While globalization continues to shorten the relative distances between regions and countries, cross-border trading is a norm. When transporting goods over long distances, however, some products are susceptible to damage by extreme temperatures. Transporting medical products that are affected negatively by temperature variations can be a challenge. But thanks to cold chain logistics, temperature-sensitive products such as medical products can be transported without being damaged or compromised.
What is Cold Chain Transport?
Cold chain transport is essentially the transportation of temperature sensitive products such as vaccines using thermal and refrigerated packaging methods. Part of cold chain transport involves ensures that logistic integrity is upheld. Cold chain products can be transported in many ways, but this depends on the type of products, volume, and quantities involved. Some transportation options used today include trucks, rail cars, cargo ships, and air cargo.
It is correct to say that cold chain is a technology, a science, and a process. It is a science since it involves understanding chemical and biological processes that affect temperature sensitive products. The technological bit comes in because it relies on some physical elements or appliances which ensure that products are transported at the right temperatures. Finally, it is a process because the entire process is subject to a series of interdependent tasks until the products reach their intended destinations.
Classification of Cold Chain Logistics
From a geographical point of view, cold chain transport can be classified into local, regional, and global. Each option is unique from each other based on the technologies used and delivery times. Local cold chain transport, for instance, is known for timely delivery to the final consumer. Regional carriers support economies of scale, and it often involves the use of extensive cold storage facilities. Global transport bears close similarities with regional supply. Some products supplied to global markets rage from vaccines and biological components.
The success of industries that rely on cold chain supply depends on how well they handle his process. Cold chain technologies have improved in recent years, and it is now possible for companies and transporters to meet virtually every demand. Ensuring the consignment is maintained at a specific temperature range comes down to the technology used.
Companies specializing in cold chain logistics such as cryopdp.jp, have been at the forefront in embracing major cold chain technologies. These companies use things like gel packs, eutectic plates, liquid nitrogen, and quilts depending on the commodity in transit and the temperatures involved.…