Given that integrity and quality of products are paramount, the role of temperature-controlled warehousing cannot be understated.
Countless goods, ranging from fresh produce to pharmaceuticals, rely on maintaining optimal temperature and environmental conditions.
The projected increase in eCommerce’s portion of total US grocery sales alone—expected to grow from 13% in 2021 to 21.5% by 2025—will significantly boost the cold storage market. In response, cold storage expansion in the US witnessed an increase in 2022, with a staggering 3.3 million square feet of development underway compared to 300,000 square feet recorded in 2019.
In this blog, we explore how temperature-controlled warehousing safeguards the integrity of your products and how you can ship temperature-sensitive goods with outsourced logistics experts.
What is a Temperature-Controlled Warehouse?
A temperature-controlled warehouse, or climate-controlled warehouse, is a type of storage facility designed to control the temperature and environmental conditions within the space. These warehouses are equipped with systems to ensure that the temperature levels are kept within a specified range.
6 Features of Temperature-Controlled Warehouses
Some key characteristics of temperature-controlled warehouses include:
- Temperature Regulation: These facilities can maintain a consistent temperature, usually within a specific range, to meet the requirements of the goods being stored.
- Humidity Control: Many temperature-controlled warehouses also control humidity levels to prevent moisture-related issues, such as mold or product degradation.
- Insulation: The buildings are typically well-insulated to minimize heat exchange with the external environment, which helps stabilize the internal temperature.
- Refrigeration Systems: These facilities are equipped with refrigeration systems that can either cool or heat the storage space as needed.
- Monitoring and Alarms: Temperature-controlled warehouses often have advanced monitoring and alarm systems in place to alert personnel in case of temperature or humidity deviations.
- Racking and Shelving: The storage infrastructure is designed to allow for efficient air circulation and temperature distribution, with goods stored on appropriate racks and shelves.
The purpose of a temperature-controlled warehouse is to preserve the quality of sensitive goods (e.g., perishable food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics) that are susceptible to temperature fluctuations or environmental changes.
Benefits of Temperature-Controlled Warehouses
Temperature-controlled warehouses play a vital role in cold chain logistics, as they help extend the shelf life of products and reduce spoilage or degradation. Here are the benefits of using temperature-controlled warehouses in your shipping and logistics:
- Extended Shelf Life: They maintain optimal temperature and humidity, which extends the freshness and shelf life of perishable produce. Such warehouses allow year-round availability of seasonal produce, meeting consumer and market demand.
- Reduced Spoilage: Precise temperature control minimizes spoilage, preserving the quality of fruits, vegetables, and other produce. Plus, reducing waste and optimizing distribution means you can potentially lower overall supply chain costs.
- Improved Inventory Management: Supply chain managers can better plan and control inventory with dependable storage conditions. These facilities enable producers to store and distribute produce when market conditions are favorable, maximizing profitability.
- Consistent Quality: Products remain at consistent quality, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand reputation. In terms of regulatory compliance, these warehouses also help meet food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and consumer protection.
How to Ship Goods That Require Temperature Control
Cold chain management is a complex process, but it can be significantly more efficient and reliable through third-party logistics (3PL) providers that are well-versed in protecting goods and complying with international regulations.
Here are some shipping and logistics tips for handling temperature-sensitive goods:
1. Choose a 3PL Provider
Find a reliable 3PL provider with experience in temperature-controlled logistics. They’ll have the necessary infrastructure, expertise, and facilities to handle your requirements. For example, 3PLs will have temperature-controlled warehouses, transportation services with refrigerated trucks and containers, and real-time tracking for you to monitor temperature conditions during transit.
2. Product Assessment
Evaluate your goods to determine their specific temperature and humidity requirements. For instance, would you need passive or active regulation? Passive regulation means packing items in insulated packaging, while active regulation is when the packaging automatically regulates the temperature. When in doubt, a 3PL provider can offer its expertise in temperature control.
3. Temperature-Controlled Packaging
Use temperature-controlled packaging to protect your goods during transit. For example, you can use thermal insulated shippers, reflective bubble mailers, insulated pallet liners and covers, EPS molded coolers, and more. A 3PL partner can advise on the most suitable packaging for your products.
4. Shipping Solutions
Choose a carrier with expertise in shipping temperature-sensitive goods. Your 3PL may have the network for this requirement. Experienced carriers regulate temperatures, maintain temperature logs, and understand the urgency often associated with cold chain items. Moreover, ensure that they use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) instead of code bars and microwaves for tracking items.
5. Regulatory Compliance
Familiarize yourself with relevant regulations and guidelines, such as those from the Food and Drug Administration in the US, the Good Distribution Practice in Europe, and the Perishable Cargo Regulations and Temperature Control Regulations by the International Air Transport Organization (IATA). Your 3PL provider can assist in managing these requirements, ensuring all paperwork is in order.
6. Customs Clearance
For international shipments, customs clearance is essential to ensure your goods get to where they should be. A 3PL provider can navigate this complex process, ensuring your goods comply with import and export regulations to arrive at their destination.
Use Temperature-Controlled Warehousing for Quality Goods
By partnering with a 3PL provider, you can streamline the shipping process, reduce the risk of product spoilage, and meet the highest standards for product quality and safety. This collaboration ensures the integrity of your temperature-sensitive goods is maintained from start to finish.
Looking for a reliable 3PL company to work with?
At San Legend, we help eCommerce businesses scale their brands and break into new markets by providing customized, agile, and forward-thinking third-party logistics solutions. Reach out today to see how we can help.