In logistics, some cargo requires a specialised approach. In the industry, these are known as temperature-sensitive goods, and they require a certain level of care and expertise – as well as the right equipment – to ensure they arrive at their destination

In this post we’ll take a deep dive into temperature-sensitive goods, going into the most common of these goods, why the conditions need to be just right and the methods freight companies and couriers use to ensure they’re protected during transit.  

Common Temperature-Controlled Goods

Before we get into the methods used to transport temperature-sensitive goods, let’s take a look at some of the most common. These include the following:

Blood And Organs

Perhaps the most critical of all temperature-sensitive goods is human blood and organs. Whenever these goods are being transported, not only do they need to arrive at their destination promptly, but they also need to remain at optimum temperature as even the slightest fluctuation can render them useless.

This is why these goods are transported with the utmost urgency in vehicles equipped with precise temperature control systems.

Food And Culinary Delights

Ever wondered how meat and seafood products that are often sourced from the other side of the world can remain so fresh? In many cases, logistics companies have gone to a lot of effort to ensure it lands on your plate in tip-top shape!

Maintaining the perfect temperature during transit is essential. Failure to do so can result in meat and seafood spoiling which could easily lead to financial losses and even sickness if consumed.

Pharmaceuticals And Vaccines

As we’ve become all too familiar with in recent years, vaccination programmes can be the difference between life and death for many people. Likeise, for those who rely on them, certain medications can be life-saving. So it goes without saying that medications and vaccines need to retain their potency to remain effective. 

This makes temperature control a crucial aspect of their transportation. Losing the cold chain can compromise the potency of these pharmaceutical goods, which can have dire consequences for those who need them.

Challenges Facing Logistics Companies

As we’ve touched on already, logistics companies face many challenges when moving sensitive goods. The most challenging aspects of temperature-controlled transportation include:

Meeting Stringent Regulations

One of the most significant challenges transportation companies face is ensuring they meet the stringent regulations that are in place. Depending on the nature of the goods being transported, they may require adherence to specific temperature ranges, humidity levels, and handling protocols which requires knowledge and expertise.

External Conditions

As well as the temperature inside the transportation vehicle(s), logistics companies must also pay close attention to the external condition. After all, these can have a major impact on the internal conditions.

Weather fluctuations and changes in temperature, in particular, can wreak havoc on temperature-sensitive goods. This becomes even more complex when goods are transported internationally through countries with differing climates.

Internal Consistency

Maintaining a consistent internal temperature throughout the journey is crucial. Even momentary fluctuations can result in the spoilage of goods, which could mean substantial financial losses for both the distributor and the courier.

Methods Used To Maintain Temperature

So now we’ve got a good idea of the types of goods you can expect, as well as the challenges that face most couriers, let’s take a look at the various methods used to ensure goods arrive in a fresh condition. 

Refrigerated Vehicles

The most straightforward solution (and the most common) is the use of refrigerated vehicles. These mobile fridges help to maintain a consistent temperature during transportation, ensuring that the goods remain intact.

Passive Shipping Systems

Passive systems employ insulated postal packaging and gel packs to maintain the desired temperature. These offer a cheap and effective solution for shorter journeys, although they’re usually unsuitable for long-distance transportation.

Active Shipping Systems

Active systems, on the other hand, are designed for longer journeys. They involve electronic temperature control devices that actively regulate the environment inside the shipping container.

Careful Handling

As well as temperature control, careful handling is crucial. Excessive bumps and bangs can harm some of these sensitive goods, so logistics companies will need to handle them with care.

Monitoring Technology

As technology becomes ever more advanced, logistics companies can now track the temperature and conditions of goods in real-time. Innovative technologies like IoT sensors can also trigger alarms if the temperature deviates from the acceptable range, ensuring  timely intervention before the goods are spoiled.

This not only helps in maintaining quality but also in complying with regulations.

So that’s all there is to know about temperature-sensitive goods. Hopefully you now have a good understanding of how this works, including the types of goods that require temperature control, the challenges logistical companies face and the methods they use to ensure these items arrive in pristine condition.