Types of Temperature-Controlled Solutions & Standards

The logistics and shipping industry has come a long way in providing reliable and fast delivery of goods across the globe. With the use of innovative technologies and materials, global courier services like DHL Express, continually strive to offer solutions for cross-border shipping through which sensitive and important goods are delivered reliably in the best possible conditions. One such type of shipping solution that is absolutely paramount these days relies on temperature-controlled environments. 

Below, we dive into the importance of temperature-controlled cargo, the related regulations and standards we abide by, as well as the range of local and international logistics solutions DHL offers its customers. 

What is Cold Chain Logistics (Temperature-Controlled Logistics)?

Temperature-controlled logistics, also known as cold chain logistics, refers to the storage, transportation, and distribution of temperature-sensitive cargo. This ensures that the temperature throughout the supply chain remains the same – in other words, controlled – from parcel packing to the maintenance of the cold chain till it reaches its destination.

What products require cold chain management?

Such cold chain requirements are necessary for food products, fresh flowers, perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, medicines, and other medical materials. Any compromise on the temperature can result in goods losing their efficacy and can even lead to serious health consequences when these products are consumed or used.

Cold chain shipping couriers maintain a shipping temperature range between 2ºC and 8ºC, in line with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendations for vaccine storage, to ensure that the quality of the medicines and products do not get compromised. Fresh produce and frozen goods, meanwhile, generally require temperatures between 0ºC and 4ºC for chilled storage, or below -18ºC for frozen logistics. The manufacturer must ensure that all the involved parties understand the temperature requirements and that they are applied across the supply chain, a requirement explicitly outlined under the EU's Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines on staff training. Certain critical touch points which hold the greatest risk of temperature deviation include:

• The warehouse where the shipment will be stored prior to its transportation
• The route from the manufacturer to the shipper location
• During physical loading and unloading of shipments
• During the actual transit

Standards and Regulations for Temperature-Controlled Courier Services

Cold chain couriers must be aware of the international standards and regulations for transporting temperature-controlled goods. It is crucial that they are updated with all these regulations so they can ensure that the cold chain is not compromised. Some of these standards include:

• Operational directives for all parties along the supply chain
• Construction of transport network to ensure smooth shipping at temperature-controlled conditions
• Handling methods of temperature-sensitive items, including during cargo inspections
• Monitoring of temperature and location of the cold chain shipping containers

In addition to the above operational guidelines, carriers must also be familiar with the regulatory frameworks established by the following bodies:

• The European Union's Good Distribution Practice (GDP) sets out strict requirements for pharmaceutical storage temperatures, monitoring, and staff training as part of effective cold chain management.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) primarily provides technical guidance for the vaccine supply chain.
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has now split its former temperature-control regulations into two separate standards — the Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) for food and flowers, and the Temperature Control Regulations (TCR) for pharmaceuticals and life science products.
• The Parenteral Drug Association and various regional pharmacopeias also provide supplementary guidelines for specific product categories.
• If shipments involve import or export through Hong Kong, senders should also take note of the relevant licensing requirements set out by Hong Kong Customs and the Department of Health for pharmaceuticals and medicinal products, to avoid delays caused by incomplete documentation.

Types of temperature-controlled transportation

The industry primarily relies on the following types of temperature-controlled transportation, and businesses can select the most suitable option based on the nature of their shipment, transit distance, and budget. The table below summarises the key characteristics and applications of these four main methods: