Key Takeaways

• Cold Chain Logistics is the management of a Supply Chain for products that must be maintained under specified temperature conditions from origin to destination. It involves more than simply using a refrigerated truck or a foam box.
• There is no single Temperature Range suitable for every product. Requirements must be based on the Product Specification, Storage Condition, and information provided by the Manufacturer.
• Cold Chain risks often arise during cargo transfers, such as Pickup, Warehouse handling, Airport operations, Port handling, Customs, and Delivery—not only during Main Transport.
• Planning should cover Packaging, Pre-conditioning, Data Logger use, Route selection, Customs, a Backup Plan, and procedures for handling a Temperature Excursion.
• Before Booking, inform the Forwarder from the outset that the shipment is Temperature-sensitive Cargo and specify the required temperature range. Do not disclose this only after the Freight has been booked.

How can fresh fruit travel thousands of kilometers internationally and still arrive in suitable condition for consumers?

How can certain medicines pass through multiple countries while maintaining quality according to their requirements?

Part of the answer lies in a system known as Cold Chain Logistics.

Cold Chain does not simply mean making goods “cold.”

It means continuously maintaining the environmental conditions required by each specific product throughout the Supply Chain.

From:

Manufacturer → Packaging → Warehouse → Pickup → Main Transport → Customs → Destination Warehouse → Delivery

If any point along the route fails to maintain the required conditions, product quality may be affected—even when the goods still look normal on the outside.

What Is Cold Chain Logistics?

Cold Chain Logistics, or Temperature-controlled Logistics, is a system for managing products within a Supply Chain that require temperature or environmental conditions to remain within a specified range.

It may involve:

• Transportation
• Warehousing
• Packaging
• Monitoring
• Handling
• Customs Planning
• Last-mile Delivery

The key principle is:

The required conditions must be maintained continuously throughout the route.

It is not enough to cool the goods only when loading them onto a truck or aircraft.

How Does Cold Chain Differ from General Transportation?

General Cargo planning may focus mainly on:

• Dimensions
• Weight
• Packaging
• Freight
• Transit Time

Temperature-sensitive Cargo requires additional considerations, such as:

• Required Temperature
• Maximum Exposure Time
• Packaging Performance
• Ambient Temperature
• Warehouse Capability
• Handling Time
• Route
• Backup Plan
• Temperature Monitoring

Therefore, the fastest or cheapest Freight option is not always the most suitable.

Which Products May Require Cold Chain?

Common examples include:

Food and Beverages

• Meat
• Seafood
• Dairy Products
• Frozen Food
• Chilled Food
• Fresh Produce
• Fruit
• Certain Bakery Ingredients

Medicines and Medical Supplies

• Vaccines
• Biological Products
• Certain Pharmaceutical Products
• Diagnostic Products
• Laboratory Reagents

Certain Industrial Materials and Products

• Certain Chemicals
• Specialty Materials
• Temperature-sensitive Raw Materials

However, belonging to one of these groups does not mean that all products require the same Temperature.

The requirements of each Product must be checked.

Cold Chain Does Not Mean Everything Must Be Refrigerated

The term Cold Chain may create the impression that every product must be kept at a very low temperature.

In reality, Temperature-controlled Cargo can require different conditions, such as:

• Chilled
• Frozen
• Controlled Room Temperature
• Refrigerated
• Deep Frozen

These depend on the Product Specification.

The important question is not:

“What temperature does Cold Chain use?”

Instead, ask:

“What storage and transportation temperature does the Manufacturer specify for this product?”

Who Determines the Required Product Temperature?

Use information from sources directly related to the Product, such as:

• Manufacturer
• Product Specification
• Stability Data
• Product Label
• Technical Data
• Regulatory Requirement

Do not let the Forwarder or Carrier guess the required Temperature based only on the product name.

For example, two medicines used in hospitals may have completely different Storage Conditions.

Similarly, some Food Products must be Frozen, while others may be damaged if the temperature becomes too low.

What Does Temperature-sensitive Mean?

Temperature-sensitive Cargo refers to goods whose quality, safety, or properties may be affected by unsuitable temperatures.

Possible causes include:

• Temperature that is too high
• Temperature that is too low
• Unintended freezing
• Thawing
• Repeated temperature changes
• Prolonged exposure

Therefore, temperature control does not always mean:

The colder, the better.

Where Does the Cold Chain Begin?

The Cold Chain should begin when the goods are ready to leave the manufacturing facility or origin Warehouse.

Example Flow:

Manufacturer

↓

Pre-conditioning / Packing

↓

Temperature-controlled Pickup

↓

Cold Storage / Airport / Port

↓

Air / Sea / Road Transport

↓

Customs Clearance

↓

Temperature-controlled Storage

↓

Final Delivery

If temperature is controlled well during Main Transport but the goods wait outside a Warehouse in direct sunlight for several hours, the Cold Chain may still be broken.

What Is a Cold Chain Break?

A Cold Chain Break occurs when the required environmental conditions are not maintained continuously.

Examples include:

• A Reefer Truck's cooling system stops working
• Cargo is removed from a Cold Room for longer than planned
• Customs Inspection takes a long time
• A Flight is delayed
• Packaging is opened
• Dry Ice runs out
• Gel Packs have not been properly pre-conditioned
• A Container is set to the wrong Temperature

A Cold Chain Break can lead to a Temperature Excursion.

What Is a Temperature Excursion?

A Temperature Excursion is a period during which the product's temperature falls outside its specified range.

For example, a Product Requirement specifies a particular temperature range, but a Data Logger records the Cargo at a temperature above that range for a period of time.

This is considered an Excursion.

However, do not immediately conclude that:

The entire shipment is spoiled.

The responsible Quality team or Manufacturer must assess the situation using factors such as:

• The temperature reached
• The duration
• Stability Data
• Product Specification

before deciding on the Product Disposition.

What Is a Data Logger?

A Temperature Data Logger is a device that records temperature during Transportation.

It helps verify whether a Shipment remained within the planned conditions.

The data can help assess:

• Minimum Temperature
• Maximum Temperature
• Exposure
• Excursion
• Transport Condition

For shipments requiring a high level of Traceability, plan the following before dispatch:

• How many Loggers will be used
• Where they will be placed
• When recording will start
• When recording will stop
• Who will Download the data
• Who will Review the Data

Is One Data Logger Enough?

There is no single rule for every shipment.

The number and placement of Loggers depend on:

• Shipment Size
• Packaging
• Container
• Risk
• Product Requirement
• Validation Plan

A small box, a Pallet, and a Full Reefer Container require different Monitoring Strategies.

How Does Real-time Temperature Monitoring Differ from a Data Logger?

A standard Data Logger generally stores information for review later.

Real-time Monitoring can transmit data during transportation, depending on the device's Technology and Connectivity.

This may help Operators identify abnormal conditions sooner on certain Routes.

However, a Real-time Device does not solve problems by itself.

The business still needs a:

Response Plan

that specifies who must do what when an Alert occurs.

What Types of Packaging Are Used in Cold Chain?

At a basic level, Cold Chain Packaging can be divided into:

• Passive Packaging
• Active Temperature-controlled Systems

What Is Passive Packaging?

Passive Packaging uses insulating materials and temperature-control media without an active cooling system operating during transportation.

Typical components include:

• Insulated Box
• EPS / Insulation Material
• Gel Pack
• Phase Change Material
• Dry Ice, where applicable

It is suitable for shipments where the Packaging can be designed to maintain the required conditions for the duration of the Route.

However, the Configuration must be designed appropriately.

Adding the largest possible number of Ice Packs does not automatically make a shipment safe.

What Is Active Packaging or an Active Container?

This refers to a system that controls temperature using power or an internal Cooling / Heating system.

It may be used for shipments with demanding requirements or longer transportation times.

Before use, check:

• Route Availability
• Airline / Carrier Compatibility
• Charging / Battery
• Pre-conditioning
• Handling
• Return of Equipment

What Is the Difference Between Gel Packs and Dry Ice?

Both can be used for Temperature Management, but their properties and Regulations differ.

Gel Pack

Gel Packs can be used in various Packaging configurations and pre-conditioned to suit the designed system.

Dry Ice

Dry Ice provides very low temperatures and is used for certain types of Products.

However, Dry Ice is classified as Dangerous Goods for air transportation and must be handled in accordance with the applicable requirements.

Do not choose based on the idea that:

“The colder, the better.”

Choose based on the product's Required Temperature.

Why Can Ice Packs That Are Too Cold Damage Products?

Some products are sensitive to freezing.

If a Frozen Gel Pack is placed directly against the Product, certain areas may fall below the specified temperature range.

The following must therefore be designed appropriately:

• Pack-out Configuration
• Insulation
• Distance
• PCM Condition

A good Cold Chain must control both:

Excessive heat

and

Excessive cold

What Is Pre-conditioning?

Pre-conditioning means preparing the following to the required conditions before Packing:

• Packaging
• Gel Pack
• PCM
• Container

For example, if PCM must be conditioned to a particular state before use but is taken out of a Freezer and packed immediately without following the designed Configuration, the temperature inside the box may differ from what is required.

A clear Packing SOP should therefore be in place.

What Is Packaging Qualification?

For products with stringent requirements, evidence may be needed to demonstrate that a Packaging System can maintain the required Temperature under specified conditions.

The assessment may consider:

• Duration
• Ambient Condition
• Product Load
• Pack-out
• Seasonal Profile

as appropriate.

Packaging that has worked successfully on one Route is not necessarily suitable for every Route and season.

Why Are Summer and Winter Profiles Important?

The Ambient Temperature surrounding a package varies by:

• Country
• Season
• Airport
• Ground Handling

Packaging that performs well in winter may perform differently during shipments in extremely hot weather.

Cold Chain Planning should therefore consider the Route Environment, not just the Required Product Temperature.

What Is a Refrigerated Truck?

A Refrigerated Truck, or Reefer Truck, is a vehicle equipped with a system that helps control the Temperature in its cargo compartment.

It may be used for:

• Pickup
• Domestic Transport
• Cross-border
• Last-mile Delivery

depending on the Route.

Before using one, check:

• Whether the Vehicle supports the required Temperature Range
• The Set Point
• Whether Pre-cooling is required
• Whether Temperature Monitoring is available
• The effect of Door Opening

Is Pre-cooling the Truck Before Loading Necessary?

This depends on the Product and the Operation.

If goods must remain in a temperature-controlled Environment, loading chilled Cargo into a truck whose interior is still very hot can increase the Thermal Load.

Some operations therefore require the Vehicle to be pre-conditioned before Loading.

This must follow the SOP for the Product and Transport System being used.

What Is a Reefer Container?

A Reefer Container, or Refrigerated Container, is a shipping Container equipped with a temperature-control system.

It is used in Sea Freight for products such as:

• Frozen Food
• Chilled Food
• Produce
• Certain Pharmaceutical Products

depending on their requirements.

The Set Point and other Parameters can be configured according to the Product and Equipment.

However, do not assume that a Reefer is always designed to:

Rapidly cool goods from room temperature.

Many types of goods must be Pre-cooled before Loading.

Does a Reefer Container Control Only Temperature?

Some Commodities may require other Parameters to be considered as well, such as:

• Ventilation
• Humidity
• Air Flow
• Controlled Atmosphere, where applicable

This is particularly relevant to Fresh Produce.

When Booking a Reefer, provide a clear Commodity description rather than simply stating:

Food Product

Is Air Freight Suitable for Cold Chain?

Air Freight is suitable for many types of Temperature-sensitive Cargo, especially when:

• Fast Transit is required
• Shelf Life is limited
• The goods have high value
• Delay Risk due to transit duration may affect the product

However, Air Freight also involves multiple Handling points, including:

• Origin Warehouse
• Airport Acceptance
• Ground Handling
• Ramp
• Aircraft
• Transit Airport
• Destination Terminal

Ground Operations must therefore be considered alongside Flight Time.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Air Freight? Which Products Are Suitable for Air Transportation?

Is the Fastest Flight Always the Best Route?

Not necessarily.

Suppose Route A has a shorter flight time but:

• Has no Cold Room
• Involves lengthy Transit Handling
• Has a risky Connecting Flight

Route B may take slightly longer but provide Temperature-controlled Facilities.

Route B could be more suitable for the Product.

Consider End-to-End Transit, not just Flight Time.

Is Sea Freight Suitable for Cold Chain?

Yes. Sea Freight can be suitable for many types of Temperature-sensitive Cargo, especially larger Commercial Volumes.

Examples include:

• Frozen Food
• Meat
• Seafood
• Produce
• Ingredients

A Reefer Container can be used according to the requirements.

Sea Freight can accommodate large Volumes, but risks such as the following must also be planned for:

• Port Delay
• Transshipment
• Customs
• Equipment Failure
• Power Supply
• Container Plug-in

Is Cold Chain LCL Possible?

It depends on the Route, Commodity, and Provider's Service.

Temperature-controlled LCL is not available on every Route to the same extent as General LCL.

If the Cargo does not fill a Container, check whether the Provider actually offers a Consolidation Service that supports the required Temperature conditions.

Do not Book General LCL and assume that the Warehouse will automatically maintain the required temperature.

Can Road Freight Be Used as Part of a Cold Chain?

Yes. Road Freight plays an important role in:

• Regional Distribution
• Cross-border
• First Mile
• Last Mile

However, Cross-border Cold Chain shipments must allow time for:

• Border Customs
• Vehicle Change
• Inspection
• Queues

depending on the Route.

If Transloading is required, check how temperature will be maintained at the transfer point.

What Does a Cold Chain Warehouse Need?

Requirements depend on the Product.

Facilities may include:

• Temperature-controlled Room
• Cold Room
• Freezer
• Controlled Ambient Area

The important point is not simply whether the facility has air conditioning or refrigeration, but whether it can maintain the conditions required by the Product.

For products with stringent quality requirements, the facility may also need:

• Temperature Monitoring
• Alarm
• Backup Power
• SOP
• Mapping
• Calibration

depending on the requirements.

What Is Temperature Mapping?

Temperature Mapping is the process of studying temperature distribution within a space or piece of Equipment.

It helps identify areas where there may be:

• Hot Spots
• Cold Spots
• Variation

Examples of areas that may be mapped include:

• Warehouse
• Cold Room
• Vehicle
• Storage Chamber

For operations with high Quality Requirements, Mapping helps determine where Products and Sensors should be placed.

How Can Customs Become a Cold Chain Risk?

Customs Clearance can extend Cargo dwell time if:

• Permits are not ready
• There are issues with the HS Code
• Inspection is required
• Importer information is incomplete
• A Regulatory Agency needs to inspect the goods

For ordinary goods, this may mainly result in Storage Costs.

For Temperature-sensitive Cargo, the risks may include:

• Storage Costs
• Temperature Risk
• Packaging Duration Risk
• Shelf Life Risk

Customs Documentation should therefore be prepared as early as possible before Cargo Departure.

Why Is Pre-clearance Planning Important?

Pre-clearance Planning means preparing information before a Shipment arrives, such as:

• HS Code
• Invoice
• Packing List
• Import License
• Permit
• Regulatory Documents
• Importer Information

This can help reduce the time Cargo spends waiting for documents.

Not every country or Shipment can be fully cleared before Arrival, but advance preparation can help reduce avoidable delays.

What Additional Requirements Apply to Food Cold Chain Shipments?

In addition to Temperature, check:

• Import Permit
• Food Regulation
• Label
• Health Certificate, depending on the Product
• Veterinary Requirement, where applicable
• Phytosanitary Requirement, where applicable
• Shelf Life

Meat products and fresh fruit do not have the same requirements.

Do not use a single Food checklist for every type of product.

Do Fresh Fruits Need to Be Kept at the Lowest Possible Temperature?

No.

Different types of Fresh Produce have different temperature sensitivities.

Some may develop Chilling Injury if the temperature is too low.

Other factors may also need to be considered, depending on the Commodity:

• Respiration
• Humidity
• Ventilation
• Ripening

The Reefer Set Point should therefore be based on the Commodity's requirements, not set as low as possible.

Can Frozen Food Be Refrozen After Thawing?

A Logistics Provider should not make this decision independently.

If a Temperature Excursion occurs or the goods thaw, the following parties should assess the situation:

• Quality Team
• Manufacturer
• Food Safety Responsible Party

The assessment should follow the Product Specification and Food Safety Requirements.

The product's external appearance may not reveal whether it is safe.

How Does Cold Chain for Medicines Differ from Cold Chain for Food?

Although both require temperature control, their risks and compliance requirements differ.

Pharmaceutical Shipments may focus on:

• Product Stability
• GDP
• Batch Traceability
• Temperature Data
• Excursion Assessment

Food Shipments may additionally involve:

• Food Safety
• Shelf Life
• Biosecurity
• Veterinary / Plant Health

depending on the product.

A single Cold Chain template should not be used for every type of shipment.

Suggested Internal Link: What Should You Consider When Shipping Medicines and Medical Supplies Internationally?

What Is GDP?

In the pharmaceutical context, GDP, or Good Distribution Practice, refers to practices for distributing products in a way that preserves their quality throughout the Distribution Chain.

Relevant areas may include:

• Storage
• Transportation
• Documentation
• Traceability
• Personnel
• Deviation Handling

according to applicable requirements.

Cold Chain is an important component when a Product has temperature requirements, but GDP is not limited to Cold Chain.

Are Cold Chain and Dangerous Goods the Same?

No.

Cold Chain refers to Temperature Requirements.

Dangerous Goods relate to hazards during Transportation.

A shipment can be both:

Temperature-sensitive + Dangerous Goods

For example, a shipment that uses Dry Ice as a Refrigerant, or certain types of Chemical products.

These two matters must be checked separately.

What Precautions Apply to Dry Ice?

Dry Ice, or Carbon Dioxide, Solid, is used to maintain temperature in certain Packaging systems.

However, it is regulated as Dangerous Goods for Air Transport.

Check the following according to the applicable requirements:

• Quantity
• Packaging
• Venting
• Marking
• Labelling
• Documentation
• Airline Acceptance

Suggested Internal Link: What Are SDS / MSDS Documents? Important Documents for Shipping Chemicals and Dangerous Goods

Must a Data Logger with a Lithium Battery Be Declared?

Check the Device Specification.

Some Logger models contain a Battery.

For Air Freight, verify whether the battery type and device configuration comply with Carrier and aviation requirements.

Do not assume that a small device is exempt from all regulations.

Should Packaging Allow for Flight Delays?

Yes.

Designing Packaging based only on Flight Time creates risk.

For example, a Flight may take 8 hours, but the End-to-End Journey may include:

• Pickup: 3 hours
• Airport Handling
• Waiting
• Flight
• Transit
• Customs
• Delivery

The total time may be many times longer than the Flight Time.

Packaging Duration should therefore be based on the Total Logistics Journey and an appropriate Contingency allowance.

What Should a Backup Plan Include?

For high-risk Shipments, plan at least what to do if:

• A Flight is cancelled
• A Reefer Truck breaks down
• Customs places the Cargo on Hold
• Dry Ice needs to be replenished, and where
• The Packaging's validated duration is nearly exhausted
• The Cold Room is full
• Destination Delivery fails
• A Data Logger Alert occurs and who is responsible

A good Cold Chain is not a system that assumes:

Everything will go according to plan.

It is a system that knows what to do when the plan changes.

Does Cargo Insurance Cover a Temperature Excursion?

Do not assume that every Policy provides this coverage.

Cargo Insurance Policies can differ in their:

• Coverage
• Exclusions
• Conditions
• Deductible

If a Temperature Excursion is a significant risk, review the Policy Wording before the Shipment.

Do not wait until a Claim occurs to check.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Cargo Insurance? What Does International Cargo Insurance Cover?

Does the HS Code Affect Cold Chain?

Temperature Requirements and HS Codes are separate matters.

However, the HS Code remains important for:

• Import Duty
• Permits
• Customs
• Product Regulation

If there is a problem with the HS Code or Product Classification, Cargo may be held by Customs for longer, creating a Cold Chain risk.

Check the Classification before Shipment, just as you would for General Cargo.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is an HS Code? How to Find Customs Tariff Codes and Why They Matter for Import and Export Duties

Why Does Cold Chain Cost More Than General Transportation?

Additional costs may arise from several components, including:

• Specialized Packaging
• Gel Pack / PCM / Dry Ice
• Data Logger
• Reefer Truck
• Cold Storage
• Reefer Container
• Active Container
• Special Handling
• DG Handling, where applicable
• Monitoring

Cold Chain also requires more extensive Operational Planning.

Do not compare a Cold Chain Quote with a General Cargo Rate by looking at only one Freight line.

What Information Should Be Included in a Cold Chain Quote Request?

Before requesting a quote, provide information such as:

• Product Name
• Commodity
• Required Temperature
• Allowed Temperature Excursion, if specified
• Quantity
• Number of Packages
• Dimensions
• Gross Weight
• Value
• Origin
• Destination
• Cargo Ready Date
• Required Delivery Date
• Packaging Type
• Data Logger Requirement
• Dry Ice / PCM / Gel Pack
• DG Status
• Customs / Permit Status

The most important information is the:

Required Temperature

Do not state only:

Cold Chain Cargo

What If the Required Temperature Is Not Yet Known?

Request the information from the:

• Manufacturer
• Supplier
• Quality Team
• Product Specification

before Booking.

A Forwarder should not determine the Product's Required Temperature without supporting information.

Should a Cold Chain Shipment Use Door-to-Door Service?

Door-to-Door service can reduce the number of parties the customer must coordinate with.

However, verify exactly which parts of the route are covered by Temperature-controlled services.

For example, a Quote may state Door-to-Door, but:

• Airport-to-Airport transportation is temperature-controlled
• Last-mile delivery uses a standard truck

This may not meet the Product Requirement.

Ask clearly:

Where does Temperature Control begin, and where does it end?

Suggested Internal Link: What Is the Difference Between Door-to-Door, Door-to-Port, and Port-to-Port? How Should You Choose a Shipping Service?

Steps for Planning a Cold Chain Shipment

Step 1: Check the Product Requirements

Identify:

• Storage Temperature
• Transport Temperature
• Light / Humidity Requirement, where applicable
• Shelf Life

Step 2: Check Regulatory Requirements

Review the requirements of both:

• Origin Country
• Destination Country

Step 3: Select Packaging

Consider:

• Passive
• Active
• Reefer Equipment

Step 4: Define the Monitoring Plan

Select the Data Logger and Monitoring Plan.

Step 5: Select the Route

Check:

• Transit
• Handling
• Cold Facilities
• Direct / Transshipment options

Step 6: Check Customs Requirements

Prepare the permits and documents.

Step 7: Check Carrier Acceptance

Especially for shipments involving:

• Dry Ice
• Batteries
• DG

Step 8: Prepare a Contingency Plan

Plan for delays or Temperature Excursions.

Step 9: Ship the Goods

Complete the Handover and retain records according to the Process.

Step 10: Check the Temperature After Arrival

Review the Data and the product's Condition before releasing it, in accordance with the Quality Procedure.

Common Cold Chain Shipping Mistakes

• Assuming Cold Chain means only using a refrigerated truck
• Not knowing the Product's Required Temperature
• Using the Temperature Range of a similar product
• Assuming colder is always better
• Not checking whether the Product is freeze-sensitive
• Placing Ice Packs against the goods without a suitable Configuration
• Using Packaging unsuitable for the Duration
• Planning around Flight Time instead of End-to-End Time
• Not using a Data Logger
• Using a Logger without assigning anyone to Review the data
• Failing to declare Dry Ice
• Not checking the Logger's Battery
• Not checking Cold Room availability at Transit Points
• Not checking Customs Permits in advance
• Unknowingly using a General Truck for Last-mile delivery
• Having no Backup Plan for delays
• Assuming Insurance covers every Temperature Excursion
• Not recording Handover and Temperature Records

Checklist Before Booking Cold Chain

Before shipping, check that:

• Product Specification is available
• Required Temperature is clear
• Product Classification is correct
• Shelf Life is sufficient
• Packaging has been selected
• Packaging Duration is sufficient
• Pre-conditioning Plan is ready
• Data Logger is ready
• The Carrier can accept the shipment
• The Route is suitable
• Cold Storage is available, where required
• A Reefer Truck is available, where required
• A Reefer Container is available, where required
• Dry Ice is declared, where applicable
• DG requirements have been checked
• Customs Documents are ready
• Import Permit is ready
• Destination Facilities are prepared
• Last-mile delivery can maintain the required Temperature
• Contingency Plan is ready
• Contact Persons at every stage are identified

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Chain Logistics (FAQ)

What Is Cold Chain Logistics?

It is the management of a Supply Chain for products that must be maintained at specified temperatures or environmental conditions from origin to destination. It covers Packaging, Storage, Transportation, Monitoring, and Handling.

Must Every Cold Chain Product Be Kept at 2–8°C?

No. Each product has its own Temperature Requirement. Check the Manufacturer's Specification and the product information directly.

Can Cold Chain Goods Be Shipped by Air?

Yes, if the Carrier accepts the goods. Packaging, Ground Handling, Temperature Monitoring, Customs, and Dangerous Goods requirements must be planned as applicable. Do not consider Flight Time alone.

Does Using a Foam Box and Ice Packs Automatically Qualify as Cold Chain?

Not necessarily. The Packaging must be able to maintain the Product's required conditions for the planned duration, using a Configuration suitable for the Product and Route.

If a Data Logger Records a Temperature Excursion, Must the Goods Be Discarded?

Do not make that decision immediately. The responsible Quality team or Manufacturer must assess the temperature, duration, Stability Data, and Product Specification before determining whether the product can still be used.

Plan Temperature-controlled Shipments with CPL INTER

Temperature-controlled goods require more planning than General Cargo because the following must all be checked:

• Product Requirement
• Packaging
• Route
• Carrier
• Customs
• Monitoring
• Destination Handling

If you need to import or export Temperature-sensitive products, provide the CPL INTER team with the relevant details before Booking, such as:

• Product Name
• Photographs
• Product Specification
• Required Temperature
• Quantity
• Dimensions
• Gross Weight
• Value
• Country of Origin
• Origin and Destination Countries
• Current Packaging
• Data Logger Requirement
• Dry Ice / Gel Pack / PCM, where applicable
• Dangerous Goods Status
• Customs / Import Permit Status
• Cargo Ready Date
• Required Arrival Date

This information helps assess whether the available Route and Service Scope are suitable for the Shipment's requirements.

For goods subject to Temperature, Food Safety, Pharmaceutical, Dangerous Goods, or other Regulatory Requirements, always verify the current Product, Carrier, and destination-country requirements before proceeding. Do not automatically apply the Temperature range or Process used for another Shipment.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international freight transportation and customs clearance, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.