How 3PLs Can Help Food Manufacturers Keep Temperature-Sensitve Products Safe

By Sam Lewis

Shipping products that require temperature control is a very complicated process and new regulations, such as FSMA, are adding more complications. For food manufacturers who make temperature-sensitive products, navigating the ever-changing landscape that is the cold chain can present many obstacles. To overcome these challenges, it may be best for food manufacturers of temperature-sensitive products to partner with a third-party logistics company specializing in temperature-controlled shipping.

FSMA’s Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food will bring strict sanitary, training and temperature-controlled protocols. Because of this, the number of shipping and logistics companies that are able to comply with FSMA — recording every stage of the cold chain, including temperatures from pickup to delivery — will decrease dramatically.

Another piece of legislation that may have a major impact on food’s cold chain — and has just recently been brought to my attention — is California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations demand that all shipping trucks have engines made in 2010, or after, by 2023. Should this legislation remain intact, it presents an enormous problem for California growers as almost half of all fruits, vegetables, and nuts grown in the U.S. come from California.

In 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that nearly $530 billion worth of temperature-sensitive shipments made their way across the country. Further, feeding a growing world is going to be more challenging than ever. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, by 2050, feeding a global population of 9 billion people will require a 70 percent increase in food production, which, of course, will need to be shipped.

Combine a growing population with a decreasing number of temperature-sensitive shipping outlets due to an ever-changing regulatory landscape and it seems the food industry’s cold chain is up against some big challenges.

Temperature-controlled shipping is a tricky business compared to standard shipping. In standard freight, mistakes can be made without jeopardizing entire shipments. However, in the food industry’s cold chain, should one portion of it become suspect an entire shipment can be ruined. Because temperature-sensitive products require such great care, investing in a third-party logistics (3PL) provider can insure your products are safe from pickup to delivery.

A good 3PL will be able to acquire carriers with modern transport equipment, CARB certifications, and are on top of FSMA’s requirements the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food. The 3PL should also have established excellent temperature-sensitive product shipping protocols with a good reputation to back those protocols up. But what are those protocols?

While loading your product, your 3PL will ensure your product is being loaded and carried with products that have similar shipping requirements, such as temperature — products requiring different temperatures should not be carried together. Your 3PL will also prevent your product from being carried with products that could put your product’s quality at risk. With loading also comes cleaning and your 3PL should do the necessary work between shipments to ensure your product is safe and its quality is unblemished.

While product is in transit, your 3PL should be using technology to remotely monitor where your product is and the temperature of the cargo. Your 3PL should also be using available technology to scan for weather issues, closed, roads, and any other potentially adverse conditions. Mishaps during transit can leave an entire load of perishables unsafe for consumption. Monitoring your product in transit is a proactive measure to ensure food safety, quality, and delivery times.

Selecting Your 3PL
If I were choosing a 3PL for my company, I would ask, “Which company has repeatedly overcome the obstacles the cold chain presents?” This means the 3PL has a reputation of being able to identify potential problems and stop them before they become actual problems. The partner with the ability to offer this service, have the experience to back it up, and understand the marketplace might not be the least expensive regarding initial cost. However, think about all the potential setbacks in the food industry’s cold chain, as well as the high cost of a food recall. Your initial investment in a 3PL that can provide services that fit your company’s unique needs is far less than the costs associated with a damaged brand.