Does your business involve shipping perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals or chemicals? Keeping these items at the appropriate temperature throughout the journey is crucial — and challenging. The ability to accurately monitor temperature during shipping is a critical step, especially in cold chain applications.
Why Is Temperature Monitoring Important in Cold Chain Shipping?
Maintaining product quality and preventing spoilage are primary concerns in these temperature-controlled shipping processes. Monitoring can determine whether the temperature is within or outside the acceptable range for specific products. Adjusting temperatures and shipping methods in response will limit the health risks and potential liability issues from consuming spoiled goods.
Temperature monitoring is also essential from a compliance perspective. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other agencies implement stringent guidelines when transporting and storing temperature-sensitive goods. Maintaining the appropriate conditions can help your business avoid financial penalties.
Additionally, temperature monitoring can prevent waste from compromised goods becoming unsalable during transit.
How to Monitor Temperature During Cold Chain Shipping
Several reliable temperature monitoring options are available:
- Time-temperature indicators: These single-use, real-time temperature devices provide accurate monitoring during a quick visual inspection. They change colors when the temperature is outside the designated parameters.
- Temperature tags: Attach RFID tags to the products to gain valuable temperature exposure information during transit.
- Integrated monitoring: Consider active cooling containers with built-in temperature monitoring and control systems for highly sensitive goods. You can also choose passive solutions including self-insulating packaging with integrated monitoring systems.
- Alerts: Alarms can deliver automatic alerts when the temperature moves outside the shipment’s acceptable range. Technology is also available to allow companies to monitor the goods remotely during transit.
- Smart sensors: These intuitive devices can monitor the load’s temperature and transmit data to cloud-based platforms for remote assessment. Some of these platforms have analytics and reporting capabilities for more in-depth evaluation.
- Data loggers: These compact, portable devices fit inside a container to serve as a temperature recorder for shipping over a specified time frame. Real-time logging options, which use GPS technology for continuous monitoring during transport, are also available.
Contact Pelton Shepherd to Learn More
Regardless of the temperature monitoring method, Pelton Shepherd offers a selection of durable ice and gel packs to help businesses like yours keep goods chilled at the appropriate temperature during shipping. We’ll rely on our over 70 years of industry expertise to develop a custom solution that meets your needs. Contact us for additional information today.
