Refrigerated Transport: Conditions and Regulations

Refrigerated transport requires route optimization. You need to have the fastest and most strategic route to ensure that products arrive on time. Otherwise, there is a risk that the products will no longer be usable. But how can you ensure that the transport goes smoothly?

• What is refrigerated transport?
• Products concerned by refrigerated transport
• What are the conditions for refrigerated transport?
• What is the regulation?
• What is the pricing?

What is refrigerated transport?

Refrigerated transport, also known as cold chain transport or refrigerated transport, is a method of transporting goods that requires precise temperature regulation. This type of transport is necessary for products that need to be kept under specific temperature conditions to preserve their quality.

Products concerned by refrigerated transport:

Products requiring refrigerated transport are primarily those sensitive to temperature variations, which can deteriorate, lose quality, or become hazardous if these conditions are not maintained. These products include:

• Perishable food products:
  • Fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products.
  • Frozen or chilled products.
  • Prepared or cooked foods requiring controlled temperature storage.
• Pharmaceutical and healthcare products:
  • Medicines, especially those requiring refrigeration.
  • Vaccines, which often require very specific temperatures.
  • Blood and biological products.
• Chemical and hazardous products:
  • Certain chemicals that may degrade or become hazardous if not maintained at a specific temperature.
  • Flammable or heat-sensitive materials.
• Cosmetic and personal care products:
  • Some cosmetics that may degrade or lose efficacy if not stored at the proper temperature.
• Plants and flowers:
  • Certain plant and flower species that are sensitive to temperatures and require controlled climate conditions to remain fresh.

Conditions for refrigerated transport:

Refrigerated transport is necessary for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.

This type of transport ensures conditions tailored to each product, maintaining a specific temperature necessary to preserve their quality and safety.

Key conditions for refrigerated transport include:

• Appropriate vehicles and equipment: Use of vehicles equipped with adequate refrigeration or heating systems, with regular maintenance to ensure effectiveness.
• Strict temperature control: Maintenance of a constant temperature, controlled by thermometers or real-time monitoring systems.
• Personnel training: Training of drivers and personnel for proper handling of goods and use of refrigeration equipment.
• Route planning and management: Optimized routes to reduce transport time and prevent delays.

• Loading and unloading procedures: Loading and unloading methods that minimize exposure of goods to outdoor temperatures.
• Temperature control: The temperature to be maintained during these transports varies depending on the type of product. It can range from positive temperatures, such as 0-4°C for certain fresh foods or 15-25°C for some medicines, to negative temperatures like -18°C for frozen products or up to -80°C for products requiring ultra-low freezing, such as some vaccines. This flexibility in temperature management allows for meeting the specific needs of each product type, ensuring their integrity throughout transport.

Regulations:

Transporting products under controlled temperature conditions is a field where regulations are very strict, primarily for reasons of health and safety. Here’s a summary of the main aspects of this regulation:

Temperature maintenance and control:

Maintaining temperature:

• Use of refrigerated vehicles or insulated containers compliant with ATP (Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs) standards.
• Temperature adaptation according to the type of product (e.g., 0-2°C for seafood, 0-4°C for sliced cheeses, -18°C for frozen meats).

Temperature control:

• Regular monitoring of products and temperature throughout the journey.
• Use of tools such as probes, thermometers, or advanced software for automated temperature recording, sometimes including alarm or notification systems in case of anomalies.

HACCP Plan (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point):

The HACCP plan (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) is a systematic and preventive method to ensure food safety. This system is used in the food industry to identify, assess, and control hazards significant to food safety.

• Mandatory implementation in each establishment handling perishable foodstuffs.
• Establishment of hygiene rules and processes to ensure food safety.
• Includes good hygiene practices, HACCP approach, and traceability process.

ATP Regulation:

The ATP regulation (Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs) is an international agreement that defines standards for the transport of perishable foodstuffs, particularly concerning the transport equipment used for such goods. This agreement aims to ensure that perishable products, such as food, are transported under conditions that maintain their quality and safety.

These regulations aim to ensure food safety and prevent any risk of contamination or bacterial proliferation during the transport of perishable products. Compliance with these rules is essential to maintain the quality and safety of food products throughout the distribution chain.

Pricing:

The price of refrigerated transport varies depending on several factors:

• Distance and destination: Costs may increase with distance traveled and vary depending on whether the transport is local, national, or international.
• Type of goods: Pharmaceuticals, for example, may require stricter and more expensive transport conditions than food products.
• Temperature requirements: Maintaining extremely specific temperatures, especially very low ones, can increase costs.
• Size and weight of the load: Larger or heavier loads may require larger or more specialized equipment.
• Duration of transport: Costs may increase for longer trips due to fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear, and labor costs.
• Seasonality: Rates may vary depending on seasonal demand for certain products.
• Insurance and regulatory compliance: Specific insurance and compliance with regulations may result in additional costs.
• Additional costs: Such as storage, handling, customs fees, etc.

In conclusion, refrigerated transport must be carried out under the right conditions and comply with regulations. Lack of diligence could have significant consequences. Using a route planning tool ensures timely transport!