Several industries, such as perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, rely on cold storage in the supply chain to prevent spoilage. This specialized form of logistics requires strategies to ensure temperature-sensitive products make it to the destination undamaged. Here are methods on how to minimize cold chain spoilage transport.
How to Minimize Cold Chain Spoilage Transport
Optimize Schedules and Delivery Routes
Optimizing schedules and routes is the first step in mitigating spoilage in cold chain transportation. The longer the shipment remains in transit, the greater the risk of damage to perishable food products.
In the food industry, dairy products and fresh produce are at risk when delays or accidents happen. They become more apparent the longer the goods stay en route to their destination. Logistics teams must carefully consider schedules and route planning to mitigate these problems.
Teams must account for traffic, location distance, and weather in their planning. Proper coordination and communication with carriers, suppliers, and customers are essential to mitigate spoilage risk.
Implement Systems for Traceability and Inventory Management
Implementing traceability systems and effective temperature-controlled supply chain management helps to reduce waste in cold storage transport. These systems allow effective tracking of shipments. This allows for teams to manage the location, quantity, and condition of all goods moving through the supply chain with real-time monitoring.
These systems also allow logistics teams to resolve problems like excesses, damage, and shortages, improving forecasting and decision-making. Technologies like RFID chips, barcodes, blockchain, and GPS allow for effective inventory traceability. Allowing for real-time data management for temperature-sensitive goods.
Select the Correct Cold Chain Packaging
Selecting the right insulated packaging materials for cold chain logistics is essential. Proper packaging prolongs the lifespan of these cold chain products and protects goods during transportation. Insulated packaging protects the shipment from light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. It helps to maintain the optimal temperature range throughout transit.
A major item to consider is the right materials for your temperature-controlled goods. Assess the materials’ cost, bulk, and sustainability. Then, choose the right packaging options for your shipments. Your cold chain needs the right balance of durability, eco-friendly, and cost-effective packaging.
Adapt to the Circular Principles of the Supply Chain
The “circular economy” principles aim to reduce spoilage and waste of goods in transit. It designs and produces products with recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable characteristics for optimal cold chain management.
When logistics teams adopt these principles, they reduce cold supply chain logistics’ environmental impact and carbon footprint. Therefore, resulting in new opportunities and value for the business.
Examples of these principles in action would be:
- Implementing circular economy principles like wind or solar energy generation to power vehicles
- Using by-products or waste to create biogas or new products
Monitoring Temperature Controlled Environment in Transit
One key factor in cold supply chain logistics is ensuring goods in transit maintain a consistent temperature throughout the process. Fluctuations in temperature cause issues with the deterioration of goods and excess waste. These issues lead to customer dissatisfaction.
Controlling and monitoring temperatures in cold chain storage facilities, containers, and vehicles with smart devices, data logging, and sensors greatly mitigate damage and spoilage risk. Effective training of staff on goods handling in transit and best practices benefits the process.
Choose the Right Partner for Your Cold Chain Logistics
Companies must carefully evaluate the partners they use in cold chain logistics. The company should have a solid track record of success and best practices to ensure the prompt and successful delivery of goods to the destination.
Cannonball Express Transportation
Cannonball Express Shipping Company has been providing top-of-the-line service at a reasonable rate. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, we provide nationwide refrigerated LTL services, as well as, local delivery services. Contact us today!
Nationwide Shipping Company Services:
- Refrigerated LTL deliveries in the lower 48 states
- Refrigerated Cross dock
Local Shipping Company Services:
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- Redelivery Services
- Truckload & LTL Capabilities
- PUP
- Cross dock
- Transload
- Warehouse and Distribution capabilities from multiple Omaha Locations