What Is Cold Chain Logistics and Why Does It Matter?

Cold chain logistics is the technology and process that allows for the safe storage and movement of temperature-sensitive goods and products throughout the supply chain. Improper cold chain logistics can cause anything from small annoyances like melted ice cream, to serious issues such as ruined medication. Regardless of the severity of the problem, mastering cold chain logistics is crucial as the industry is projected to expand by 13% by 2032.

What does it take to make cold chain logistics happen?

There are many moving parts when it comes to successfully executing cold chain logistics. Here are some elements to consider when thinking about cold chain:

• Cold storage - Facilities store goods and products waiting to be transported. 
• Cooling systems - Systems that help to keep food at the right temperature during all aspects of the supply chain. 
• Cold transport - Ensures goods remain at the right temperature and humidity levels when being moved. 
• Cold processing - Facilities that process goods with regulated temperature and sanitation in mind. 
• Cold distribution - Maintains the quality temperature while loading boxes, crates, or pallets to distribute goods. 

How does it stay cold?

There are numerous methods that can be used to keep items cold while they are being shipped.

• Gel packs - Often used for medical and pharmaceutical shipments. 
• Dry ice - Works to keep goods frozen for an extended period of time. Dry ice is often used for dangerous goods, pharmaceuticals, and food. 
• Liquid nitrogen - Used primarily to transport biological cargo (organs, tissues, etc.). It is also extremely cold and keeps goods frozen for longer periods of time. 
• Eutectic plates - Also called cold plates, these are similar to gel packs but can be reused. 
• Reefers - A temperature controlled, insulated mode of transportation (van, semi truck, or ISO container. 
• Quilts - These can be wrapped around or placed over freight and are used to keep temperatures stable, so frozen items remain frozen for a longer time. 

Methods used to keep items cold vary depending on a number of variables. It is vital to consider these factors to ensure optimal cold chain logistics:

• Type of cargo
• Required temperature and humidity levels
• Size of shipment
• Duration of transit
• Outside temperature at all locations for the duration of the trip

Standards and Regulations

Federal regulators like US customs, the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have set standards and requirements for cold chain logistics. These requirements are created to ensure that all products are shipped safely. Beyond federal regulations, shipping companies also determine their own quality standards.

Some regulatory considerations include:

• Product stability 
• Packaging
• Transportation
• Monitoring 
• Temperature minimums 

Common Cold Chain Challenges 

Cold chain logistics are difficult to execute successfully. Given the complexity, shippers are prepared to invest more to guarantee their products are delivered promptly and to avert potential problems in advance.

• Product quality issues - For some items such as food, quality can be an issue from the beginning. To add on, proper sanitizing, cleaning, and sorting must be done before packaging and loading. 
• Inadequate packaging - It is important to prevent contamination and transport-related damage. Air flow can also be an issue. 
• Lack of proper documentation - All steps of cold chain management need to be well-documented. This is especially important during transit, where data is logged to ensure that proper temperatures and conditions are maintained. 
• Shipment/transport delays - Delays are an obvious issue for anyone in the supply chain, but they can be detrimental when dealing with cold chain logistics. These shipments tend to be time-sensitive or else the whole load could be spoiled. 
• Disrupted climate control and/or temperatures - Temperature variation can cause major issues in cold chain logistics. Temperature can vary due to multiple deliveries (the door opening and closing often), loading food from the field, improper cooling during preparation, extreme weather, or other conditions like faulty cooling devices. 

Different products require various temperatures and regulations in their journey through the supply chain. This complexity requires meticulous planning and execution in cold chain logistics to accommodate the diverse needs of each product type, ensuring they reach their destination in optimal condition. 

Learn more about temperature controlled and FDA registered warehouses!