Freight Glossary
Cold Chain – Meaning & Examples
A temperature-controlled supply chain for perishable products. Meaning and examples of Cold Chain in freight and logistics.
- Related terms
- temperature controlled, cold storage, refrigerated logistics
A temperature-controlled supply chain for perishable products.
Cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain consisting of storage and distribution activities that maintain products within a specified low-temperature range from production to consumption. It's critical for perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. Cold chain involves refrigerated trucks, reefer containers, cold storage warehouses, and temperature monitoring throughout. Breaking the cold chain (temperature excursion) can spoil products and pose safety risks.
Cold Chain examples
- A pharmaceutical company maintains cold chain integrity from manufacturing through distribution using temperature loggers.
How Cold Chain is used in freight operations
Cold Chain appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Cold Chain?
A temperature-controlled supply chain for perishable products.
What is an example of Cold Chain?
A pharmaceutical company maintains cold chain integrity from manufacturing through distribution using temperature loggers.