TRANSPORT
Ensuring optimal temperature control
Jason Webb, managing director of Electronic Temperature Instruments discusses the transportation and distribution of sensitive goods.
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Cold chain logistics play a crucial part in the ecosystem of many industries, meaning that businesses must be ready to equip
themselves for security and success when it comes to refrigeration.
he transportation and distribution of temperature sensitive goods places a signifi cant level of responsibility on the quality and consistency of the
refrigeration temperature monitoring, throughout the entire process. Across this supply chain, everything from food produce through to vaccines and essential medical goods pass through the process – all of which rely on refrigeration to go unspoiled and to stay safe. This unique supply chain challenge is often noted as ‘cold chain logistics’, referring to the careful and thorough uninterrupted temperature monitoring at every step of the journey from production, distribution, and storage activity. The global cold chain logistics market was valued at nearly 193.5 billion GB pounds in 2020 and is projected to surpass 319.4 billion GP pounds by 2028. In Europe alone, it is expected to reach 87.9 billion GB pounds by 2025. The margin for error across this cold chain logistics
process is extremely slim. The impact of poor temperature control in the refrigeration of these goods can cause major fi nancial repercussions for the transportation/storage business, the original manufacturers and distributors, or at its worst, present a threat to life and health. Ensuring optional temperature control can’t be an afterthought, but the pillar of the entire supply chain process. The impact on food safety as a result of improper monitoring and controlling can result in entire loads of food and produce going to waste. Spoilage of fresh foods including produce such as meat and fi sh can render entire shipments dangerous and unusable, resulting in potential fi nancial and wider environmental impact. Foodborne illnesses are likely to arise in extreme circumstances too, meaning that if unchecked or unnoticed, could result in the poisoning or health impact to potential customers down the supply chain. When it comes to storing meat such as poultry and chicken, it must be kept at a temperature no higher than 4°C to eff ectively inhibit the growth of dangerous pathogenic bacteria. With fl uctuating weather in the UK, peaks of intense heat can arise unexpectedly meaning that storage refrigeration temperatures may need to be monitored and adjusted to keep it safe and usable. Equally as imperative, the impact on vaccines and pharmaceuticals during this process if left unmonitored can have catastrophic repercussions further down the supply chain. Hospitals, medical facilities and general practitioners can all be waiting for potentially lifesaving medicines and
30 September 2024 •
www.acr-news.com
vaccines and if left unmonitored, could fl uctuate to too high or low a temperature to be usable. The temperature for vaccines in the UK must be kept between 2°C and 8°C, and be maintained from manufacture, through delivery and storage, all the way to administration with the patient.
Temperature solutions There are a variety of diff erent transportation and
refrigeration methods used across the supply chain. From refrigeration trucks, insulation vans and semi to full freezer trucks, there are a variety of methods that serve diff erent purposes across the transport network. As such, each need diff erent levels and methods of monitoring the ambient temperature, internal temperature and temperature of the cargo itself. Equally, there are many variables which must be taken into consideration across the diff erent transport methods and vehicle choices. Some of these include such factors as: ■ The load size – diff erent levels of load within diff erent sized transport vehicles can aff ect the overall temper- ature, including issues such as warm spots arising if overpacked.
■ Temperature requirements – diff erent cargo can require diff erent temperature needs, be sure to check exactly what the cooling needs are and try not to mix goods with large variable recommended temperatures.
■ Delivery destination and location – if travelling for a long period of time, the monitoring and controlling of the temperature, along with an emergency procedure should always be implemented with the variables considered.
Challenges and solutions
Common challenges in maintaining temperature control include things such as equipment failure, human error, and environmental factors. Some of these are unavoidable challenges and must be adapted to through equipment and infrastructure. Others, however, require preventative measures in case of unexpected turns of events. Human error and mistakes happen no matter how much preventative measures, training or preparation goes into something – we’re human and mistakes happen. What is needed, is a sound mitigation response strategy. Regular equipment maintenance, staff training, and contingency planning are all sound suggestions for helping to reduce risk – however implementing temperature control and
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