The Importance of Temperature Controlled Logistics

The lack of temperature-controlled logistics infrastructure is the main reason for food waste.

15:00 07 July 2022

The lack of temperature-controlled logistics infrastructure is the main reason for food waste. A lot of food products require cold chain logistics to maintain their taste and safety. It is crucial to improve food safety, reduce carbon emissions and assure economic growth.

 

TLC, also known as temperature-controlled logistics, is a division of logistics that focuses on the transportation, storage, conservation and delivery of perishable products such as meats, seafood and vegetables, that need to be kept at a specific temperature. By using refrigerated transport services, the cold goods are kept at a low temperature, remaining preserved during transport and delivered in pristine condition to the customer.

 

What is a temperature-controlled supply chain?

A temperature-controlled supply chain refers to a series of cold chain facilities that keep a consistent cool temperature intended to keep perishable goods chilled throughout transport. Some of the products that require temperature-controlled logistics are:

 

• Fresh
• Fruits and vegetables
• Ice cream and other frozen food
• Meat and seafood
• Dairy products and beverages such as spirits and wine

 

Why is temperature-controlled logistics important?

To remain fit for human consumption, perishable products need to be kept at a consistent, constant temperature. For example, seafood, dairy products and other frozen foods can spoil fast if the temperature fluctuates all the time. Due to high concerns regarding the health and safety of the consumer, these products are closely monitored by national regulators.

 

Manufacturers and farmers know that temperature fluctuations can put their customers at risk for food poisoning. That is why temperature-controlled logistics is so important. Without cold chain logistics, the trade would have to take place only in certain geographic areas making it difficult for manufacturers to sell their products globally.

 

TCL facilities, on the other hand, enable farmers to sell their products much further afield, helping to stabilize income for agriculturally dependent households.

 

Factors to consider when handling cold chain logistics

Despite many theories, a cold supply chain does not begin at transportation. Temperature-sensitive goods require a stable, narrow temperature range over their entire life cycle.

 

A considerable shift of temperature at any point of the supply chain could be crucial for cold goods. Furthermore, a broken temperature chain could have a damaging impact on the end user, particularly when it comes to food products.

 

This means that cold chain logistics should always sustain a low temperature for items. It starts with the manufacturing and careful consideration of transportation routes, then continues with the timing and visibility of the items, all the way up until the consumer receives them.

 

Based on your business sector, there are several specific cold chain factors that need to be met for the safe delivery of products to the end consumer. For example:

 

• Temperature error margin
• Product temperature and humidity range
• Acceptable risk levels
• Product integrity risks
• Availability of backup temperature controllers
• Airflow and its impact on temperature
• Temperature logging and data tracking
• How temperature is controlled

 

With global supply chains becoming increasingly more unstable, it is essential to choose both trustworthy partners and suppliers. Choosing a cold chain logistics company, such as DFDS, for the transport of your seafood and other perishable goods throughout Europe, is highly recommended. This way, you can confidently book, knowing DFDS has the knowledge and experience to ensure that the essential factors are taken care of, and your goods are delivered in top-quality condition to the end customer.