Revolutionising cold storage: containerisation for the win

By Ellis Shelton, Policy Advisor, Logistics UK      

Moving time-sensitive, perishable goods in a secure and effective manner is vital for logistics businesses to meet customer demand. Cold storage is therefore essential for the handling and storing of bulk perishable goods such as meats, dairy and fruits, whilst simultaneously reducing costs in the process.  

SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Shipping containers are a cost-efficient and versatile transport option due to their flexible offering in size and magnitude. As a result, said containers prove to be viable options for a variety of businesses.

These containers offer large storage spaces for both long- and short-term periods with stacking capabilities that do not hinder their manoeuvrability. This is extremely beneficial for factories and warehouses dealing with sensitive foods and raw materials, as it is vital that there is an abundance of storage space.  

Cold storage containers are both waterproof and weatherproof and, in terms of practicality and durability, prove the most effective for businesses looking to transport goods internationally to reach their global markets.

In addition, these units provide flexibility in the items that can be transported. Examples include, but are not limited to, commodities and manufactured and refrigerated goods.  

BENEFITS OF COLD STORAGE 

A significant benefit for logistics businesses looking to use cold storage is that the units can cater for both chilled and frozen goods within the same container. It is possible to partition the containers, thus creating different departments at a range of temperatures.  

An advantage of this is that the units can be used to store or transport pharmaceutical products alongside chemical and sensitive industrial products. The result of this partitioning is that hazardous goods and liquids such as hydrocarbons can be safely transported within specialised containers.  

Another benefit of preserving harvests in cold rooms and storage containers is that they may eradicate fruit flies and other insects through a technique known as cold treatment, which saves the use of pesticides and subjects the cargo to low temperatures, resulting in more ecologically friendly operations.   

CONTAINERISATION 

Standardisation of containers, known as ‘containerisation’, allows for the containers to fit into numerous transport and storage areas with relative ease, resulting in a significant increase on an operator’s profit margins. Containerisation reduces transport costs, with IOSCM data reporting that moving the same amount of break-bulk freight in a container is approximately 20 times less expensive than conventional means. This affordability, combined with the functionality and time efficiency, makes transporting freight in shipping containers an attractive option for logistics businesses. Shipping containers are especially popular with festival and event organisers due to their portability and ability to be stationed nearby.   

DURABLE AND FLEXIBLE

Shipping containers provide great security due to their sturdy and durable design, as well as flexibility, with operators being able to install additional security measures if necessary. Container shipping networks are well connected, offer a wide range of shipping options and run faster than regular cargo ships, with port turnaround times being reduced from three weeks to 24 hours.  

However, securing the container handling infrastructure and equipment, such as large cranes and rail connections, necessary to become operational can be a problem for logistics organisations due to the enormous financial expenditure required.   

IN SUMMARY 

Logistics UK advises businesses that are looking to explore their transport options to utilise shipping containers and reap the financial rewards of containerised cold storage solutions. The units provide numerous advantages for companies and are proven to reduce the need for uneconomical packaging solutions, as the containers act as their own warehouses.

Published On: 14/12/2023 15:30:00

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