The challenges in transporting and handling temperature sensitive cargo

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to put into light the challenges involved during the handling, storage and transportation of temperature sensitive cargo such as pharmaceuticals, food and medical supplies. We will see how these challenges can be overcome and the various tools and methods used in the industry to protect such cargo during transit (Appendix 1). Case study examples will also be provided to demonstrate the challenges encountered and the processes involved (Appendix 2). The essay will also focus on air-freight transportation, which is the most common mode of transport in the perishables industry. Special attention will also be given to the good distribution practises (GDP) and air transport regulations (IATA) that stakeholders in the cold-chain industry must abide with (Appendix 4). The logistics industry is a very large and complex sector especially when going through all the components of the cold-chain. Obviously such complex study cannot be fully addressed within this essay, therefore in our case, the essay will be exploring how the cold-chain is applied to the food industry and to the pharmaceutical industry, the latter being one of the world’s most value added industries. Every effort must be made by all supply chain partners to ensure that the product arrives in an acceptable and uncompromised condition for safe consumption by the end consumer. The insights and information provided in this essay are derived from the author’s more than 13 years-experience in the freight forwarding industry especially in the handling and transportation of temperature sensitive cargo.