In two words: control and organization.  Cold chain management in the supply chain typically focuses on groceries, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, as well as some high tech products.  Each of the products under these umbrellas requires a constant temperature control to ensure the safe production and delivery to their final destination.
Assuming that production and warehousing at your own facility are closely monitored for the correct temperature, how do you know that the precise temperature range is in place when you hand your goods over to your carrier?  Keeping in mind that any fluctuation outside of the normal range can be critical, you also have a mandate to abide by laws and regulations that are in place to avoid damage to the product and worse, a recall.

How do I know that my products are being handled at the required temperature range?

The problem is, you don’t.  Unless you choose a cold chain logistics provider who knows its business and uses the latest temperature monitoring equipment.  This applies to both warehousing and transportation.  Programming the cooling system to account for both temperature and humidity levels is paramount during the warehouse stay and subsequent journey.  If the ranges fall or rise outside of the customer’s requirements, automatic alerts are sent to an appointed manager.  In addition, historical data is available by downloading a minute-by-minute status report from the cooling unit while the product is in the care of the 3PL provider.

Choosing a cold chain logistics expert takes some effort on your part.  A visit to their facility should display monitors that are visible no matter what location you happen to be in.  For refrigerated trucking, do the truck cabs have digital thermostats that the driver can see easily?  Ask what happens in the event that the cooling system falters and how they maintain the proper temperature until the repair work is complete. 

Cold chain management history

Shipping and storing temperature controlled products always involves some risk.  Before you take the final step in choosing a 3PL provider, make sure that they have a solid reputation as a refrigerated transportation company.  Ask for customer referrals and what types of different products that they have handled. 

Weber Logistics has been offering 3PL services for nearly a century.  Cold chain management has been a major part of our operation for decades and our expertise in handling food grade products as well as other regulated products has made us an industry leader in California and the entire west coast. 

Contact Weber Logistics to learn more about our cold chain management solutions.