Cold chain logistics are some of the most important transportation solutions in the United States today. The industry is worth over two hundred and thirty-three billion dollars, and only predicted to grow.
Cold chain shipping ensures that fresh foods, such as:
- fruits
- vegetables
- meats
- dairy
arrive at grocery stores all over the United States in good condition. Perishable food would be much more difficult to ship without these logistics.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best strategies for cold chain management and why these strategies are so important.
What Is Cold Chain Logistics?
The definition of cold chain logistics is fairly simple to follow. It is merely the way in which perishable foods make their way from one area of the country to another.
The trick, however, is ensuring those perishable foods do not end up spoiling along the way.
That is why these elements are an essential part of logistics:
- the right cool container
- appropriate cold chain management
- proper shipping techniques
Without a good system in place, hundreds of pounds of food could go to waste. Wasted food means wasted profits.
What Qualifies as Perishable?
The word “perishable” covers a wide range of products.
There are some obvious foods, like vegetables, fruits, and meats, that are perishable. Dairy takes over another large slice of the perishable pie.
There are also some not-so-obvious foods that fall into this perishable category as well. Spices and grains may take longer to spoil, but they fall within the perishable category nonetheless.
Another very important perishable are pharmaceuticals. Cold transportation became more recognized as a way to safely move coronavirus vaccines from one area to another. When trucks are not kept at the correct temperature, vaccines and other medicines must be disposed of.
Perishable foods are crucial in ensuring Americans are eating a healthy diet. Pharmaceuticals of all types are just as crucial. Many individuals depend on prescriptions and vaccines to keep them healthy and functional.
Without sound logistics, this transportation method does not execute efficiently.
Strategies to Execute for Cold Chain Shipping
Employing a few shipping strategies can ensure perishables arrive safely.
The use of GPS on transportation trucks can give cold chain managers a sound idea of where a delivery is at any given moment. This can help improve delivery estimates and give these managers a sense of how long a delivery is taking.
Remote temperature tracking is another great resource for tracking a shipment. If a cooling unit is malfunctioning or there is a problem with the perishable food container, temperature tracking can give managers a look at the issue without having to recall a shipment.
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Cold chain logistics will continue to be a critical element in delivering perishable foods and products from one area to another. This allows Americans across the United States to enjoy fresh produce, fruits, and medicines from the comfort of their neighborhood.
For more information on shipping logistics, check out our website. With a wealth of articles on a variety of industry-related topics, there is something for everyone, no matter what you need to know.
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