Cold chain logistics is vital in ensuring your medicines, dairy products and other temperature-sensitive goods arrive on shelves fresh and safe to consume. So how does the cold chain work? Get the complete lowdown in this blog, plus learn how to get quality reefers at the best price on Container xChange.
Reefer containers play a vital role in the cold chain process by keeping cold cargo at a constant temperature throughout shipping. So what’s the catch? Finding these in-demand containers at the best prices from reliable suppliers can be a challenge. This is where Container xChange comes in.
We’re an online marketplace for leasing and trading shipping containers from 1,500+ vetted suppliers. On our easy-to-use platform, you can choose from 50,000+ containers in more than 2,500 locations globally.
Want to browse reefer offers on xChange right now? No problem! Find reefers to lease at the best rates from reliable suppliers in no time at all.
What is cold chain logistics?
The cold chain is a supply chain that involves the transportation of temperature-sensitive and perishable goods (also known as ‘cool cargo’) through thermal and refrigerated packaging. Cool cargo includes:
- Dairy
- Meat & seafood
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals & vaccines
- Wine
For most cool cargo, you need to maintain a specific temperature throughout the shipping process. Certain cargo needs to be refrigerated, other cargo frozen, while especially sensitive goods require extremely cold conditions known as ‘ultra-low’ or ‘deep freeze’.
There are four main temperature standards in the cold chain process: ‘banana’, ‘chill’, ‘frozen’, and ‘deep frozen’. Check them out below:
| Temperature standard | Temperature range |
| Banana (Bananas, pineapples) | 12° to 14°C (53° to 57°F) |
| Chill (Vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy) | 2° to 4°C (35° to 39°F) |
| Frozen (Meat, bread, cakes) | -10° and -20°C (14° to -4°F) |
| Deep frozen (Seafood, ice-cream) | -25° to -30°C (-13° to -22°F) |
So why is the cold chain so vital in the overall retail process? You’ll get the answers you’re looking for in the next section.
Why are cold chain logistic services important?
If the ‘chain’ is broken at any point, meaning that climate-sensitive cargo is exposed to a temperature above its required range, spoilage is likely to occur.
This in turn leads to massive amounts of wastage, not to mention huge financial losses. Spoilt medications and foods also pose serious health risks to consumers.
While a consumer may not be able to tell that the salmon they bought at a local store spent some time in a truck at 4° (40°F), they could be at risk of developing a serious foodborne illness.
It’s easy to see why it’s so critical for the cold chain to remain unbroken from start to finish. Even exposure to higher temperatures for short periods of time can have a dramatic effect on cool cargo’s longevity.
Want to keep products fresh and the cold chain completely intact? You’ll need reefer containers for this. The reefer container is specially insulated and comes with an inbuilt cooling mechanism, which allows for both cooling and freezing. Click here to learn how reefers work.
If you want to learn more about how to get reefers at the best price in the location you need, click below to get a free demo of our platform. One of our helpful experts will be happy to give you a sneak peak, and answer any questions you may have.
How does cold chain logistics work?
The cold chain is made up of several processes, including packaging, storage, shipping and tracking. Every step along the way must be carefully planned and managed by experts, in order to make sure goods arrive at their final destination fresh and undamaged. Let’s dive deeper into these processes below:
Cold chain packaging
Packaging is an extremely important aspect of maintaining the cold chain during transportation and shipping. Each category of cargo requires a specific kind of packaging, which depends on factors like:
- Required temperature and humidity level
- Shipment size
- Duration of shipping
- Outside temperature and changes that might occur
As an example of packaging requirements, many vaccines are packed in small insulated boxes, and moved in insulated containers. They may also require cold packs and temperature tracking devices.
Cold chain storage
Cold chain storage is another important element in cold chain logistics. While goods await shipping, they need to be stored at precisely the right temperature, in special storage warehouses. Warehousing is a complicated system involving consolidation/deconsolidation, loading and unloading, and storage itself.
Many warehouses offer services such as blast freezing (using air to freeze goods fast), precooling, frozen receiving, ripening and inspection checks.
Cold chain logistics transportation and tracking
And then there’s the transportation itself. As mentioned earlier, shipping of most cool cargo requires reefer containers (and in some cases, insulated containers). Reefers have an inbuilt cooling system, which allows areas to be sectioned off for cooling and freezing. Humidity can also be controlled within the container.
Temperature tracking of cool cargo is of vital importance, especially when it comes to changing environmental conditions. It’s crucial that the temperature of cargo is consistently monitored as a shipment makes its way from one destination to another, in case adjustments need to be made within the container.
Now that we’ve covered some of the main elements, here’s a simple overview of the cold chain process:
Unfortunately, the cold chain system is not without its challenges. Let’s get clued up on some of the main obstacles in the next section.
Challenges with the cold chain logistics process
With such an intricate process, things are bound to go wrong. Here are some of the frustrating issues faced by players in cold chain logistics.
Damaged cooler/freezer doors
When freezer or cooler doors are damaged, goods are exposed to outside temperatures. This can have a dramatic effect on the cargo being stored. It is of vital importance that freezer doors are inspected regularly, and that seals are effective in keeping the elements out. Learn how you can avoid this with regular container surveys and inspections.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that occurs in facilities that work with both warm and cold processes. Goods generate excessive moisture if moved from one temperature to another too quickly. This can affect a product’s freshness.
Limited access to reefers on demand
With the constantly increasing demand for fresh produce around the world, it can be difficult to get reefers from your sources, especially at the last minute. The longer goods have to wait to be shipped, the higher the risk of spoilage.
Container xChange is the answer to your limited container supply woes. Click here to learn more about how we can effectively solve these struggles for you.
Excessive heat exposure
Sometimes the problem occurs even before the goods have been cooled or frozen. Cargo may be exposed to high temperatures along the way to the storage facility, adding to the risk of degradation.
One solution for this is to implement a drive-through dock with a strong loading dock seal. This protects the product from outside heat, preventing the safety hazards associated with temperature irregularities.
Sounds like a lot of things can go wrong, right? But don’t panic, there are solutions that can make your cold chain logistics process simpler and more efficient. The most important one? Accessing quality reefers for your shipments, in high-demand locations and along popular routes. Let’s take a look at how Container xChange can help with this and other obstacles in the next section.
Cold chain logistics solutions on Container xChange
On xChange, we’ve got a variety of services to help you streamline your cold chain logistics processes. Check them out below:
Lease reefers on demand in 2,500+ cities worldwide
If you use reefer containers often, it’s important to have a reliable platform to source them from – and fast. What’s more, you want to feel assured you can get the best deals out there.
With the xChange container leasing platform, you can find reefer leasing offers in 2,500+ cities around the world, all from the comfort of your office. We’ve got 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube sizes available for one-way moves.
Simply input your criteria and start browsing deals that suit you. You’ll be able to compare multiple offers at the same time, in order to make sure you’re getting the best option.
What’s more, you can negotiate the leasing rates, per diem charges and free days directly with the supplier. No fuss, no middle men involved.
Curious about the leasing rates you can expect along popular stretches? Let’s take a look at some pick-up charges for cargo-worthy 40ft reefers now.
| Leasing stretch | Pick-up charge |
| Hamburg to Nhava Sheva | US $200 |
| Shanghai to Mundra | US $200 |
| Barcelona to Qingdao | US $600 |
| Antwerp to Jebel Ali | US $200 |
If you like the leasing rates you see and want to find offers in more locations, you’re in the right place. Browse container leasing deals from 1,700+ reliable suppliers now.
Buy and sell reefer shipping containers at best prices
Our container trading platform works in the same way as our leasing platform. Input the container type you’re after, plus the location to browse trading deals in 2,500+ locations. What’s more, there is no commission on containers, and no hidden fees, so the price you agree on is the price you’ll pay.
You can also activate the market scanner to receive notifications about offers that fit your criteria. So that you can grab hold of good deals before they disappear!
Curious about what you can expect to shell out on reefer containers in popular locations around the globe? Take a look at prices here:
For a cargo-worthy 40ft reefer container in Northern Europe, you’re looking at US $4,335, in the US $5,420 and in India US $7,144.
Track containers in near real-time
The cold chain is an intricate process, with many hurdles along the way. So why not simplify things as much as you can by keeping a constant eye on your containers?
With xChange tracking, it’s possible to track your containers and receive regular updates from depots. You’ll also get ETAsWhat is estimated time of arrival? Estimated time of arrival, commonly known as ETA, is a frequently used term globally to denote the time of coming. In the shipping & logistics industry, it is ... More so you can stay ahead of any delays and hold ups.
Here’s what Elizabeth David, Operations Director of LFs has to say about using xChange tracking:
“xChange Tracking enables us to gain trust from our customers, make corresponding decisions in a timely manner and ultimately help our customers save money.”
Finally, be the first to find out about any issues with your fleet, so that you can communicate to partners, save on follow-up costs, and avoid potential disruptions.
Safe payment handling
On xChange, manage all of your payments in one place. Select and pay for containers directly on the platform using the xChange wallet. What’s more, keep track of your full payment history, and receive just one monthly invoice. Simple and convenient!
Simplify your cold chain logistics with Container xChange
If you want to have access to reefers at great prices in the locations you need, as well as take advantage of our wide range of logistics solutions, it’s time to sign up as a member on xChange.
So how does xChange work?
Browse available offers: Once you’re a member, simply navigate to the trading search or leasing search to get started. Type in your requirements, and browse available reefer container deals near you.
Compare prices and negotiate directly with suppliers: Compare prices easily, and pick the best offers for your needs. Once you’ve selected the containers you want, negotiate the terms and price directly with the seller.
Make safe payments: Concerned about safety? All of our members go through a mandatory background check, so you can sit back and relax, because all of the vetting has been done for you. Plus, pay safely using our safe payment handling feature.
Ready to simplify your reefer logistics once and for all? Then it’s time to sign up as a member on Container xChange, of course! Here are some of the benefits members enjoy:
- 100,000+ containers available to lease and buy in over 2,500 cities around the world
- 1,700+ vetted partners
- 0% commission on deals & no hidden fees
- Deal directly with vetted suppliers, no middlemen
Finally, get quality reefers for your cold chain needs, and simplify your cold chain logistics processes with tracking and safe payments. Click below to schedule your free demo with one of our helpful experts today, and find out how you can streamline your cold chain logistics once and for all.
Cold chain logistics: Common FAQs
What is cold chain logistics?
The cold chain is a highly regulated supply chain network that deals with temperature-sensitive and perishable goods (also known as ‘cool cargo). This includes cargo like dairy, meat, medicines and fruit. The purpose of the cold chain is to maintain a specific temperature range throughout the shipping process.
What are some examples of cold chain transport?
Cold chain transport is usually done using special containers known as reefers. These containers are refrigerated. Other equipment used during the cold chain process includes cold rooms for storage, and cold boxes for products like vaccines.
Why is cold chain logistics important?
The cold chain is vital in keeping temperature sensitive goods like medications, meat and dairy fresh and safe for consumption/use.
