Hey there! Have you ever wondered how your favorite food products manage to stay fresh and safe during transportation? Well, it’s all thanks to cold chain shipping solutions! In simple terms, it means that the temperature of the product is carefully monitored and maintained throughout its journey from the manufacturer to your grocery store.
But it’s not just as simple as popping the product in a fridge and hoping for the best. Every single step of the way, from the initial packing to the final destination, needs to be carefully managed to ensure the temperature stays within a specific range. That’s where technology comes in. According to the Annual 3PL Study, technology plays a crucial role in ensuring that the cold chain is sustainable, agile, and resilient.
So, what kind of technology are we talking about? Well, accurate real-time visibility is essential. It allows us to keep an eye on the product and ensure it stays safe and fresh.
At ETI, we offer tracking through our vendor, @CrownDataSystems that includes the following information with their current CC3 program:
Code Definition:
- OFD – Out for Delivery
- ALT – Inbound Alert
- Invoice – Receives Invoices Electronically
- DISP – Pickup Dispatched
- REC – Pickup Recovered
- OH – Delivery on Hand
- POD – Proof of Delivery Obtained
Of course, having all this data is useless if it doesn’t get to the right people at the right time. So, it’s essential to be able to convert insights into action. That means being able to react quickly if something goes wrong, like if the temperature rises above the specified range or a compressor fails.
Due to the complexity of the cold chain process, many companies choose to outsource their cold chain needs. In fact, the Annual 3PL Study found that 67% of shippers plan to outsource, up from 50% in the previous year’s study. This increased collaboration between shippers and logistics providers has resulted in more long-term agreements and more capacity to meet customer needs.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable cold chain provider, what should you look for? Well, there are five key traits to keep in mind:
- Visibility tools.
- Streamlined communications.
- Food safety certification.
- Track and trace capabilities.
- An emphasis on efficiency.
ETI offers all that combined with lightening fast deliveries. The cold chain process is essential to keeping our food and pharma products safe and fresh. With the help of technology and reliable providers, we can continue to ensure that our pharmaceutical and food products reach our destinations in the best condition possible. Request a quote or give us a call if you have any specific questions regarding cold chain processes at 866-SHIP-ETI.
