Refrigerated Transportation and the Cold Chain in 2023

Refrigerated freight and the cold chain are overlooked by consumers but are constantly on the radars of companies that need to meet consumer demand. This article touches on the basics of the cold chain and why it benefits the world.

What is Refrigerated Freight and the Cold Chain?

Refrigerated freight, sometimes referred to as reefer freight, can include foods, medicines, chemicals, and electronic devices.

The cold chain is the process by which organizations keep perishable products at the proper temperature to ensure safety and the highest level of quality. Transportation and storage are the two areas that propel the chain forward.

The cold chain does more than satisfy consumer demand. It is integral to the general health of people around the world.

A Booming Industry

The global refrigerated transport market size reached $19 billion in 2021. Analysts expect the market to approach or even surpass $180 billion by 2030. Innovations in refrigerated technology and the massive demand for temperature-sensitive products are the primary drivers of growth.

Refrigerated transportation in developing countries is forcing governments and companies to enhance existing infrastructures. The investment might seem costly at first but can generate long-term gains.

Maintaining Integrity

The cold chain can improve the quality of life for citizens everywhere, but especially in developing countries. The cold chains gives people in those areas access to foods and medications that they normally would not.

However, challenges persist. For example, vaccine transportation requires strict scheduling and a series of temperature-controlled environments. If the temperatures are too high or low, the vaccines can lose their potency. The cold chain can weaken in areas where appropriate storage and delivery vessels are not available. Additionally, untrained workers might not store and deliver the vaccines per health standards.

Product integrity is essential. Refrigerated transportation helps guarantee that consumers receive the freshest possible foods. Since timing and temperature are two crucial cold chain components, transportation companies depend on the best technology to meet their delivery challenges. They must also perfectly coordinate their efforts to align with their goals.

The Bottom Line

Delivering products along the cold chain is more than a service — it’s a business. Not only must refrigeration systems keep goods fresh, but they must also adhere to environmental standards and not drain company finances.

Balancing energy consumption, emissions, operating and maintenance costs, and efficiency can take a toll on a company’s bottom line. The speed of refrigerated transportation relies on how much money is readily available to facilitate the process. Limited resources can create weak links in the cold chain, which can impact millions of people, not to mention jeopardize financial performance.

Cold Changes Are Coming

Ensuring the cold chain fulfills corporate, regulatory, and consumer expectations is vital to the preservation and growth of the global economy and the well-being of all people. Reefer freight improvements can both drive and be driven by demand. Companies across the globe must prepare to optimize their existing processes to remain relevant in this thriving market.

IEL Fresh provides support to help your organization weather the fast-paced changes headed your way. We have partnered with numerous companies within the consumer goods and pharmaceutical industries to help them make sure their cargo gets where it belongs.

Contact us today to access your shipping solution.