Refrigerated transportation is a prerequisite for the delivery of goods requiring special storage conditions. Perishable goods, medicines, and a number of chemicals need continuous maintenance of the prescribed temperature regime. For their delivery, special transport is used – refrigerated cars and containers with special refrigerators. They maintain the temperature that preserves the original consumer qualities and properties of the cargo during delivery.
For refrigerated transportation in Europe, vehicles that provide accurate temperature control and take into account the specific requirements for transportation are involved. The article will discuss the basic rules and standards of such transportation.
What cargoes require refrigerated transportation
For different types of cargo, the optimal temperature is the only way to preserve the original consumer qualities and useful properties for further use. It is refrigerated transportation of transport companies – the best solution for the delivery of goods that can not be preserved without a certain temperature regime. The category of such cargoes includes, for example:
- Food products.
- Medicines and vaccines.
- Biological materials.
- Chemical products.
- Flowers and plants.
Perishable food products and finished products include, among others – dairy products, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables. Refrigerated container transportation is able to ensure for them the maintenance of temperature from -18° to +8° in the refrigerated chamber.
An important category of cargoes requiring special storage conditions and precise maintenance of temperature conditions are medical preparations, vaccines and biological materials. As a rule, their transportation requires harsher conditions – temperatures from -20° to +2°.
Flowers and plants are a popular and at the same time delicate commercial cargo. The temperature for their refrigerated transportation from Europe, depending on the type of plant products, is usually between 0° and +10°. Lower or higher temperatures can cause damage to sensitive cargo.
Also in the perishable category are various chemicals and laboratory substances, volatile liquid chemicals, polyurethane and epoxy resin. They are often additionally packed in hermetically sealed vessels and containers to ensure safe isolation of the substances.
Basic requirements for refrigerated transportation
Domestic and international refrigerated transportation is characterized by a multifactorial regulatory environment. Strict requirements, which may differ from country to country, are aimed at ensuring the safety of transportation, the interests and health of consumers, protection of the environment. The main requirements for transportation in refrigerated containers include, among others:
- Maintaining the right temperature;
- setting and controlling humidity;
- availability of certificates;
- compliance with standards;
- matching the refrigerated container to the cargo.
Precise maintenance of the temperature and humidity regime is a primary necessity. Cold and humidity parameters set by regulatory documents and the customer must be continuously ensured during delivery. When transporting medicines and other perishable goods, condensate, which can spoil the goods, must be removed from the refrigerator in a timely manner.
An important aspect of successful transportation is product certification, e.g. according to EU regulation 853/2004 for food of animal origin. Sanitary, phytosanitary and veterinary certificates are also required for foodstuffs, flowers, plants and medicines. When transporting refrigerated cargo must comply with the norms of HACCP, ISO standards. For air transportation, compliance with IATA regulations is mandatory.
The type of refrigerated container or van must match the capacity and cooling class of the goods being transported. Refrigeration equipment should provide for the setting of accurate values and the possibility of remote control of cold and humidity parameters. Regular technical checks of serviceability, tightness and quality of thermal insulation, as well as certification of cooling equipment are important. This will help the cargo owner and the carrier to avoid financial losses.
How to choose a reliable carrier
Successful organization and implementation of refrigerated international and domestic transportation is a complex process. To implement it, the carrier must have a large list of supporting documents, including customs documents, as well as valid licenses and certificates. An equally important aspect is a positive experience in working with this category of cargo.
An obligatory selection criterion is the availability of vehicles with modern refrigerator systems in the company. They must be guaranteed to maintain the required temperature conditions, continuously monitor them and provide the dispatcher with up-to-date data.
The customer of transportation of chilled or frozen products and goods must be provided with guarantees of safety and cargo insurance. The staff of the transportation company should be qualified experienced employees who are able to advise, offer optimal logistics and delivery routes, prepare a full package of documents and provide support for transportation at all stages.
