Transport refrigeration is a vital aspect of the supply chain when it comes to transporting perishable goods. It is a method of preserving and transporting goods such as food, medicine, and flowers at a controlled temperature, ensuring that they reach their intended destination in the same condition as when they were loaded. Transport refrigeration plays a critical role in maintaining the cold chain, which requires that goods are kept at a specific temperature throughout the logistics process. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of transport refrigeration.
The Importance of transport refrigeration
The cold chain process consists of several links, including storage, transport, and delivery. If the cold chain is disrupted at any point in the process, the quality and safety of the perishable goods being transported can be compromised. If a refrigerator truck breaks down or is not maintained properly, it can lead to significant economic losses for the transportation company, the supplier, and ultimately, the end consumer. For example, a truck filled with fresh produce that is not kept at the right temperature can deteriorate quickly, leading to the spoiling of the entire shipment.
Transport refrigeration also plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical industry. In many cases, temperature-sensitive medicines need to be kept at very specific temperatures throughout the logistics process. Any deviation from this can impact the effectiveness and safety of the medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over half of vaccines, and many biologic medicines, are degraded due to temperature excursions during transport and storage. In 2020, with the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, transport refrigeration has become an even greater priority.
Types of transport refrigeration Systems
There are different types of transport refrigeration systems available, depending on the nature of the goods being transported and the distance they need to be transported. Here are some of the most common systems:
– Refrigerated Containers: These are refrigerated containers that are typically used to transport larger quantities of goods by sea or rail.
– Van Refrigeration Units: These are refrigeration units that are installed in small vehicles, such as vans or trucks, to transport smaller quantities of goods.
– Trailer Refrigeration Units: These are refrigeration units that are typically used to transport larger quantities of goods by road.
– Eutectic Plates: These are plates filled with a substance that freezes at a specific temperature. They are placed in refrigerated vehicles to maintain temperature during transport.
Regulations and Standards
Given the importance of maintaining a cold chain, transport refrigeration systems are subject to strict regulations and standards. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has established guidelines for the safe transport of food, including specific temperature ranges for various types of perishable goods. The WHO has established guidelines for the safe transport of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medicines. In addition to government regulations, many transportation companies and cold chain logistics providers have established their own standards and guidelines for transport refrigeration.
Improvements in Technology
Advances in technology have led to improvements in transport refrigeration systems. Today, many systems can be remotely monitored and controlled, allowing for real-time temperature tracking and notification of any deviations. This can help transportation companies and logistics providers respond quickly to any issues, minimizing the risk of spoilage and economic losses. Many refrigeration systems now use environmentally-friendly refrigerants, reducing the environmental impact of transportation and refrigeration.
Conclusion
Transport refrigeration is a critical aspect of the logistics process when it comes to transporting perishable goods. Maintaining a cold chain is essential to ensure that goods arrive at their intended destination in the same condition as when they were loaded. Given the importance of transport refrigeration, it is subject to strict regulations and standards to ensure the safety and quality of perishable goods. Advances in technology have improved transport refrigeration, allowing for better temperature tracking and response to any issues that arise. As the global demand for perishable goods continues to grow, transport refrigeration will continue to play a critical role in the supply chain.