Temperature-controlled transport is a key element of the supply chain for many industries, from food to pharmaceuticals. At SKAT, with many years of experience in road transport in Europe, we understand how crucial it is to maintain the appropriate temperature throughout the entire logistics process.

What is temperature-controlled transport?

It is a logistics service that involves transporting goods in vehicles equipped with cooling or heating systems. The aim is to maintain a constant, specified temperature throughout the transport process, from loading to final delivery.

This type of transport covers various temperature ranges, from deep freeze (-25°C and below) to transport at positive temperatures (up to +25°C and above), depending on the specifics of the products being transported and the characteristics of the trailer.

Which industries require temperature-controlled transport?

• Food industry - fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, frozen foods, and ready-made products require precise temperature maintenance to keep freshness, taste, and microbiological safety. A break in the cold chain can lead to spoilage and financial losses.
  
  

• Pharmaceuticals and medical products - medications, vaccines, biological preparations, and medical equipment often require transport under strictly controlled temperature conditions. Exceeding the permissible ranges may result in loss of therapeutic properties or damage to delicate instruments.
  
  

• Chemical industry - some chemical substances, cosmetics, and biotechnological products are sensitive to temperature changes and require special transport conditions.
  
  

• Floriculture and plants - transporting cut flowers, potted plants, and planting material requires maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity.

Key legal requirements and standards

Temperature-controlled transport is subject to strict legal regulations, especially for food and pharmaceutical products. The most important ones include:

• ATP Agreement - an international agreement regulating the transport of perishable goods. Vehicles must have the appropriate ATP certificates (Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs) confirming their ability to maintain the required temperatures.

• HACCP Regulation - a hazard analysis and critical control points system that requires documenting temperature throughout the entire transport process.

• Good Distribution Practice (GDP) - guidelines for the pharmaceutical industry regarding the appropriate distribution of medications.

• ADR transport regulations - for transporting hazardous chemical substances sensitive to temperature.

Challenges and common issues

Temperature-controlled transport presents many challenges that can affect the quality of the transported goods:

• Breaks in the cold chain often occur during transloading, stops, or equipment failures. Any break can lead to product quality deterioration or complete spoilage of the goods.

• Weather conditions significantly impact the efficiency of cooling systems. High external temperatures, direct sunlight, or sudden weather changes pose additional burdens on the units.

• Differences in regulations between European countries can cause complications during international transport. It is essential to be thoroughly aware of local requirements.

• Route planning needs to take into account the possibilities of refueling, servicing units, and driver breaks in places that ensure continuity of the cold chain.

Costs and factors influencing price

Temperature-controlled transport is more expensive than standard freight transport. Factors affecting the price include:

• Fuel consumption - cooling units significantly increase fuel consumption. Additionally, refrigerated vehicles are heavier, which also affects fuel consumption.

• Specialized equipment requires regular servicing, leak testing, ATP certifications, and necessary repairs. Maintenance costs for the fleet are considerably higher.

• Insurance for temperature-sensitive loads is more expensive due to the higher risk of damage to the goods.

• Qualified drivers who are knowledgeable about the specifics of refrigerated transport and can operate advanced monitoring systems.

• Additional services such as real-time monitoring, temperature documentation, or express deliveries raise the cost of the service.

Why is it worth choosing an experienced logistics partner?

Choosing the right partner for temperature-controlled transport can determine the success of the entire logistics venture. An experienced carrier offers not only a modern fleet and a qualified team but also comprehensive risk management.

At SKAT, we focus on continuous technological development and investing in the latest solutions. Our fleet is regularly modernized, and drivers undergo specialized training. This allows us to guarantee the highest quality services and safety of the transported goods.