If you are interested in the fresh food logistics sector, you must be ready to face supply chain risks. During the transportation of a variety of fresh agricultural products, your cargo might encounter major issues such as spoilage and loss of food that can hamper your business. As theft and pilferage surge, supply chain logistics might face a serious threat. Furthermore, the fresh produce ships over these long distances and passes through the hands of several parties, including farmers, distributors, retailers, and consumers, which speeds up the ripening process and loses market appeal. The loss and food shrinkage happen mainly because of poor logistics management. Logistics companies can invest in improved supply chains to transport fresh food globally.
What are the challenges faced by the logistics chain to ship your fresh foods?
An ill-maintained supply chain logistics system can incur various obstacles while shipping perishable goods from one place to another. These are as follows:
- Maintaining a uniform temperature: The biggest obstacle in cold chain logistics is controlling temperature. It's a must to maintain the right temperature for the transit of various fresh vegetables and fruits . High humidity levels and the production of carbon dioxide and emissions can degrade the quality of food. These temperature-sensitive goods pose danger due to rigorous weather conditions and potential delays.
- Real-Time Monitoring: It is very important to monitor temperature throughout the supply chain to address the issue of temperature management. Data loggers and temperature sensors offer up-to-date information about the environment while in transit. If the device indicates any kind of danger, the logistics company can transfer the shipment to another warehouse.
- Equipment Failure: Unexpected equipment failure can be one of the main causes of supply chain logistics management. The powered cooling systems may malfunction due to power outages or changes in the electrical supply. In addition, inadequate cooling circulation and coolant breakdowns may adversely impact the cold chain temperature system.
- Lack of Visibility: The absence of visibility and transparency is a serious problem for cold chain logistics. Knowing the status of perishable cargo at all times is essential since it goes through several phases and involves multiple stakeholders.
- Increased Cost: Managing fresh food logistics is not easy. Businesses must invest in fleets and advanced machinery to ensure exact temperature conditions during storage and transit. There are additional costs associated with outsourcing to outside logistics companies that specialize in supply chain management.
- Damaged Packaging: Fresh food must be packed very carefully.Poor or broken packaging can quickly lower the quality of a product. Ensure that the packaging is leak-proof to avoid moisture and microbial growth.
What measures need to be taken to secure the fresh food logistics chain?
The crucial measures in the food logistics chain are as follows:
Quality Management:
- Sea , land, and air transportation are the modes of shipping your fresh produce and differ both in cost and time. As perishable foods are subject to strict rules and protocols, shipping goods via sea or air requires the binding customs clearance process.
- The shippers must ensure that they abide by the international shipping standards and keep the necessary export documents ready. Apart from the documents, you also need a health certificate and permits to ensure that the fresh food you are exporting to your consumers doesn’t contain toxic substances and is fit for human consumption. Additionally, the right temperature and timely delivery of the fresh produce can enhance your supply chain logistics.
Logistics Specialist:
- Working closely with a professional logistics provider makes a huge difference as compared to an inexperienced provider to guarantee the goods transport from end-to-end supply chain. This is not only limited to shipping perishable goods but is also expert in handling sensitive goods in temperature-controlled environments.
- You must train your staff to take extreme caution while handling perishable cargo from the point of loading to the point of unloading. Participate in seminars, attend exhibitions, and visit reputed import and export companies to gain a better understanding of their logistics management.
- Besides these, handling customs formalities, verifying imports, and transporting goods are of utmost importance in the logistics chain.
- The logistics company should follow proper packaging and label the specific product with its name, weight, and quantity. It is important to check the temperature levels to stay updated on the shipment status during transit.
- The business must provide warehousing or storage facilities in the vicinity of the port so that, prior to being loaded onto the vessel, the perishables can be kept in well-functioning refrigeration units. These significant steps can guarantee the safe arrival of fresh food in optimal condition at the desired destination.
At Citrus Freight , we provide supply chain professionals that enable the secure and timely delivery of your fresh foods. Our areas of expertise include careful handling, exact temperature control, and stringent compliance with international laws. You can count on us to receive the goods in the best condition.
You can expand your fresh produce business by partnering with Citrus Freight, which specializes in supply chain logistics. By analyzing your logistical needs, our team will offer a tailored solution to streamline your supply chain effectively. We strive to detect loopholes within the supply chain to ensure seamless transport.
Contact Citrus Freight today to learn more ways to handle your perishable goods to facilitate your supply chain and help you prosper in the competitive business world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a number of obstacles that logistics chains must overcome to effectively maintain the safety and quality of perishable goods. Supply chain experts can negotiate the complexity and guarantee the safe delivery of goods that are sensitive to temperature by eradicating these major issues and upgrading innovative solutions.