Page 23 - Logistics News June 2016
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cold chain
controlled shipments, experts with processes for returns Check for proper container
who understand the business and rejections. Before a air flow
from all sides can solve any temperature sensitive product Even if the product and vehicle
potential problems quickly, is loaded, tasks should be meet all expectations, the way
even during high demand. assigned for each role. This pallets are stacked – both how
Look for specialists who will help avoid confusion and cases are stacked on a pallet as
recognise ways to balance questions when timing is well as pallet positions within
unattractive load qualities critical. a trailer – can affect air flow.
– for example, multi-pick, Blocked air may result in hot
multi-stop loads – with more Share responsibility when spots or cold zones. Cargo
strategic initiatives such as loading and unloading owners should oversee loading
filling empty backhauls so Loading and unloading and watch that there is sufficient
both transporters and cargo can be the most critical space for air to pass between
owners benefit. and complex point in a pallets, walls, air chutes,
temperature controlled supply the ceiling and the floor. All
Determine capacity chain. Transferring product observations should be carefully
requirements from one location to another documented by both parties.
Whether transporting adds factors to the process
temperature sensitive goods that are often unmonitored. Establish standard
by road, ocean, air or rail, Fortunately technology is operating procedures
each option comes with rapidly improving in this Successfully managing all of the
a unique set of factors to critical space. In addition to factors involved in temperature
consider – especially when maintaining the temperature controlled transportation
co-ordinating across multiple of the truck, warehouse, requires strict standard
types of transportation. The and product, cargo owners operating procedures (SOPs).
best freight service option and transporters must also Establishing the same standards
can vary by load, but a take into consideration the across a supply chain can
strategic cargo owner can temperature of the loading simplify the process, narrow the
help mitigate higher costs dock, outdoor weather margin for error and promote
and secure the required conditions, and even the time consistency. When it comes to
capacity by considering the it takes to load and unload maintaining a cold chain, SOPs
needs of transporters in items. can encompass topics like
addition to their own. If a proper packaging techniques,
cargo owner transports full Confirm product temperature the process for late pickups or
truckloads of cheese to local If the product arrives at deliveries, and how to handle
retailers, they may be able to its final destination at the equipment problems.
arrange for the transporter to wrong temperature, it may
move empty cartons on the be rejected. Many of today’s Long-term temperature
backhaul. refrigeration units are not controlled success
meant to cool products – only While temperature controlled
Set clear expectations early maintain a set temperature. supply chains may seem more
Before any loads are hauled, Shipments or pallets not complex, collaboration from
all key stakeholders must properly cooled prior to beginning to end can help
agree on expectations for each loading may never reach the ensure positive outcomes for all
role. This advance planning correct temperature while in involved. Cargo carriers looking
can help avoid risks later as transit. Beyond that, the warm to stay competitive in today’s
well as quickly resolve any product may cause a rise in market can make a significant
complications that may arise. the ambient temperature of impact by focusing on cold
Every detail should be brought the trailer, thereby negatively chain process enhancements.
to the table, from acceptable affecting the temperature Incorporating tailored best
temperature ranges and of other products. Prior to practices and SOPs into a cold
continuous temperature accepting loads, carriers chain can boost efficiency,
vs cycle settings to proper should double check the mitigate risk and help deliver
seals, contingency plans, temperature, including items a higher quality product to the
equipment expectations, along deep within a pallet. end consumer. •
June 2016 | Logistics News 21
