The Cold Chain and the Advantages of Reefer Containers compared to other Cold Storage Solutions

The cold chain technology involves the transportation of products that are highly sensitive to temperature and a supply chain with thermal and refrigerated packaging methods. It includes the logistics and planning of how the products need to stay protected while being transported and stored until they reach the final customers.

Most people don’t know what goes on before products end up on a shelf in a store. What they don’t see is a complex shipping process of products they use daily, such as milk, meat, fish and even medicines that need to be handled with uttermost care, from the manufacturer to their neighbourhood supermarket. Read on, and we will introduce you to the whole cold chain process. Furthermore, we will also emphasise why renting portable cold store units, is better than using other cold storage solutions.

What is the Cold Chain and How Does it Work?

As most of these products may not stay fresh for too long, as their quality degrades with time, it’s important to do everything to prevent that scenario from happening. That might sound like a simple process; however, it’s definitely not. Needless to say, that any kind of delay or temperature variation may have a negative impact on the products in transport or storage. That’s why those who are in the medical, food or pharmaceutical industry tend to rely on the cold chain strategy.

The type of container and the refrigeration method play a major role in being able to ensure that the goods remain safe from temperature variations over an extended period of time.

Portable Cold Storage Units

The temperature in these Refrigerated Containers is under constant control. What’s more, thanks to their design and insulation, the air can circulate in accordance with the wanted temperature.

Reefers have become a common temperature-controlled means of transport and cold storage that companies use, in order to ensure load integrity. What you get is a cold unit that is able to accommodate a wide palette of temperature settings and many temperature sensitive products. Also, they are completely in line with the global intermodal transportation system. That means that there’s a high level of openness to markets worldwide.

Why Choose Reefers Over Other Cold Storage Solutions

There are many Cold Storage solutions from which you can choose one that will fit your needs. However, that choice will depend on numerous factors. Therefore, before making a decision, you need to ask yourself some crucial questions:

        1.What is the volume of the products that you need to store?

        2.How is it stored (in cases, on pallets, on shelves, etc.)?

        3.What is the temperature you need in order to keep your product protected?

To give you a clear picture of the advantages of refrigerated containers, we’ll compare them to other cold storage solutions, such as walk-in freezers and cold facilities.

First off, unlike reefers, walk-in freezers aren’t mobile. Also, due to the size of these equipment’s, they are only suitable for storing food products on-premises.

Secondly, when it comes to cold storage facilities, you can face high costs and issues with accessibility. Also, chances are your cold storage facility won’t be anywhere near the place your products need to be transported to. Hence, you’re going to end up having to organise transportation, which will lead to spending even more!

So, unlike the previous two solutions we’ve mentioned, reefers are completely mobile. Additionally, reefers are easy to transport and easy to adjust. Essentially, if you go ahead and rent one of these units, you will get a solution that is ideal for any business. Regardless of the location and the temperature you need for your products, renting a reefer is a decision you won’t regret.