/pt/lp/blog/logistics/2024/cold-chain-logistics-explained
Cold Chain Logistics for Temperature Sensitive Products
06/03/2024
Updated 29/01/2026
Key Takeaways:
- Cold chain logistics can protect your business’ reputation since temperature control safeguards the product integrity.
- From reefer containers to advanced temperature monitoring systems, cold chain technology gives you visibility at every stage of your supply chain, providing data-driven insights that help you optimize operations and respond quickly to disruptions.
- By mastering cold chain logistics you’ll be able to extend product shelf life, reach distant markets, and ensure consistent product quality.
Requiring close coordination and collaboration between producers, logistics providers and retailers, cold chain logistics is a vital part in ensuring that perishable products, including medicinal or pharmaceutical are transported and stored under optimal conditions. Besides the high expectations of consumers, there is also the matter of compliance with stringent industry regulations, such as Good Distribution Practices (GDP) for pharmaceuticals, which is mandatory for product safety and legal accountability.
Because of the challenges that come with keeping cargo cool, refrigerated or frozen during transportation, cold chain logistics has had to continually evolve in order to meet the specific needs of the various industries that require it.
Start your cold chain journey with MSC today.
What Exactly is a Cold Chain in Logistics?
A cold chain in logistics is a temperature-controlled supply chain, which involves the storage and transportation of perishable goods, such as pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, dairy products and other temperature-sensitive items.
This type of cargo must maintain a specific temperature range throughout the entire cold supply chain, from production to the final point of consumption, to ensure the quality and safety of the goods.
What Exactly is a Cold Chain in Logistics?
A cold chain in logistics is a temperature-controlled supply chain, which involves the storage and transportation of perishable goods, such as pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, dairy products and other temperature-sensitive items.
This type of cargo must maintain a specific temperature range throughout the entire cold supply chain, from production to the final point of consumption, to ensure the quality and safety of the goods.
This temperature-controlled supply chain requires specialised infrastructure and technology, including refrigerated warehouses, vehicles, and packaging materials. Modern cold chains increasingly leverage real-time IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, and blockchain-enabled traceability to monitor conditions, predict disruptions, and ensure compliance across every stage of the unbroken supply chain.
Maintaining the integrity of the cold chain is critical to ensuring the safety and quality of perishable goods, as deviations from the required temperature range can result in spoilage, degradation, or even the loss of potency of the goods.
Unveiling The History of
Cold Chain Logistics
The cold chain originated in the mid 19th century when British fishermen needed to find a way of keeping their catch cool in port before it was sold. But it wasn’t until the mid-19th century when reefer ships and refrigerator cars came into service that the cold chain really became a part of commercial food transport.
The first effective cold store was opened in St Katharine Docks in London in 1882, and the first mobile refrigeration vehicle was patented in the 1940s in the US. By the 1950s refrigerated trucks and freight trains were carrying perishable food long distances, and cold chain technology has only developed exponentially since then.
Unveiling The History of
Cold Chain Logistics
The cold chain originated in the mid 19th century when British fishermen needed to find a way of keeping their catch cool in port before it was sold. But it wasn’t until the mid-19th century when reefer ships and refrigerator cars came into service that the cold chain really became a part of commercial food transport.
The first effective cold store was opened in St Katharine Docks in London in 1882, and the first mobile refrigeration vehicle was patented in the 1940s in the US. By the 1950s refrigerated trucks and freight trains were carrying perishable food long distances, and cold chain technology has only developed exponentially since then.
Harnessing Cold Chain Equipment, Technology and Packaging for
Logistical Success
The specific tools and materials used in cold chain logistics will depend on the type of perishable goods, the length of the supply chain, and the required temperature range, but some common examples of cold chain equipment and packaging include:
Refrigerated Reefer Containers
MSC has one of the largest and most advanced reefer container fleets in the world.
Refrigerated Vehicles
Specialized vehicles, such as refrigerated trucks and trailers, are equipped with temperature-controlled compartments to transport perishable goods over long distances.
Cool Rooms and Refrigerated Warehouses
Temperature-controlled storage facilities used to store perishable goods for an extended period. They maintain a constant temperature and humidity level to keep produce refrigerated, frozen or cool.
Temperature Monitoring Systems
Devices used to track and record the temperature of perishable goods during storage and transportation. They help to ensure that the produce is kept within the required temperature range and to detect any deviations and send alerts to operational staff.
Insulated Packaging Materials
Materials such as foam boxes, gel packs and insulated liners, used to regulate temperatures during transportation. They are designed to keep the goods at the required temperature for a specific period.
Temperature control
Ensuring that the temperature remains within the required range throughout the entire supply chain can be challenging, especially during transportation, where cargo can be exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity and other environmental factors.
Cost
Cold chain logistics can be expensive due to the need for specialized refrigerated vehicles, temperature-controlled storage facilities, and the use of temperature-controlled packaging materials. However, without this investment, you could risk the wellbeing of your produce and increase the possibility of wastage.
Visibility and traceability
Maintaining visibility and traceability is crucial for ensuring product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Modern cold chain solutions use real-time sensor networks, predictive analytics, and blockchain tracking to monitor goods continuously, detect deviations immediately, and provide auditable records for both operational and regulatory purposes.
Human error
The cold chain is a complex and dynamic process that requires careful planning and execution. Human error can occur at any stage of the supply chain and can result in temperature fluctuations, compromising the quality and safety of the goods. MSC has a global team of reefer specialists who provide support at every stage of the cold chain.
What are the Advantages of
Cold Chain Logistics?
Cold chain logistics are crucial for maintaining the quality, safety, and shelf life of perishable goods. Here are some of the reasons why modern supply chains could not function without effective cold chains:
Improved product quality
Cold chain logistics help to maintain the desired temperature range throughout the supply chain, which helps to preserve the quality and freshness of short-life products.
Increased shelf life
By maintaining the correct temperature, cold chain logistics can extend the shelf life of temperature sensitive goods, allowing them to be stored and transported for longer periods of time without spoiling.
Safer food
Cold chain logistics helps to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses by maintaining the temperature of perishable goods and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Competitive edge
Cold chain logistics can give companies a competitive edge by allowing them to offer high-quality perishable goods to customers, even over long distances.
Ask MSC for Advice
on Cold Chain Logistics
If you’re looking to ship cargo that requires careful handling and temperature control, discover our range of cold chain shipping and logistics services.
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How MSC iReefer is Transforming your Cold Chain
MSC iReefer — a smart reefer solution designed to provide real-time monitoring of parameters like temperature, humidity, and container status etc for your cargo, accessible via myMSC or through API integrations.
FAQs
What is cold chain logistics?
Why is cold chain shipping important?
Cold chain shipping is essential because it preserves the quality, safety, and shelf life of temperature-sensitive products. Whether it is keeping fresh produce crisp, ensuring seafood remains safe for consumption, or vaccines stay potent, without proper cold chain logistics you could risk spoilage, customer dissatisfaction, and potential financial losses.
Which industries depend on temperature-controlled logistics?
The main industries which rely on cold chain solutions, include:
- Food & beverage (fruits, vegetables, dairy, seafood, meat).
- Pharmaceuticals & healthcare (vaccines, biologics, life-saving drugs).
- Biotechnology & chemicals (lab samples, specialty compounds).