Refrigerated logistics is a set of processes and regulations on how to safely transport and store perishable or sensitive goods in a temperature-controlled environment. In other words, it’s about keeping the products cool during transport or storage. 

What is refrigerated logistics? 

We can also define it as moving refrigerated goods from one place to another (refrigerated transport is the focus here). Tight temperature control is often critical here, especially when we’re talking about meat, seafood, dairy, chocolates and other sensitive commodities. 

It’s about preventing spoilage by using low temperatures (which inhibit or slow down microbial growth and activity). At low temperatures, microbes won’t be able to multiply fast or release too much biotoxins. As a result, the products will remain safe for consumption or their physical appearance will stay acceptable. 

Often, products come from faraway places. It might take several hours, days or even weeks before some goods arrive at shops, restaurants and supermarkets. During that transport time, sensitive goods should be in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent spoilage. Temperatures outside the ideal range can accelerate microbial activity, which can lead to rejection of the delivery (and worse, safety issues about the products). 

In addition, lack of temperature control during refrigerated transport can result in huge financial losses. This happens to suppliers during the rejection of shipment. This can also happen to the recipients because they won’t have enough products to display, use or sell to the customers. For example, if an entire shipment of meat delivery was rejected, the supermarket won’t have enough meat to sell to their customers. This results in loss of sales and customers because they will start going to another supermarket to buy what they need. 

In other words, we can think of refrigerated logistics as a way to prevent financial losses and fulfil customer demand. Through tight temperature control, sensitive goods will have a prolonged safe lifespan and customers can enjoy consumable products that come from hundreds or thousands of kilometres away.