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COULD WE LOSE CARRIER CAPACITY….WITHOUT LOSING ACTUAL CAPACITY?

Certainly, this question could cause one to scratch his head. If we don’t have a decline in the number of operating authorities, or available trucks, then how could we lose capacity? 

Well, technically, the answer is you would not be physically losing trucks. However, an impact could be felt from recent events with regards to container shipping that would make it feel like less trucks are available. With recent geo-political events, and events at home, shipping to the West Coast has become more feasible than it was a year, certainly two years, ago. As ocean carriers are mindful of events in the Red Sea, combined with an easing of labor tensions at the West Coast ports, freight that in prior years was diverted to the East Coast is now heading back to the left coast of our country.  

As you can see in Figure 1.1, container costs from Asia to Los Angeles are over $1700 cheaper than freight bound for an East Coast port, such as New York. Figure 2.1 shows outbound freight volume for the last year in the Los Angeles market, currently seven percent higher than this time last year.  

So how could this impact capacity? When freight hits the East Coast ports, it’s typically consumed close to the port or at the very least, the coast itself. This means more regional runs. When freight hits the West Coast, typically that freight is destined for locations such as Dallas, TX or Chicago, IL, so taking freight up and down the East Coast may be a one-day run. Freight out of the Los Angeles market, heading to further destinations would take a day and a half, two days.  

Same freight, same one-truck move, but now it occupies that truck for twice as long. Additionally, this could necessitate a shifting of fleet resources from one coast to the other, potentially creating an over-capacity on one side of the U.S. while the other coast is more desperate for trucks.

Figure 1.1
Figure 2.1

SPRING IN 6 WEEKS?

Will that rodent in Pennsylvania be right this year, and will freight volumes accelerate quicker as a result? First of all, ‘ol Punxsutawney Phil is batting less than 50 percent for his career and the last 10 years he’s only been accurate three times.  

A better canary in the cave would be how the rejection rate index ebbs and flows. As you can see in Figure 3.1, van rejection rates have been pretty stagnant for the past year. Flatbed has remained relatively high and reefer rejection rates have trended up the last five months. If Phil is a soothsayer this year, we expect flatbed rejection rates to continue rising. If produce season also starts earlier than most, reefer rejection rates will then follow. 

As reminder, with increases in rejection rates, shippers typically see transportation costs increase on the spot market.  

Stay tuned for next month’s update to see if an early spring is a turning of the tide for the freight market.

Figure 3.1

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Whether your product is coming straight from the farm, is moving between processing, or heading off to the consumer, the dairy industry needs first-rate cold chain solutions to meet their complex supply chains.

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter are household staples and essential in many people’s diets. It’s no surprise that the dairy industry is considered one of the fastest-growing industries, almost doubling in value every five years. To keep up with consumer demand, the dairy industry needs exceptional cold chain solutions to keep their products cold and safe for consumption.

Why the Dairy Industry Needs Cold Chain Solutions

Dairy products all start with milk, and it has a short shelf life. After the cows have been milked, it immediately transports to cooling storage tanks or a chilled trailer. To ensure the milk doesn’t spoil, it must be stored at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s then transported to a processing facility, pasteurized, and transported again to consumers.

Usually, this process alone, from cow to store, takes place in about two days. Now, milk is often a starting point for the many diverse dairy products available. Depending on the final product, dairy supply chains have more steps and complexities added.

An infographic titled "Why The Dairy Industry Needs Cold Chain Solutions" and then showing an icon of a barn with an icon of a truck going towards an icon of a storage tank. In between the storage tank and barn is a triangle reading "No Higher Than 40 Degrees Fahrenheit". From the storage tank icon a line leads to an icon of two arrows going opposite ways with the word "pasteurization" between them. From that icon another truck icon is leading towards three icons of dairy items: cheese, ice cream, and milk. In between those icons and the pasteurization is a rectangle with the words "2 Days from Cow to Store" in it. At the bottom is a black graphic with the Trinity Logistics logo and their tagline "People-Centric Freight Solutions."

Common Issues Requiring Cold Chain Solutions

Temperature Control Needed for Most Dairy Products

Most dairy products need storage at specific temperatures to keep from spoiling. Dairy products need strict attention because of the risk posed to consumers if the cold chain is broken. If not consistently kept cold and free of humidity, bacteria in the dairy can cultivate and dairy products can become harmful.

Capacity During Peak Shipping Seasons

While some dairy products can seek out alternative transportation modes, most find shipping truckload is the most viable option. It’s usually the fastest and cheapest way to move the product because of its weight. It’s also the most viable due to freight security and nature of the product, and because it reduces the risk of claims due to temperature fluctuations or shifting. Since most dairy products need refrigerated trucks for their shipments this can make capacity an issue at times, such as produce season, when reefer capacity can be tighter. It can not only be more difficult to secure a refrigerated truck, but more expensive to do so.

Managing Milk Production with Dairy Demand

Dairy product demand can fluctuate. Yet, even when consumers want fewer dairy products, the cows don’t stop making milk. They can’t be turned on and off like machines, giving the dairy industry a unique balancing act to handle.

Additionally, when it comes to shipping milk, most of that is kept regional given the short shelf life and cost to ship, making dairy demand management even trickier.

Supply Chain Disruptions

As we’ve learned in recent years, there’s always the chance for supply chain disruption to happen. Whether that’s a truck breaking down, a roadblock, or some other instance that would cause delays. With several dairy products (like milk) having a short shelf life, any delays can risk product spoiling and going to waste. Companies in the dairy industry need to be able to act quickly if any disruption happens. 

Dairy is Highly Regulated 

Dairy products are associated with foodborne illnesses, so it’s no surprise that they’re highly regulated. Right from the start, milk is tested to ensure it’s of safe quality to consume and make other products from. There’s also the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which places strict requirements on sanitary transportation and the handling of dairy products.

Supply Chain Visibility 

Because of so many factors mentioned above, it’s important for dairy companies to have full, real-time visibility of their supply chains. Additionally, many wholesale food distributors and grocery warehouses hold very strict requirements for appointments with very strict product quality inspections to be accepted into their inventory. Without it, dairy companies are at risk of losing products and money due to spoilage, disruptions, delays, or regulation requirements. 

Potential High Value Products

Certain dairy products can be high value, like some cheeses for example. This can make the overall value of the load to be costly should there be any potential claims. It’s best for shippers to work with expert providers who have the experience and knowledge to handle any high value dairy products.

Leading Cold Chain Solutions from Trinity Logistics

Shippers in the dairy industry looking for first-rate cold chain solutions can find all they need with Trinity Logistics. We’re a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider with over 40 years of experience serving logistics solutions to some of the top-known brands in the food and beverage sector.

Standard Operating Procedures for Temperature-Controlled Shipments

One of the reasons we excel in cold chain solutions is our standard operating procedures in place for every temperature-controlled shipment we arrange. This includes:

We understand just how critical it is that your product stays at its required temperature. That’s why we work with our trusted, experienced carrier relationships to ensure your product arrives fresh.

Multi-Modal Cold Chain Solutions

No matter what transportation mode you need your product to ship, we have the logistics solutions to support your business now and in the future, including;

This enables your business to seamlessly run regardless of what change or growth you experience.

In-Depth Transportation Management

Whether you need a transportation management system (TMS), to fully outsource your logistics, or your own customized managed transportation solution, we can help. We know each business is unique, which is why our system is highly configurable so we can meet your exact needs. Our Trinity experts will work as part of your business, offering in-depth reporting and data to help get you ahead of your competitors.

No Need to Worry About Disruptions

Did I mention that Trinity has been serving cold chains for over 40 years? We’ve seen it all when it comes to supply chain disruptions and delays. We know how to quickly adapt plans to keep your freight moving. While you’ll have your sole Trinity relationship to lean on for updates, we also have a 24/7 Team in case we need any additional support. You can learn to rest easy whenever your shipment is in our care.

Experts in Temp-Controlled Logistics and Dairy

Trinity Logistics has been serving cold chains for 40-plus years, in addition to our parent company, Burris Logistics, that was built on its expertise of handling temperature-controlled commodities.

There’s also Honor Foods, another Burris Logistics company you can lean on for food redistribution if needed. Honor Foods is a leading foodservice redistributor with locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions of the U.S. They specialize in frozen, refrigerated, dairy, and dry products with over 3,000 stocked items from 300+ trusted suppliers.

Our People-Centric Service

What makes Trinity unique from other 3PLs and what our customers praise the most is our exceptional People-Centric service. We’re a company built on a culture of family and servant leadership, and that culture shines through in our service to you. It’s our care, compassion, and communication that you’ll notice and appreciate.

I’D LIKE LEARN MORE ABOUT TRINITY'S COLD CHAIN SOLUTIONS

Refrigerated trucking can be a complex, but rewarding job.

You might be transporting anything from fresh produce, frozen food, or important medicines like biologics. But, no matter what it is, the items you’re hauling are vital to many and there’s great pride that comes with that.

Refrigerated trucking is not only more specialized than dry freight hauling but offers more earning potential, and there are certain times of the year during which you can count on higher freight volumes to keep your company profitable.

Whether you’re new to refrigerated trucking or a veteran, it’s important your company knows how to properly transport temperature-controlled products, from pick-up through delivery. At Trinity Logistics, we sometimes see claims on temperature-controlled shipments, and we want to help you avoid any costly mistakes with a few tips specific to refrigerated trucking. So, we’ve crafted this guide to help you prepare for your hauling your next temperature-controlled shipment.‍

MOTOR CARRIER REFRIGERATED TRUCKING RESPONSIBILITIES

The purpose of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is to prevent foodborne diseases, and FSMA rules contain essential requirements for shippers, loaders, receivers, and carriers like you to follow with refrigerated trucking. FSMA requires those transporting food to follow best practices for sanitary transportation, such as proper personnel training, maintaining shipment records, and following shipper instructions to keep food properly temperature-controlled during transit.

FSMA Responsibilities for Motor Carriers

Keeping Your Equipment Clean and Operable

You must keep your refrigerated trailer clean between loads and make sure it is running efficiently to maintain any required temperatures to keep food safe while transporting.

Your Equipment Must Meet the Shipper’s Needs

Shippers are responsible for communicating any food safety requirements to providers they work with, such as specifying temperature and pre-cooling requirements in writing. It is your responsibility to adhere to those requirements specified by the shipper.

Keeping Records

When it comes to FSMA, verbal confirmations don’t stand. Shippers and providers you work with require records of previous cargo hauled, equipment cleaning, inspection, and temperature records. This includes recording if your reefer fails or containers are compromised, allowing contaminants in, and showing via documentation that you took action to correct the issue. Keeping thorough documentation will help you, in the long run, should you face any potential claims. It’s recommended to keep all records for 12 months, minimum.

Training Employees

Under FSMA, motor carriers must train all drivers and transportation personnel on their role, FSMA rules, the awareness of potential food safety problems like cross-contamination that can occur during transportation, and sanitary transportation practices. It’s also important to keep records of this training and hold refresher training from time to time.

PREPARING FOR REFRIGERATED TRUCKING AND TEMP-CONTROLLED TRANSIT

*This blog content provides suggestions only and is not meant to take the place of your own company procedures.*

Cleaning Your Refrigerated Trailer

1. If the previous receiver cleaned your trailer, request documentation from them to share with the shipper for your upcoming temperature-controlled shipment. It’s important to keep any trailer washout records and receipts to provide to shippers upon request.

2. Open your refrigerated trailer and remove any items that shouldn’t get wet.

3. Sweep out any debris.

4. Prepare a bucket of food-grade detergent and water.

5. Scrub all interior surfaces with a clean cloth and the detergent mix.

6. Use a hose to spray down the inside, including the ceiling and walls. Pay special attention to any cracks and crevices.

7. Keep doors to the trailer open, allowing the inside of the trailer to air dry.

8. If the outside of the truck and your trailer is dirty, wash down the exterior as well.

Pre-trip

1. Review shipping instructions and confirm the cargo is at the required temperature before it is loaded. Refrigerated trailers are meant to maintain temperature, not change it. For fresh produce, verifying temperature usually involves pulping product with a thermometer or probe dial. 

2. Run your refrigerated trailer for at least 20 minutes in “high speed cool” mode to remove any residual heat. Pre-cooling may take more than one hour depending on factors such as equipment and ambient temperatures. Therefore, be aware of the temperature requirements in advance to ensure equipment is at the proper temperature before you arrive at the shipper and the loading process starts.

3. Perform an automatic pre-trip test to confirm that your refrigerated trailer is running properly and confirm that it passes the test. Keep a record of this. If your auto pre-trip test fails, refer to your company’s prescribed procedures or contact your maintenance provider for repair.

4. It’s time to set your refrigerated trailer to the required temperature specified by the shipper. Verify the set temperature after adjusting it to its requirement to confirm it is set correctly. Next, confirm that the unit is set to the correct date and time. If this is not done and the shipper requests a reefer download after delivery, the data will be inaccurate. Some drivers will take a picture of the reefer unit dashboard to document settings before they leave the shipper.

5. Confirm that you have the correct mode of operation selected on the reefer unit prior to loading. Again, refer to your shipment instructions for this. Often, the shipper will require perishables to be hauled in continuous mode as opposed to cycle sentry or stop-start cycle.

6. Allow your refrigerated unit adequate time to pre-cool before loading.

7. Document all pre-trip cleaning, inspecting, and pre-cooling to share with the shipper upon request.

Loading

1. Ensure you witness the loading process, visually confirming product temperature, count, and quality match your shipment tender. If a carrier cannot verify loading conditions or discrepancies exist, the carrier notates the issue on the bill of lading and request the shipper to sign this. 


2. Carriers are responsible for the final blocking and bracing of product, so make sure items are not over-stacked or loaded in a way that impedes airflow or circulation. As a carrier, if you are not comfortable with the load condition, you have the right to refuse the shipment. 

3. Once loaded and final blocking and bracing are completed, immediately close the doors to maintain temperature. Once again, verify that the correct cycle and temperature are set. If a trailer seal is required, its presence should be documented on the bill of lading by the shipper. 


During Transit

1. Make use of the strip curtains as this helps keep temperature-controlled air in and any outside air out.

2. Limit the number of door openings throughout transit to keep temperature-controlled air in and outside air out. Only allow doors to be opened by verified shippers or receivers. 

3. Keeping proper airflow is critical. Even with adequate running equipment, poor air distribution can cause spoilage. Verify all sides of the cargo have proper airflow before your trip and any time you make a stop.

PULPING FOR REFRIGERATED PRODUCE SHIPMENTS

Pulping is an essential task when hauling produce with your refrigerated trucking. Pulping is the act of taking the product’s temperature before and upon delivering the shipment.

How to Pulp Produce

For produce that is unbagged, one must insert a pulp thermometer into a piece of produce, inserting for three to four minutes to get the most accurate reading.

If the produce is bagged, like salad mixes, fold the bag in half and place the probe between the two sides, with the produce as close to the thermometer as possible.


Why Pulping is Important

Before loading, it is the shipper’s responsibility to pulp the product, and should be done in the presence of the driver. However, it is the carrier’s responsibility to confirm the proper temperature of the product before allowing it to be loaded on the truck, so there may be the case you need to pulp the product.

Pulping temperatures should be recorded on the shipment’s bill of lading and signed by both the shipper and driver. This can help protect both the shipper and motor carrier from claims if the product arrives at its destination off temperature.

Throughout transit, it is the carrier’s responsibility to monitor the refrigerated trailer temperature, usually with some sort of sensor technology providing real-time information, or with older refrigerated trailers, a temperature download that is available upon delivery.

Upon delivery, it is the receiver’s responsibility to pulp the product for a temperature read and to determine if the shipment will be accepted. 

Under FSMA, be prepared to provide a record of temperatures in transit via reefer download. Failure of a carrier to provide a record of unit temperatures in transit will prevent a carrier from disputing temperature deviations should there be a claim. 

TEMP VARIANCES – HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

One thing you may be asking with your refrigerated trucking is, how much is too much when it comes to temperature variances? Well, that can depend on several factors.

One factor is the type of product. For example, there are some perishable products that are very sensitive to temperature variances, where even a two-degree difference could reduce the shelf life by 50 percent.

Another cause could be the location where the temperature was taken in the trailer or the recording device’s accuracy. Or if a shipment has multiple stops versus one that goes right to the destination.

Temperature variances are usually expected, so it’s important to determine when a variation is tolerable versus when it places the product at risk for spoilage.

It’s also important to note the amount of time the product has been off temperature. For example, frozen goods might be subjected to some temperature variance without much effect on the shipment, whereas refrigerated goods often spoil at a quicker rate.

When it comes to claims due to temperature variances, there simply is no one-size-fits-all for processing these. Shipment claims due to temperature variances are treated on a case-by-case basis depending on the above-mentioned factors. Verifying temperature prior to loading, maintaining proper temperature in transit, and the ability to provide a reefer download documenting transit conditions are ways for carriers to prevent temperature damage.

WHAT IF THERE’S AN ISSUE AT DELIVERY?

First and foremost, be sure to communicate your transportation status and any issues to your point of contact in real time. If there are any overage, shortage, or damage issues at delivery, the receiver should document it on your bill of lading (BOL). If there is a reported issue and you are unclear about the next steps, contact your insurance agent to report the issue and request direction. 

If the product is produce, a USDA inspection may be requested to document the condition of the product. 

Whenever a temperature problem is reported, get a reefer download for the trailer used for the shipment to document the temperature conditions for the time the cargo was on your truck. 

Your cargo policy will not pay for temperature damage if it is caused by an incorrect reefer setpoint or driver negligence. However, if your refrigerated trailer experiences issues during transit, your cargo insurance may step in to pay a cargo claim related to any temperature damage. However, be prepared to provide supporting documentation. To be proactive in the prevention of any issues caused by your equipment, it’s important to perform regular maintenance according to your cargo insurance requirements and company guidelines. 

REFRIGERATED TRUCKING – SHIPPER RED FLAGS TO LOOK FOR

There are a few shipper red flags to look out for before accepting a refrigerated trucking shipment or having your trailer loaded.

Mixed temperature shipments can be a red flag. Sometimes shippers will want to try to ship products together that need vastly different temperature requirements to reduce costs, like fresh and frozen products. These types of shipments are “high risk” and not recommended. Whether a shipper is using a bulkhead or not, to keep your company safe, it’s recommended to avoid shipments that combine frozen, fresh, or dry loads on the same truck.

Now, let’s say you’ve accepted a refrigerated trucking shipment but when you arrive at the shipper you notice one of these things:

If you notice any of these things, do not get loaded and immediately contact the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

EASILY FIND THE TEMP-CONTROLLED SHIPMENTS YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

Now that you’re prepared to handle the complexities of refrigerated trucking, it’s time to find available shipments. Here’s where Trinity’s Carrier Portal is beneficial.

Our online load board allows you to search for available shipments, filtering by equipment, lanes, and more. Many of our available shipments even allow digital freight matching, providing you the opportunity to Quote Now or Book Now, saving you time from calling or emailing in. Additionally, new shipments get directed to our Carrier Portal first, meaning you’ll have access to exclusive Trinity loads before they get posted to the public load boards!

Find my next refrigerated trucking shipment

*This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.*

It’s no secret that capacity gets tighter and freight rates higher for all shippers during produce season. While the increased freight demand during produce season affects all markets, produce shippers and those with other temperature-controlled products are hit the hardest. Yet, produce shippers that make use of these suggested tips have a better chance of finding capacity and keeping their costs manageable. 

Shipping temperature-sensitive items? Check out our Temperature Shipping Guide for temperature suggestions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When is Produce Season?

Produce season is impactful because it puts pressure on freight shipping rates, which affects shippers both inside and outside the produce sector. To simplify, it’s the rise in crop volumes and heightened demand for trucks to transport these crops that impact capacity during this season. These factors lead to an increase in rates, not only for the shippers who need trucks with temperature control but for a majority of shippers across other modes and regions as well. 


It’s vital for produce shippers and all others impacted by produce season to know exactly when the spike in shipping begins. Generally, produce season begins sometime around February and runs through early fall. The main regional areas shipping increased produce are Florida and the East Coast, Texas and surrounding states, and California. 

Texas Produce Season

The most impactful time is from March through June however, produce can be found year-round coming from over the border out of Mexico. In Arizona and New Mexico, there is a push for produce that usually occurs in October or November.

Florida Produce Season

Starting as early as March, southeastern states like Florida begin to see an uptick in produce shipping. As temperatures warm up, produce season creeps its way up the East Coast with northeastern states’ produce shippers slowing down sometime in early fall.

California Produce Season

Like the East Coast, produce season starts in the southern part of the state around March and creeps its way up to the northern region, ending in early fall. 

Shipping refrigerated? Fighting tight capacity and high freight rates? We’re here to help you keep capacity and better manage your freight rate and logistics costs. Watch our video so you can find some tips and tricks to help with your cold chain shipping.

Tips for Produce Shippers During Produce Season

Produce shippers facing challenges with capacity during produce season isn’t new. But there are things produce shippers can do to make shipping during produce season easier. Here are some tips you should consider to make it through this tough season.

Make Your Produce Easy to Work With

When capacity is tight and rates are high, carriers get to pick and choose what load they want. Make your produce shipments more desirable by making the job easy to complete. 

One way to do this is through freight consolidation. Regional consolidation makes freight easier for carriers to work with. Simply put, instead of using a long-haul truck to make many pick-ups or deliveries in a regional area, hire a regional short-haul expert to do that part. They make all the pick-ups and deliver to one spot so that your long-haul carrier can make one easy pick-up and drive onward. Vice versa is that the long-haul carrier would drop off at one regional facility, and then you use the regional carrier to make the many deliveries. 

We’ve found that consolidating the freight this way increases the percentage of on-time delivery, increasing your product’s shelf life and customer satisfaction. 

Make Sure Your Produce is Truck Ready

This goes hand in hand with making your produce easy to work with. Often, produce vendors will work with many packing house facilities. Make sure you confirm with the produce shipper where the truck needs to pick up. It’s never a great start to a shipment when a driver has to search location after location for their pick-up. Not only does the driver get frustrated, but with it being a time-sensitive shipment, you want to make sure there are no hang-ups, so it’s picked up on time, delivered on time, and your product’s shelf life is as long as possible.

Make Sure Your Carriers are Vetted

This may be your most important piece of advice. Make sure your selected carriers are properly vetted. 

What exactly do we mean by that? This means making sure they have reefer breakdown coverage. Or making sure they have the right amount of insurance coverage in case something goes wrong. 

For example, cherries are hard to come by and based on market conditions, their value can change. Does your carrier have that coverage should there be a problem? 

There’s also FSMA compliance to consider now. Does your carrier know how to work with produce shipments? Do they have that experience? Do they carry pulp thermometers in their trucks and understand that process to ensure they are not loading produce that is too hot or too cold, making sure it will be in good shape when it’s delivered? All these factors are something to keep in mind regardless of market conditions. 

When selecting and vetting your carriers, remember there is a big difference between the cheapest truck and the RIGHT truck. 

Find Providers that Run Temp-Controlled Year-Round

Finding and building a relationship with providers that execute year-round temperature-controlled freight across the country can give produce shippers a competitive advantage. By having that relationship, you’ll know and better trust your provider because they have the proven experience and understanding of working with your perishable freight. Additionally, having that reliable relationship can help you keep your costs down during peak produce season.

Make Use of Technology

Making use of transportation management (TMS) technology can help during this season. A TMS can help you with routing decisions by matching freight with the best carriers, lanes, rates, and transit service. In addition, it will allow you to optimize the in-house processes of your transportation network – which can help in both times of disruption and easier times. By selecting the best carriers and optimizing your routes, you’ll not only increase your service levels but reduce your risk. 

Having a best-in-class TMS also provides you with data-driven insight to better manage disruptions, reduce downtime, and effectively plan and budget your logistics spend. By using data analytics, you’ll be able to recognize which carriers are most likely to have the capacity, allowing you to reduce your harvesting to minimal levels. 

Having a TMS on hand gives you a full view of your network and transportation management. You’ll be able to see what’s happening across all markets, ensure proper rates for shipments, find freight consolidation options, and track everything from start to finish. You’ll be better prepared for now and any future disruptions. Not to mention, you’ll also gain an extra layer of security to your supply chain, which is something top of mind for everyone in this industry.

Be the Produce Shipper All the Carriers Want to Work With

There is never a time when you shouldn’t strive to be a shipper of choice. Carriers are in the position of choosing which shippers they want to work with. Produce shippers who provide better experiences for carriers can reap long-term benefits in the form of higher service levels, fewer claims, and better rates. 

To become a shipper that carriers want to work with, it’s important to run efficient and friendly dock operations, reduce driver wait times, provide comfortable breakroom and restroom accommodations, and pay carriers quickly. Let’s break these down further.

Have a Fair Accessorial Schedule

Make sure it is in line with industry standards. You can also leverage your relationships with other carriers, shippers, and 3pls to see how you compare.

Pay Quickly

In business, cash is king, especially for carriers. Favorable payment terms can make a world of a difference to a smaller carrier company or an owner-operator. Anything under 30 days is often ideal.

Tender with Ample Lead Time

This may not always be possible, but the sooner you get a load tender to your selected carrier, the better they can plan their own workload. Providing as much lead time as possible can help you get the best capacity available at the most cost-effective rates. It can also get you more committed freight and keep you out of the spot market. 48 hours or more is ideal. 

Simplify Your Appointment Scheduling Process

Put yourself in your provider’s shoes. What is it like to get an appointment set? Is it a huge effort or is it quick and easy? The easier and more user-friendly the process is, the more carriers will want to work with you.

Have Realistic Transit Times

Whenever possible, schedule pick-ups and deliveries that set carriers up for success. If transit is too tight and a late driver will have to wait hours for the facility to work them in, then the load is less attractive. Whereas if the pick-up and delivery are too far apart and a driver will have to sit around to get unloaded, then the load is also less attractive. Make sure your transit times are reasonable and make sense to keep carriers moving along. They will appreciate it. 

Turn Drivers as Quickly as Possible

The industry standard is two hours or less. Anything over that and your facility is at risk of having a negative reputation among drivers. Depending on your freight and operations, this may not be possible, but it is something important to keep in mind. 

Provide Basic Amenities for Drivers

Access to bathrooms, vending machines, waiting rooms, Wi-Fi, and most importantly, a friendly smile at the dock will go a LONG way.

Look Into Multimodal Solutions

When truckload capacity is tight, using a variety of modes can help mitigate capacity challenges while reducing your cost. Exploring multimodal options can be a great way to diversify risk, add capacity, and protect your freight budget. It can also give you the opportunity to reduce your company’s carbon footprint. 

Measure Carrier Performance

Whether you awarded hundreds of lanes in an RFP event or are a small shipper relying on the spot market, it’s important to have your supply chain driven by data, and tracking carrier performance is a part of that. If you can’t track it, how else can you make improvements?

Be sure to communicate your KPIs to every carrier you work with so they can be crystal clear on your expectations. Regularly evaluate your carrier base. Give them report cards and make sure their performance is not a mystery to you or them. You should also have a process in place for taking action for poor performance when needed. Again, clearly communicate that process to your providers, and be sure to stick with it. Inflationary markets will often show you which providers are serious about being your business partner. 

Consider Working With a 3PL

To gain quick access to capacity, produce shippers should work with a quality third-party logistics company (3PL). 3PLs work by having quality carrier relationships often in a network way larger than you can manage alone. Additionally, working with them gets you access to TMS technology and an expert to help you throughout times of disruption. It allows you easy access to multimodal solutions so you can easily compare rates across modes. Quality 3pls will include proper carrier vetting, so you know you’re working with a qualified carrier. Additionally, 3pls keep tabs on the industry and are well known for their skills in navigating disruptions with ease. 

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

If you found some tips that could better help you, it’s not too late to act. Any improvements that you make now will help you ship better. The faster you act, the more likely you will beat your competition to the punch. Now all this might seem like an overwhelming amount to do, which is why we’d like to offer you our help.

Trinity has over 40 years of experience working through produce season and years of supply chain disruptions. We can help you with capacity through our network of strong carrier relationships available. We can also help you in your journey of being a shipper of choice as we offer carriers Quick Pay options through TriumphPay, available within two days.

Interested in freight consolidation or multimodal options? Our Team of Experts are here to help. We also have best-in-class TMS technology available with customized solutions to fit your needs, not the other way around, and experts to support you in those applications. Most importantly, we offer you a People-Centric approach throughout every step of the process.  

No matter what you need to get through produce season, Trinity Logistics is capable and ready to support your business.

Discover how we help produce shippers succeed Get a Free Freight Quote

Trinity Logistics, a Burris Logistics company, is proud to share that Food Logistics has named the company as a recipient of the 2022 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers Award.

Food Logistics is the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of products and information through the cold food and beverage supply chain. The Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list recognizes leading third-party logistics and cold storage providers in the food and beverage industry. Companies on the list play a pivotal role in keeping the food and beverage industry’s products stored, transported, and stocked while maintaining the product’s quality. 

“These past 18 months have been so challenging for U.S. supply chains. It’s the continuous bottlenecks that require fleets to re-tool and pivot accordingly. But it’s the drivers, the fleet, the warehouses, and software/technologies that really keep today’s supply chains in line,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive.  “These 3PLs and cold storage providers have collaborated on all facets of their operations to achieve full visibility, complete forecasting, end-to-end leverage, and the ultimate in sustainability. Now is the time to honor and celebrate those companies making magic happen behind the frontlines.”

Trinity works with thousands of shippers in the food and beverage industry, making the company well-versed in its requirements and regulations. Equipped with state of industry technology and with Burris Logistics, one of the top cold storage providers in North America, as its parent company, Trinity provides exceptional service to those in the cold chain.  

“We are honored to be named a Top 3PL & Cold Storage Provider, and very fortunate to be part of the Burris Logistics family,” said Mark Peterson, SVP of Sales at Trinity Logistics. “Having a parent company with 90+ years of cold storage & food distribution experience gives us a distinct advantage. From the 3PL viewpoint, our focus is on optimizing the efficiency of our distribution network. The pillars of that effort are gathering and analyzing the right data; clear and consistent communication with our partners; and the highly educated and motivated team of professionals at Trinity Logistics.” 

The full list of 2022’s Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers will appear in Food Logistics’ August issues, as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com. 

Learn how Trinity supports food and beverage companies.

About Trinity Logistics

Trinity Logistics is a Burris Logistics Company, offering People-Centric Freight Solutions®. Our mission is to deliver creative logistics solutions through a mix of human ingenuity and innovative technology, enriching the lives of those we serve. 

For the past 40 years, we’ve been arranging freight for businesses of all sizes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), warehousing, intermodal, drayage, expedited, international, and technology solutions.

We are currently recognized on Transport Topics’ Top 100 Freight Brokerage List, a Top 3PL and Cold Storage Provider by Food Logistics, and a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation by Women in Trucking.

Interruptions to the cold chain create problems such as spoilage, changes in the appearance, taste, or smell of a product, growth of harmful bacteria, or lost potency. Preventing any interruption of the cold chain is one of the main responsibilities of a logistics manager. Let’s look at some of the significant cold chain challenges you may have to face, and how you can keep issues at bay.

Does your freight need to stay cold? Whether you’re shipping items that require refrigeration or frozen food, your cold chain can face some challenges. Watch our video and learn what issues you may see in your logistics and how to solve them.

REGULATIONS

Regulations for the cold chain are ever-changing and complex, which is why they are one of the major challenges faced today. If your cold chain is worldwide, it can be more complicated as there is no one entity to regulate on a global scale. Each region has its own regulations, compliance mandates, and enforcement agencies. Some examples of these are:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

In the U.S., the federal regulatory agency for food and pharmaceuticals is the FDA. 

Most cold chain food regulations come from the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2017. This regulation covers the cleanliness and function of equipment, protocols set in place for transportation, employee training on the proper handling of food in cold chains, and records of all FSMA compliance.

When it comes to pharmaceutical products, many regulations affect the cold chain. Some of those include:

Canadian Food and Drugs Act

In Canada, the regulatory authority is the Government of Canada. The Canadian Food and Drugs Act was passed in 1920 and revised in 1985. It regards the production, import, export, and transport across provinces for food, drugs, and cosmetics including products like soap and toothpaste. It ensures products are safe, ingredients disclosed, and drugs are effective. 

International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH)

Many other countries, refer to ICH guidelines gathering data on a product’s safety and efficacy to establish a cold chain strategy. ICH brings together many regulatory authorities to discuss data and establish those guidelines. Gathered data is used to consider the duration of temperature excursions that can occur across distribution channels. 

Regulations can be complex and demanding at times, but they all have the same goals of retaining the safety, quality, transparency, and efficacy of cold chain commodities. The biggest key to keeping compliance with cold chain regulations is increasing end-to-end visibility in your cold chain. Keeping proper documentation of data throughout your supply chain can seem difficult but modern technology like a transportation management system (TMS), can simplify this cold chain challenge. Current technology applications like GPS tracking, ELD data, Internet of Things (IoT), and a TMS can give you advanced analytics and reporting that would otherwise be comprised of manual processes. Not only does technology offer you savings in time but of human error as many processes become automated. 

SUSTAINABILITY

Another significant cold chain challenge is the increasing spotlight on sustainability. The distribution and transportation of temperature-controlled products have shown to be major causes of greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison to other supply chain transportation, cold chain transport consumes 20 percent more fuel than other heavy vehicle types due to the refrigeration equipment. The biggest issue facing sustainability is the high-power consumption or combustion of fossil fuels necessary to power the cold chain’s cooling systems. 

There are also growing issues and increasing regulations on refrigerant gases used in cooling systems like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as they are responsible for high greenhouse gas emissions. In 2015, the European Union set strict limits on the production and sale of high global warming potential HFC refrigerants. In the U.S., the Manufacturing Act of 2019 was passed which established a timeline of phasing down the use of HFCs by 2036. 

Because of the increasing pressure of sustainability and its regulations enacted on the cold chain, many large food and pharmaceutical companies have plans in place to reduce their carbon emissions. In 2015, more than 150 businesses in the U.S. signed the Business Act on Climate Pledge which launched for private sector businesses to express their support on international action on climate change. Also, in 2015, the Paris Agreement was created, signed by 195 countries at the United Nations climate change summit. This agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the planet from warming by more than 2 degrees Celsius. 

Being sustainable in the cold chain is also something you can be recognized for now with awards such as the Supply & Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award or the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ Supply Chain Sustainability Award. Some ways to consider in adding sustainability to your cold chain is improving your cold chain management to reduce waste and your carbon footprint or considering alternative transportation modes like intermodal versus truckload when shipping your products. While you’re working on improving sustainability in your cold chain, make sure the providers you work with are equally interested in sustainability as well. Here at Trinity, we are proud of our sustainability efforts and to be recognized as a SDCE Green Supply Chain Award winner and as a Food Logistics’ Top Green Provider. 

TEMPERATURE VARIANCES

Shipping temperature-sensitive items? Check out our Temperature Shipping Guide for temperature suggestions?

It’s one of the biggest and most common cold chain challenges: maintaining the required temperature of the product throughout the entire supply chain. Any temperature that is higher than the set temperature can affect a product’s quality. Not all products that get exposed to a temperature past their threshold will spoil right away, as it depends on how steep and frequent the exposure was. Once a product has begun to thaw, it is considered contaminated. Depending on the product and temperature, that window of time can be very short. There are many times during cold chain in which a product can be exposed to a temperature variance: during unloading and loading of the product, from poor packaging, handling, or broken equipment.

Loading and Unloading

As your product moves through the cold chain, it can get exposed to temperatures outside its set temp. Whenever loading and unloading your product, handling should be as quick as possible. Preventing prolonged exposure to temperature changes prevents having problems with quality. 

Poor packaging or handling

There are many different ways to package your cold chain freight so it can keep its cool. If it’s not done right or in mind of your transit time, your goods can spoil before arrival. When handled poorly, they can become damaged, causing lost product.

Equipment problems

One way the cold chain can be interrupted is when your equipment breaks down. Refrigeration equipment can malfunction due to damage, inadequate maintenance, or losing power. 

In cold storage, doors becoming damaged are one of the common challenges they face. When cold storage doors become damaged, they can’t maintain their specified temperatures.

Due to inadequate maintenance, there can be a buildup of condensation in coolers and freezers, causing slippery surfaces and unsafe conditions for workers, as well as a spoiled product. Another maintenance challenge is handling the growth of mold or mildew, which can happen with poorly maintained temperatures. Should this happen, the freezer will need to be cleaned thoroughly and inspected for any problems. 

Transportation Breaks Down

Vehicles can break down at any time. Any hold-up in your cold chain shipment could mean more than just a time delay, it can mean a spoiled product. Make sure you’re working with a qualified carrier who inspects their truck or other modes of freight before the journey begins.

Keeping track of the temperature throughout your cold chain is another way to combat having your products exposed to changes in temperature. Temperature monitoring systems are quickly replacing any manual processes of collecting temperature information, saving time, and preventing spoiled products. This also allows cold chain managers insight into their problem areas and being able to fix them.

Some of these temperature monitoring systems are RFID or wireless sensor network, thermal imaging, and temperature loggers. RFID or other wireless sensor networks are the most common in the cold chain. These sensors capture the location and temperature, communicating the information back to a database and allowing parameters like an estimated shelf life to be calculated. You’ll often find these in warehousing and cold storage. Thermal imaging is exactly what you think it is; imaging that is taken showing the different temperatures of everything in the photo. Thermal imaging uses a sensor to convert the radiation given off at different temperatures into a visible light picture. This is also often used in warehousing and cold storage. Lastly, temperature loggers are another type of sensor placed next to cargo in transportation. They can be set to record as frequently as every second, minute, or hour. Once removed, they can be plugged into a computer so the temperature data can be transferred and analyzed.

TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED SHIPPING CAPACITY 

Another significant cold chain challenge is available capacity. Capacity is always a challenge for any industry, but even more so for the cold chain, especially right now. With freight in high demand across all industries and capacity slim, drivers can pick and choose what shipments they want to take based on (already) high rates. Reefer trailers are already limited with the increased demand on cold chain, but when rates for moving other high-demand commodities such as lumber or retail keep increasing, those drivers can choose to utilize their reefer trailer as a dry van to haul should those rates be better paying, further reducing cold chain capacity. Cold storage warehousing is seeing the strain as well because of the growing freight demand. More storage space is needed in the supply chain and new buildings are being built, but those currently in production or needing their building supplies (which are also in high demand), puts yet another strain on shipping capacity until that demand has decreased. With the cold chain demand increasing and available equipment and drivers doing quite the opposite, can the logistics sector keep up? Read more in our current whitepaper.

DON’T LET THE COLD CHAIN SCARE YOU

There is a lot of juggling to do when managing the cold chain. If even one ball is dropped, it can affect the whole cold chain. You can prepare as best as you can for these cold chain challenges, but sometimes it’s nice to know you have backup when you need it most.

Luckily here at Trinity, we’re experts in complex situations. In fact, I would say it’s our specialty. We’ve seen every possible problem there could be and are happy to help. By working with Trinity, you can gain access to the data you need to improve your performance and output, find equipment and capacity when you’re finding it difficult, and work with someone who understands current regulations, no matter the region or type of commodity you work with. We’re here to have your back regardless of what cold chain challenge comes your way.

Simplify your cold chain challenges.

Not ready to request a quote? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch our latest State of the Industry and Freight Market Update videos to stay on top of what’s going on in cold chain. 

Author: Christine Morris

If you haven’t already noticed, cold chain logistics is currently a hot topic. The demand for fresh products and quality supply chain processes are at an all-time high. Recognizing these trends in cold chain and taking action will help you fulfill your customer’s needs. Let’s look at five trends going on in the cold chain industry.

1. An Increased Demand on Quality Products

Big trends in cold chain, specifically the food industry, has been the demand for fresher and higher-quality products. Consumers want their peaches to be juicier and their avocados to be riper. To satisfy the customers’ wants, you need to make sure the carrier that is shipping your product is well versed in cold chain management. They need to know how to avoid changes in the texture and taste of the produce when a shipment fluctuates beyond the required temperature. The focus on quality products means that refrigerated warehouses will need to maintain temperature zones.

Quality products don’t stop at fresh food. With the COVID-19 vaccine being administered, people want to make sure that what they’re getting injected into their bodies is safe. In addition, the amount of biological drugs and gene therapies is growing. Because of this, logistics companies are also widening their capacity for temperature-controlled transportation to meet the demand.

As we’ve stated in our Shipping Pharmaceuticals blog, cold chain logistics play significant role in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Manufacturers of these vaccines and medications need the cold chain to run smoothly to prevent any damage to the expensive drugs. Pharmaceuticals also need to arrive as good as new because medicine that has sat in incorrect temperatures for an extended period can be ineffective or detrimental to a patient’s health.

2. The Global Cold Chain Market is Booming

A recent report by Grand View Research shows that the global cold chain market size is expected to grow 14.8 percent from 2021 to 2028. Many nations have recognized a rising need to avoid food waste and loss of healthcare products due to spoilage. Moreover, the demand for fresher products is on the rise. Nations such as China and India are boosting their global cold chain efforts to meet the demand for their exports. International trade liberalization has also boosted the use of cold chain, globally. Because it is the global cold chain is rising, manufacturers need to become more specialized in their products so they can ship their goods to a wider variety of customers across the globe.

3. Stronger Regulations

Another trend in the cold chain has been stricter regulations on shipped products. Both globalization and the recent rise of food and pharma counterfeit incidences have caused production and cold chain rules to be reevaluated. The beginning of these rules started with the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act. This act requires anyone in the food supply chain to document every step of the process. Certain products like fruit must be traced all the way back to the point of origin.

Being proactive with these firm rules and regulations has also been a common trend across cold chain logistics. Manufacturers are strengthening their processes in-house to help mitigate any issues with their cold chain. Safety should be a top priority for the manufacturer when shipping through cold chain.

4. Innovative Packaging

Specialized packaging has been a trending topic in the cold chain industry. Whether it be for pharmaceuticals or food and beverages, manufacturers have been more specific on how they want their products packaged.

For pharmaceutical companies, there has been a conflict between packaging and transportation costs. For smaller shipments moving through the supply chain, a company can choose either a 24, 48, or 72-hour packaging that will protect the products from becoming ineffective. The more insulated the packaging is, the higher the cost. Globalization is also a major factor in this dilemma. If the U.S. ships cold chain products like pharmaceuticals overseas, it is imperative that the carrier knows to re-ice the shipment if any delays occur.

Companies that specialize in temperature-controlled packaging are making single-use or reusable packaging for all your cold chain needs. There are new refrigerated shipping systems that don’t require gel coolants, and they weigh much less than typical cold chain packages. These systems use evaporative, reactive cooling technology that responds and adjusts to fluctuating temperatures.

Whether it be significant innovations such as evaporative cooling technology or something as simple as adding handles and straps to your packaging, traditional packaging is starting to become a thing of the past. Companies are trying to gain that competitive advantage of being the most innovative packaging company for your cold chain needs.

5. Outsourcing to a Third-Party Logistics Company

Another demand in the cold chain has been for efficiency and visibility throughout the supply chain. Companies don’t like to be left in the dark when it comes to the transportation of their products. That is why a 3PL provides a wide range of technology services to promote transparency within the supply chain.

Consumers today are becoming more conscientious about their needs. No one wants to settle for spoiled milk or ineffective pharmaceuticals. It is imperative that manufacturers stay up to date on these current trends in the cold chain in order to satisfy their customers. Doing research and staying in the know are both imperative ways for your business to be successful. Being proactive and listening to what customers want is the best way to stay on top in the cold chain industry.

Interested in learning more about Trinity’s experience in cold chain?

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Whether those buying your product are meat-eaters or vegetarians, gluten-free, or dairy-free or they’ll try anything under the sun – we all have to eat. All food must make its way from farms and factories to the dinner table. We all know that this multi-step process is particular and sensitive. Shipping frozen and refrigerated food together can be a recipe for disaster if not done right. The technicalities involved in packaging, warehousing, and transporting these goods are specific and time–sensitive. Let’s look at the logistics of frozen and refrigerated shipping and see how your product ends up safely on dinner tables. 

Shipping temperature-sensitive items? Check out our Temperature Shipping Guide for temperature suggestions?

Refrigerated/Frozen Food Shipping: LTL vs. Truckload

The process of shipping food differs between truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Let’s look at how these two modes differ when it comes to shipping your frozen food. 

LTL

When you work with a refrigerated LTL carrier, you likely know that they have specific days that they pick up, depending on the region. Other temperature-controlled products traveling within that region in the same temperature range will be on that truck. 

The LTL carrier will pick up all these shipments within a specific window and deliver them the following week. Depending on the size of your business and the frequency of shipments, you may find it challenging to keep track of the various pick-up and delivery windows for specific carriers. Visibility of your shipment is imperative to ensure your product arrives safely to the store and in peak condition.  

Truckload

Large shipments of dairy, frozen meats, boxes of bananas, lettuce and watermelons, cans of soup, ketchup, you name it, can be shipped via truckload from distributors to grocery stores. Truckloads full of items leaving one location and heading to the same destination with the exact temperature requirements can be shipped together. However, if this isn’t the case for your product, remember to note this on your instructions for the carrier moving your freight. 

Since these trucks typically have one origin, one destination, and one driver, there aren’t necessarily specific days of the week that these are picked up. However, receivers may have specific days for delivery. Ensure your product arrives in peak condition by coordinating the pick-up and delivery times appropriately so food does not spoil. 

Grocery Delivery Services

The typical grocery store shipments are pretty cut and dry with how goods arrive at the loading docks. The waters get muddied up when it comes to services designed to help busy people get groceries without ever stepping foot into a store. 

Consumers can buy everything else online, so why not food? Grocery delivery services like Peapod, Walmart Grocery Delivery, Instacart, Freshdirect, and Amazon Fresh have turned e-commerce into a giant food pantry for busy people. In a five-minute website visit, people can add their groceries to a virtual cart and have the goods arrive on their front step the following day. 

While grocery deliveries are incredibly convenient and competitive price–wise for the average consumer, it’s a rather complicated process with a small profit margin for shippers. 

These last-mile grocery shipments are so tricky because of the precise instructions and temperatures for the items within a single shipment. Companies have a window of around 20 hours to get groceries from the warehouse to a customer’s fridge. Any moment that the temperature dips below the requirement could zap away the shelf life of your product. 

There’s also difficulty with grocery delivery because certain products cannot be shipped with others. Some produce items can’t be packaged in the same bag as others. Refrigerated items such as milk and cheese shouldn’t reach the temperatures that frozen microwavable meals demand and vice versa. 

Some of these grocery delivery services have refrigerated trucks that carry the groceries from house to house, while others do the temperature control within the grocery totes, using insulated boxes, large ice packs, or dry ice. 

Drivers who deliver these shipments must be more conscious about delivery windows to ensure that each food stays exactly how it is supposed to be, so the integrity remains when the bags make their way from the front step into the kitchens of consumers worldwide. 

Meal Service Delivery Kits

Meal Service Delivery Kits from providers like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, Green Chef, Sun Basket, and Plated are handled a little differently from grocery delivery service. 

Shoppers who want pre-portioned ingredients to prepare two or three meals a week for their family will sign up for these services. Ultimately, the providers, like HelloFresh, will have a preselected menu for the week. 

In this case, the providers are the ones deciding what produce, grain, dairy, and meat can be packaged together. These deliveries arrive at customers’ homes in insulated cardboard boxes. Meats are typically at the bottom of the box covered by large ice packs, with produce and dry items packaged on top. 

These deliveries are a little less complicated and don’t require immediate attention from the customer to stay fresh. While there are instructions to unpack in the fridge as soon as possible, food can stay cold with gel ice packs if customers are not home at the time of delivery. Typically, these items are kept at refrigerated temperatures and don’t fall into the realm of frozen food shipping. Proper packaging during this time helps maintain the integrity of your product. 

Multiple carriers still come into play to get food delivered from the meal service distribution centers to the doorsteps of customers, many times parcel companies like UPS and FedEx complete the last leg of delivery. These carriers need to have the knowledge and expertise of shipping frozen and refrigerated food. This will ensure that the meal kits are delivered properly and are safe for the customer to eat. 

Categorized Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes have become a major trend in the food industry. Unlike the full grocery delivery services, these boxes differ as they often only offer a specific type of commodity. Examples of food subscription boxes are Butcherbox, Misfits Market, Jeni’s Pint Club, Carnivore Club, and Wine Down. 

These categorized subscription boxes are even less complicated to package and deliver than the Meal Service Delivery kits. Since all items are in the same category and require similar packaging and temperature control, there is no need to make sure certain items are at the bottom with more sensitive items at the top of the box. 

All items are packaged like the meal kits inside an insulated cardboard box covered by large ice packs and delivered the same way. Companies like ButcherBox can warehouse and deliver their boxes in one to two days with services like Direct-to-Consumer through our parent company, Burris Logistics. 

Third-Party Logistics Frozen Food Shipping

Even with changing trends in the way food and groceries make their way into consumers’ cabinets and refrigerators, your food product still has to travel from distribution centers, warehouses, and farms around the world. 

Whether you have a full truckload of refrigerated or frozen food to ship or just a few pallets, you can work with a third-party logistics (3PL) company to help coordinate your shipments. 

Whether you’re shipping multiple trailer loads of food to grocery stores across the country, or you’re just starting to ship several pallets of your bakery goods to markets, Trinity Logistics is uniquely qualified to help you find solutions for your cold chain specific needs. 

Trinity arranges the shipment of food, produce, and frozen meat and seafood on a regular basis. We work with a vast array of carriers with reefer and frozen food equipment at the ready. With innovative technology and Account Management expertise, frozen food shipping arrangement has become a specialty of Trinity. 

Want to learn how Trinity can arrange your refrigerated shipments? 

Connect with us today by submitting a quote request. 

Request a quote

Originally published July 7th, 2017 By Brittany Siegel. Updated by Victoria Dalton.

If you find it difficult to juggle multiple providers for your cold chain logistics, there’s a better, even seamless, way of doing business. Cold chain logistics can be difficult to manage and finding reliable providers can be frustrating. There are many moving parts of the cold chain that can be hard to follow and track. Often you may find yourself with many providers and contacts to sort through. What if you could reduce all your cold chain logistics companies down to one? What if you could replace the rest by finding one with a range of modes for your cold chain freight, including warehousing, transportation management, and more? Sound too good to be true? Keep reading.

RISKS OF MULTIPLE PROVIDERS

When you ship and manage temperature-controlled freight, you often find yourself working with more than one logistics provider. This means there can be more handling, which can become a cause for safety concerns.

Manual processes in the transportation of cold chain freight can cause decreased visibility along your freight’s journey. The majority exists within the food industry due to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Because of this, shippers need to practice diligence when selecting and vetting the carriers they choose move their freight. They must make sure to communicate responsibilities such as required temperature requirements, having access to temperature readings, and making sure equipment is inspected before moving.

When you work with more than one carrier the process becomes more complicated. Each one adds complexity to your cold chain and every handling adds risk. Take time to map out your supply chain end-to-end, identify gaps, simplify your processes, and reduce the number of providers that move your freight. This can reduce your cold chain safety risks.

Shipping temperature-sensitive items? Check out our Temperature Shipping Guide.

HOW WORKING WITH TRINITY CAN BENEFIT YOUR COLD CHAIN

This is where partnering with Trinity Logistics can help. As a Burris Logistics Company, we’re uniquely qualified to arrange solutions across your entire cold chain. Working with us means you can feel at ease knowing your cold chain products are well taken care of during transportation. Stop searching for and working with multiple cold chain logistics companies. We vet every carrier in our network, reducing your risk and time spent finding providers. Some of the benefits of working with one 3PL include:

…INCREASED FLEXIBILITY

The ability to be flexible and quickly adapt to change is important for your cold chain business to stay competitive. When you partner with Trinity it gives you that flexibility of having a whole network of vetted, qualified carriers at the ready. And because we’re under the Burris Logistics umbrella, should you need other logistics solutions outside of our range, we can still support you by working with Burris to arrange those cold chain solutions that fit. We can help you stay flexible as one sole provider, instead of working with several.

…REDUCED WASTE

When you work with only one cold chain logistics provider, you can reduce your waste. At Trinity, you’ll build a relationship with a logistics expert. We can help you reduce supply chain inefficiencies through transportation management or reduce emissions by finding better routes. We can help you use trucks efficiently, such as reducing deadhead miles or suggesting intermodal when it makes sense.

…SAVE MONEY

When you work with a cold chain logistics company, such as Trinity Logistics, you can save money. With more flexibility, increased efficiencies, and reduced waste, you’ll be able to use your money better and reduce your logistics costs. By working with one provider instead of several, you’ll save time in billing and invoices. We provide a Team of dedicated, knowledgeable, and flexible experts, bringing you increased productivity and workflows within your logistics. Working with a provider such as Trinity, is a great way to cut costs without losing quality, time, or deadline requirements when it comes to your freight management and transportation.

WORKING WITH A COMPANY LIKE TRINITY, A BURRIS LOGISTICS COMPANY

When choosing to work with Trinity Logistics, you’re choosing to cut complexity. Cold chain logistics is complicated in itself and trying to do it alone can be frustrating. Choose to reduce your frustration with cold chain logistics companies by choosing the right one.

With Trinity, you’ll gain end-to-end supply chain management. Trinity is one part of the Burris Logistics umbrella, so working with us offers you access to other Burris options such as cold storage or direct-to-consumer fulfillment should you need it.

With Trinity and Burris combined, you’ll gain a greater level of flexibility in your cold chain with customized solutions. You’ll have a greater level of agility in your logistics execution while reducing cost. Since we focus on how you operate as a shipper, we make sure we fit your mold and help to solve your problems, not the other way around. You can count on Trinity Logistics to be able to serve and support your cold chain all the way from production to delivery.

Simplify your cold chain logistics today.

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Does the COVID-19 vaccine have your cold chain logistics worried? If not, you should be taking it into consideration. 

Everyone’s over the pandemic. We’re ready to be back attending public events, traveling to popular destinations, have our kids in school full time, and more. So much of 2020 has had to cancel or make the move to virtual and it’s not the same. Additionally, here at Trinity, the health and wellbeing of our Team Members, Authorized Agents, Carriers, and Customers is our number one priority.

Pfizer, Moderna, and others have quickly turned around vaccine solutions, making the light at the end of the tunnel seem in reach. With everyone looking to gain some sense of normal back into their lives, it means all hands will be on deck for the upcoming vaccine distribution. That means other cold chain commodities, will fall lower in priority. How will this affect your cold chain logistics?

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS FOR A COVID-19 VACCINE

Vaccines are fragile. Most have to store at specific colder temperatures to protect them from deterioration. If left out too long or exposed to fluctuating temperatures, vaccines can lose their effectiveness. According to the World Health Organization, one in four vaccines loses its integrity during transit. Due to their fragility and the extensive attention to detail that the logistics sector has to maintain, roughly 80 percent of a vaccine’s cost comes from its storage and transport. 

Usually vaccines transport in temperature ranges of two to eight degrees Celsius. Currently, nine COVID-19 vaccines are in their Phase 3 trials, with two, Pfizer and Moderna, being very close to distribution. Because of the quick turnaround the world is seeking, these vaccines are containing higher protein bases which need ultracold temperatures, as low as minus 80 degree Celsius. Those receiving vaccines will need to get two doses, each about three to four weeks apart. Over time, vaccines will be developedrequiring more typical refrigeration temperatures and single doses. Regardless, cold chain logistics will continue to play a vital role in the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine and for now, the specifications will be strict. 

ALL COLD CHAIN HANDS ON DECK

Currently, Pfizer expects to produce and distribute up to 50 million doses of their vaccine in 2020 and 1.3 billion in 2021; Moderna expects 20 million in 2020 and anywhere from 500 million to one billion in 2021. Not to mention the other vaccines that will make their way as well. It is estimated that to immunize 7.8 billion people worldwide, 10 billion doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be needed.

The FMCSA recently announced their most recent extension of the Hours-of-Service waiver to February 28th and included carriers transporting COVID-19 vaccines. This effort is expected to be the biggest challenge the logistics sector has ever faced. Currently, logistics experts are struggling to plan ahead because of the lack of very specific information that they need to know about, such as the packaging, amount of dry ice needed to maintain temperatures, warehousing, equipment needed, and more. 

Shipping temperature-sensitive items? Check out our Temperature Shipping Guide.

AREAS TO WATCH

Through Operation Warp Speed, Moderna and other upcoming vaccines will deliver to the Mckesson distribution center in Irving, Texas, and then arranged deliveries to hospitals, nursing homes, and other determined points. Moderna will manufacture its vaccine in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. 

Pfizer, however, has chosen to not distribute through Operation Warp Speed. They manufacture their vaccine in Michigan and plan to ship with transportation providers such as UPS and FedEx to locations around the country. They’ve chosen to directly ship to gain greater control and real-time insights into the status of their frozen vials. 

HOW IT AFFECTS CAPACITY

Obviously, reefer capacity is going to be needed for vaccine distribution. But, it’s already tight. If you’re in the cold chain, shipping temperature-controlled items, prepare to continue paying premiums for this service.

Recently, reefer rejection rates have been at almost 50 percent. That means almost one out of every two reefer shipments are being turned down by carriers. When the rejection rates are higher, the tighter capacity is, and the higher cost for you to get your cold freight moved. Reefer rates are already 20 percent higher year-over-year due to increased consumer demand while spending more time at home. 

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

If you ship temperature-controlled goods, the upcoming vaccine distribution efforts should be a concern for your business and logistics, especially if you regularly ship through less-than-truckload (LTL). Many top tier transportation companies such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL are ready to help Operation Warp Speed in the vaccine distribution. Everyone knows the vaccine distribution is the highest priority, but transportation providers also know they will be well compensated for their service of transporting it. This means other cold chain commodities will be pushed further down in priority. This will only continue on as more COVID vaccines become available to be distributed and until risk of COVID is greatly reduced. In the form of some ultracold transportation logistics, winter is coming and the demand for reefers will continue to rise. 

SHIPPING COLD CHAIN? WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE

Communicate.

Get ready now. Start talking to your relationships and providers to make sure you will have trucks to move your freight. Talk to your customers. Let them know now that things may slow down or get behind with the upcoming and expected vaccine distribution efforts.

Things may be getting tougher for you, but I think we all know this is good. We’re one step closer to returning to some sense of normalcy. Hold on, because the light at the end of the tunnel is there. It’s now in reach. We’re just in for a few more bumps in the road, but we’ll make it. 

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Author: Christine Morris