The logistics sector is fundamental to the productivity of the industrial fabric, especially for the performance of the corporate supply chain.

At this point, transporting refrigerated or frozen food becomes an essential task for a good number of industries.

Read on, we tell you what refrigerated transport is and everything related to this important type of goods transport. Take note!

 

 

What is refrigerated transport

One of the first questions to know is what is called refrigerated transport. This could be defined as a method of transporting goods that requires special temperature-controlled vehicles.

The vehicle that transports the products to be shipped is equipped with a refrigeration system that maintains the products at the desired temperature during the entire transport process.

For a wide variety of products, refrigerated transport is not an option, but an absolute necessity.

It is a type of transport that complies with current and proper regulations both for transportation and to ensure the safety of the products.

 

 

Difference between refrigeration and freezing

Within refrigerated transport there are different concepts that are often confused and can lead to confusion.

Refrigeration is the process of preserving goods (usually perishable products) at temperatures ranging from 0 to 8 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, freezing processes require lower temperatures, we are talking about temperatures below zero.

In one way or another, means of transporting refrigerated or frozen foods require a system capable of generating the desired temperature for their correct maintenance during transport.

 

 

Standards and certifications for refrigerated food transportation

As mentioned above, refrigerated or frozen transport is governed by regulations.

Specifically, reference is made in the Royal Decree 1202/2005, of October 10, 2005.
The Royal Decree on the transport of perishable goods and the special vehicles used in these transports.

Defines and shows everything related to the regulations in force in Spain at all times of the agreement on the transport of perishable goods and special vehicles used in these transports.

Logistics companies must take into account all those protocols and guidelines to be able to transport goods that need refrigeration and freezing processes.

 

 

What type of transport can be used

Various types of transport can be used for the transport of refrigerated or frozen foods. All of them must have the relevant approved cooling system.

 

Aerial

Air transport is one of the fastest growing modes of transport in the logistics sector in recent years. You have more information about this type of transport in:

Airfreight can be used to transport goods that need to be refrigerated and frozen, using different systems:

  • Isothermal containers.
  • Insulating Packaging.
  • Cooling materials

 

Maritime

Maritime transport is the most widely used for the transportation of goods. Refrigerated containers can be used to transport perishable foodstuffs that require a high level of preservation.

Specially designed containers are available to maintain the desired temperature of the goods.

You have more information about maritime transport in:

 

Terrestrial

As in the case of other means of transportation, land transportation requires vehicles with refrigeration and freezing systems. They are usually trucks designed for this task.

 

 

Vehicles for transporting refrigerated or frozen foodstuffs

That said, it is possible to list a number of vehicles specialized in the transport of goods requiring refrigeration or freezing. Take note!

 

Types of vehicles for refrigerated transport

Isothermal Vehicle

A type of vehicle designed with doors, roofs and walls with insulating material to prevent leaks and temperature changes between the interior and exterior.

Refrigerated Vehicle

This type of vehicle has a similar design to the isothermal models, but includes a cold source that provides the possibility of lowering the temperature to -20 degrees Celsius.

Refrigerated Vehicle

They stand out for having a device capable of producing cold individually or collectively. In this way the temperature can be lowered in the range of -12 to -20 degrees.

Heating Vehicle

Design similar to the isothermal type, but with a heat source that ensures that the temperature does not drop below 12 degrees.

 

How they work

In simple terms, we can explain that vehicles that can transport refrigerated or frozen cargo have a system designed for this purpose, independent of the vehicle’s traditional energy.

These systems have their own resources to maintain the temperature: compressors, condensers or evaporators that are capable of lowering and maintaining the temperature.

In addition to this, certain considerations must be met, such as:

  • The interior of the vehicle must be waterproof and airtight.
  • The goods must be in special containers and never found at ground level.
  • Goods must be isolated from the driver’s cab.

 

 

Refrigerated food transportation logistics

The transport of refrigerated food is essential to respect and preserve the so-called cold chain of many of the goods used in different industries.

The logistics sector offers different vehicles adapted and designed to be able to control and maintain the desired temperature.

By air, land and sea it is possible to transport goods in a refrigerated environment with all the necessary guarantees and safety.

If you need to transport perishable goods with refrigerated transport, Across Logistics is your specialist. Do not hesitate to contact us and explain your needs.