Temperature-controlled transport, what it is and how it works

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What does temperature-controlled transport mean? What is it for and how do the various packaging, loading and unloading stages work? What regulations apply?

This informative article will answer the main questions about temperature-controlled transport for the food and pharmaceutical industries, with the aim of providing all the tools needed to understand what the companies offering this service do.

Temperature-controlled transport: the details

What does temperature-controlled transport mean?

It is a way of handling goods that need to be kept in vehicles at a constant temperature, either hot or cold, regardless of the outside climate.

What is temperature-controlled transport for?

It maintains the composition and quality of the goods unaltered. For example, temperature-controlled food transport is essential for fresh and frozen products, or for particular types of drugs and cosmetics.

Temperature-controlled transport: what are the regulations?

The regulations on temperature-controlled transport cover several aspects:

  • What are the requirements for products that need this type of transport
  • How to label the goods
  • What containers to use
  • Which means of transport are suitable
  • How to apply hygiene practices when cleaning and maintaining vehicles and packaging
  • How to prepare the vehicle
  • How to check that the entire process is compliant.

The applicable regulations governing temperature-controlled transport of products is the ATP (Accord Transport Perissable), together with European Union Directive 2003/59/EC, which lays down the type of training to be provided to drivers of vehicles for transporting products at controlled temperatures and what kind of penalties should be applied if not all points of the ATP are met.

Moreover, the Italian Ministry of Health has signed circular no. 2, issued on 13 January 2000, which regulates the labelling and storage of pharmaceutical products.

Temperature-controlled transport: what are the types?

There are 4 types of temperature-controlled transport:

  • Cryogenic: from -80°C to -180°C
  • Frozen: -20°C
  • Refrigerated: from +2°C to +8°C
  • Ambient temperature: from +15°C to +25°C.

The vehicle must be equipped with a thermostat to set and monitor the inside temperature and to start cooling or heating cycles in response to the slightest change.

Temperature-controlled transport: the loading and unloading stages

For loading and unloading, it is necessary to:

  • Package the products correctly
  • Prepare the means of transport by letting the thermostat reach the correct temperature
  • Use platforms to transfer products directly from the warehouse (also temperature-controlled) to the vehicle and vice versa.

Transporting goods at a controlled temperature is a complex and delicate task, which is why it is essential to rely on the right partner to do so.

Why it is important to rely on companies specialising in temperature-controlled transport

Up-to-date certifications, driver training, adequate vehicle fleet, permits to transport products in Italy and abroad: Inovys Logistic offers all of this and much more to its clients.

In addition to third-party transport of products at controlled temperature, the company provides its customers with tailored integrated logistics services to guarantee full coverage throughout the outsourcing chain.
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