Pharmaceutical drugs, etc. 2° C and 8° C (36° F and 46° F)

Refrigerated fruits, vegetables, and dairy products at 7° C and 14° C (44.6° F and 57.2° F)

Fresh produce in the environment, etc. 14° C and 24° C (57.2° F and 75.2° F)

Modern high-performance refrigeration systems help maintain these temperatures during the storage and transportation of goods.

It should be noted that not all of the products listed above will spoil once the temperature exceeds the above thresholds.

They will only be spoiled in the event of severe and frequent temperature fluctuations (also known as temperature excursions).

Main components of cold chain logistics

The main components of an efficient cold chain are temperature-controlled storage and transportation facilities, well-trained personnel, and well-developed procedures for carrying out cold chain activities.

Temperature controlled storage

Goods must be stored after production until they are shipped to a distribution point or customer. Certain types of goods must be stored under temperature-controlled conditions, protected from temperature fluctuations and power outages. Power outages can cause deterioration or spoilage of the goods.

Most temperature-controlled warehouses are equipped with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to counter such unforeseen hazards. Infrared thermometers are used in cold stores to measure the temperature remotely.

Where the normal thermometers do not work due to the extreme cold, wired digital thermometers are used. These are usually found in deep-freeze warehouses or in frozen food transports.

Temperature-controlled transport

When temperature-sensitive goods are transported from one location to another, this must be done in temperature-controlled vehicles equipped with refrigeration units to meet the temperature requirements of the goods

These vehicles are referred to as refrigerated vehicles or refrigerated trucks. These vehicles have a separate compartment or container that is temperature controlled with portable refrigeration units. The refrigeration units are powered by diesel or battery electricity.

Qualified personnel

A qualified and well-trained team plays an important role in ensuring the efficiency of cold chain logistics. They must have up-to-date knowledge of cold chain requirements and should attend refresher training as needed to keep up with equipment upgrades and the latest cold chain technologies.

Operations

Cold chain logistics should have efficient and easy-to-understand procedures. A cold chain company's standard operating procedures (SOP) should eliminate any risks in daily operations. A reasonable comprehension of market necessities is likewise essential for the smooth working of such tasks.