Enhancing cold chain logistics with inland services

When it comes to cold chain logistics (handling, storing, and transporting perishable goods under temperature-controlled conditions), much of the conversation revolves around the maritime leg of the supply chain: reefer containers, ports, and ocean freight. Whilst these are undeniably crucial, they represent only part of the story. Before and after the ocean, there is transportation on the land.

What is cold chain logistics?

Cold chain logistics refers to transporting and storing temperature-sensitive products under controlled conditions (temperature and humidity) throughout the supply chain. This highly specialised process involves goods transported in refrigerated containers like pharmaceuticals, fresh produce and frozen foods — ensuring their safety, integrity and usability for consumption.

What happens inland?

The inland journey is the link that connects the entire supply chain, delivering products from producers to ports, to cold storage and to their final destinations. Without an effective and reliable inland cold chain network, the integrity of the entire logistics process is at risk.

The inland journey of cold chain logistics can involve multiple models of transportation (intermodal logistics), from reefer containers, reefer trucks, rail, barge. Each mode of transportation in the inland cold supply chain must ensure that the transported freight remains within prescribed temperature and humidity limits throughout transit. Without a well-structured inland journey, even the most sophisticated ocean freight operations cannot guarantee product quality at the destination.

The inland part of the cold chain is where logistics strategies are truly tested. Here’s how:

• Global-local dynamics and variations: Cold chain logistics isn’t a one-size-fits-all system. Regional infrastructure, climate, and regulatory environments shape how inland logistics function.
• Impact on the consumer: Failures in inland logistics directly impact consumers with far-reaching consequences. Loss of produce or compromised pharmaceuticals not only lead to financial losses but can also damage brand trust — making supply chain inefficiencies more evident. On the other hand, a seamless inland cold chain ensures high-quality products reach end-users safely and reliably.
• Need for sector-specific strategy: Different industries have unique demands for their cold chain logistics, and the inland leg is no exception. For example, transporting pharmaceuticals requires a precise environment, with real-time temperature monitoring and contingency plans for fluctuations. For fresh produce logistics, the focus lies in reducing transit times and ensuring temperature stability to prevent ripening or spoilage and loss.

Key challenges in inland cold chain logistics

Despite technological advancements and growing investments in cold chain infrastructure, maintaining the inland cold supply chain poses significant challenges that can derail even the best-laid logistics plans.

• Issues maintaining temperature integrity: Keeping temperatures consistent is a never-ending challenge in cold chain logistics, both ocean and inland. For example, long delays due to congestion or mechanical issues can cause temperature deviations in containers, compromising product quality.
• Infrastructure and regulatory hurdles: The success of inland cold chain logistics depends heavily on infrastructure yet varies significantly by region. In many rural or less-developed areas, a lack of cold storage facilities or temperature-controlled transfer hubs, leads to inefficiencies and increased risk of produce loss. Inadequate infrastructure creates bottlenecks, disrupting the flow of goods and significantly raising operational costs.
• Balancing shipping costs with service quality: Inefficient routes, high fuel prices, or the need for specialised temperature-controlled equipment can all increase costs. For businesses, the challenge lies in finding an optimum point between cost efficiency and the maintenance of high service quality.

What’s next? Collaboration and integration across cold chain logistics

Collaborative route planning, leveraging real-time data, and predictive analysis helps delay and mitigate risks of product loss. Open communication and aligned objectives, such as maintaining product integrity, optimising transit times and minimising costs, help reduce potential disruptions and enable smoother operations across the supply chain.

Learn more on cold chain solutions for temperature-controlled shipping at Maersk.