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Cold chain logistics is the transport of temperature-controlled goods, such as temperature-sensitive foods, beverages, and biopharmaceutical products. For companies who grow or manufacture these types of goods, delivering their products to the end customer is only half the battle. Ensuring the products are in good condition as expected upon delivery can often be challenging.

The cold chain process does not begin with transportation. It impacts every step of the supply chain, from supply procurement to transport, storage, transport to end customers. The temperature-sensitive products must be kept at a consistent, specific temperature or temperature range throughout their lifecycle. A rise or fall of temperature during any supply chain phase can spell disaster for the goods. A broken temperature chain can also negatively impact the end-user, particularly with consumer products that are ingested.

Cold chain logistics serves to keep the temperature for these goods at a constant throughout the transportation phase of the cycle. It involves correct packaging, proper transportation equipment, carefully chosen transportation routes, perfect timing, and visibility to ensure that what was expected is what happened. This intricate choreography is only possible with data-driven insights at every point in the process, from supply procurement through end customer receipt of goods.

Why Is Cold Chain Logistics Important?

We often don’t consider how our foods, beverages, and medications are transported. We typically purchase them from local stores and pharmacies, unaware of how they got there. Yet, as we increasingly demand fresh, quality products from around the globe, we are placing a giant bullseye on the cold chain logistics companies who must deliver those goods. Whether we intend to or not, consumers are driving the demand for such care.

Growers, manufacturers, and suppliers of temperature-sensitive products, such as Alaskan seafood, dairy products, meats, frozen foods, wine, and certain medications, are taking heed. They understand how critical it is to keep these products at a set temperature for the duration of the sales cycle. Some products can withstand temperature fluctuations, while others become unsafe with even the smallest deviation. While the end customer may not be able to notice the salmon they purchased at their neighborhood grocery store spent a couple of hours in a truck above 40°F, they may be at risk for foodborne illness.

This risk is exacerbated by certain medications, such as many vaccines, antibiotics, and blood products. The Healthcare Distribution Management Association reports that approximately 10 percent of all medications are temperature sensitive, and that number may only increase in the coming years. Drug development is becoming more complex and, more frequently, involves large-molecule biologics that require precise temperature standardization to ensure efficacy.

Plenty is at risk when temperature-sensitive products experience environmental shifts. Quality, flavor, consistency, efficacy, and safety are all on the line. Cold chain logistics can help minimize the threat of such deviations and give these manufacturers and suppliers better control over their products every step of the way.