Essentials in Temperature Controlled Distribution

Posted by WCFdistribution on July 1st, 2011

Modern society relies on temperature controlled supply chains to help extend and ensure the shelf life of foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals. Common temperature ranges would be 2 -8 degrees Celsius depending on the goods being shipped.

An important first step is to ensure the product is at the correct temperature when it enters the cool chain. For example, iceberg lettuce can be harvested in the middle of summer at 20 degrees, be placed in a vacuum cooler for 30 minutes and be brought down to 4 degrees. The next stage would be to palletize the goods and load them in a refrigerated trailer for onward delivery.

One important factor to bear in mind when using temperature controlled distribution is the safety and integrity of packaging material. Goods should be packed in containers that are tightly secured and break resistant. If a container leaks or a package gets dropped the temperature of the cargo could be immediately affected. Temperature controlled packaging is specifically designed for temperature sensitive products. Insulated shipping containers made from expanded polystyrene or polyurethane help tackle the most sensitive temperature controlled distribution challenges. Refrigerant gel packs can also contribute. Pharmaceutical companies, blood banks and speciality food companies are amongst the diverse range of customers who may use such packaging.

Once goods are at the right temperature, securely packed and loaded in a safe manner they can be placed on temperature controlled transportation trailer. This ensures the goods are delivered at the correct temperature to the customer. Temperature Data Loggers fitted to the trailer can monitor the temperature history of the consignment and ensure the load isn’t compromised.

About the author:

David Lowe is the General Manager of WCF Distribution Services, part of the WCF group. He has spent his entire career in the food industry, mainly in chilled distribution, working in procurement, logistics and sales/marketing and has extensive experience in dealing with retail multiples.