Cold chain management is vital to ensuring that essential goods arrive at the right
place, at the right time, and in the same condition that they left the
supplier. In mainstream logistics, this can be as simple as ensuring that packages get from A to B. However, in cold chain logistics, this can be a complicated process.
When cold chain logistics goes wrong the results can be catastrophic. Serious errors can lead to spoiled shipments, theft, or lost packaging. This is not a rare occurrence sadly. Research suggests that up to one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost to spoilage at various points in the supply chain process. If the products being delivered are pharmaceuticals then this could result in life-saving medical treatments simply not reaching the people that need them in time.
What are the Main Mistakes to Avoid in Cold Chain Logistics?
Having the Wrong Procedures in Place
Cold chain logistics is rarely straightforward. In the simplest situations, cold chain goods are transported from A to B within the same country. However, often cold chain delivery extends beyond national borders. This means that the technology, infrastructure and standards of the various companies you rely on to warehouse and transport your goods will be different depending on where your goods are travelling to. This is something to consider when choosing your cold chain distributor but also any products. For example, TLX Cargo differs from other thermal pallet cover suppliers. This is because we are a global brand that manufactures insulation materials. We supply a global customer base, through a diverse distribution network available on every continent. This means that, no matter where you are in the world or where in the world your products are going, TLX support will be available.
Cold chain logistic companies often make the mistake of thinking that their business will continue to run smoothly without allowing contingency for maintenance or making ongoing investments in the quality of their fleet, their thermal pallet covers, and their staff. This investment is so important, and the best way to ensure that it is met is with procedure and protocol. Ensure that your staff know where they need to be and when and, if necessary, introduce checklists to act as a physical reminder of the procedures they should follow.
Using the Wrong Equipment
A workman is only as good as his tools and the same concept is true in cold chain logistics. If a company is not using the right high-quality equipment from reputable and highly regarded brands then they are more likely to experience mistakes, equipment failures, and other issues caused by human error.
The main equipment used in the cold chain logistics sector is refrigerated trucks or other forms of transportation. And for a cold supply chain to remain effective it is important that this transportation equipment is regularly maintained. Some businesses may choose to put off maintenance or investing in new equipment. As a result tragedy could strike and their existing products stop working. It’s easy to see why a business might do this for financial reasons. But this isn’t a proactive way to run a business. The financial losses of losing a customer when their products are wasted are likely to be much bigger than the financial expense of undergoing regular maintenance.
The same is true of the insulated pallet covers you use to transport your goods. It might be tempting to purchase cheap PVC pallet blankets or thermal pallet covers because they will tick a box and do the job. But they won’t offer the same high level of product protection as an insulated pallet cover from TLX Cargo. TLX Insulation has been manufacturing insulation materials and barrier clothing technology for 25 years. Their thermal pallet blankets are produced utilising breathable reflective insulation and PCM technology, meaning that they are long-lasting, incredibly durable and effective, and will ensure that your products get from A to B without any issues.
 |
 |
 |
When Cold Chain Logistics Staff Aren’t Properly Trained
Finally, cold chain logistics isn’t the kind of job you can turn up and do without the
right training and support. Human error is one of the leading causes of
mistakes within the cold supply chain.
We know that mistakes cannot be fully mitigated and that accidents will always happen. But they are much less likely to happen when staff members have been sufficiently trained. This can apply to how they put on and take off pallet covers. As well as handling cold chain products, or even ensuring that the temperature of refrigerators is kept at the right temperature. For this reason, it is important that cold chain logistics companies provide an appropriate and high level of training to their staff. Team members should feel comfortable when handling shipments and containers and know what is expected of them.
Errors occur when drivers are unreliable or warehouse staff don’t adhere to the guidelines set out for them. For this reason, staff should be trained to complete paperwork properly, correct handling techniques, and be given an insight into the basic science of cold chain technology.
Product wastage as a result of poor staff handling is a real concern in cold chain logistics. But so is product loss as a result of theft. Theft can often occur as a direct result of poor labour standards and practices. Additionally, research shows that while hijacks and other third-party theft can happen, the root of many of these incidents can be traced back to inside information leaks and assistance given to these parties. This is another element that can often be mitigated with proper training.
Interested to Find out More?
Why not get in touch with TLX Cargo for a quotation. We would love to hear from you. Our helpful team are on hand to help, simply call 01204 695666 or email us at sales@tlxinsulation.co.uk.
