Temperature Control Challenges with Frequent Stops

Consistent temperature control can be a challenge over short distances due to frequent stops and door openings that introduce bursts of external air with varying temperatures.

Complicating matters, on routes where stops are close together, the engine—and consequently the refrigeration system—may not run long enough to restore the optimal temperature between stops. Standard refrigeration systems, designed primarily to maintain a consistently cool temperature, struggle to quickly reduce temperatures that have risen.

External environmental conditions also challenge refrigeration transport services. On hot days, the refrigeration system needs more time to counteract the heat introduced when the doors open. Each door opening adds to the system’s workload, and it can take even longer to cool down the space. On colder days and in colder climates, the refrigeration system may need to work harder to counteract cold air, and each opening challenges its capacity to reheat the space to the required temperature.

Furthermore, the specific types of goods being transported can complicate temperature management with frequent stops. For instance, floral products release moisture which can raise the humidity inside the vehicle. This increase in humidity can make it difficult to maintain the necessary dry, cool conditions. With frequent stops, air from outside increases humidity inside the truck and exacerbates the problem further. As a result, the flowers may wilt faster and lose their freshness which reduces their market value. Similarly, fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables releases moisture and raises humidity inside the truck, with frequent stops further raising humidity. Additionally, these items emit ethylene gas, and the combination of higher humidity and increased ethylene concentration accelerates spoilage and reduces the shelf life of the produce.

Challenges with Load Distribution

The way goods are distributed within a vehicle also influences temperature control. For example, items packed tightly together can impede air circulation necessary for maintaining consistent internal temperatures. Poor circulation can lead to the formation of warm or cold pockets within the cargo space, depending on external temperatures.

Inadequate load stabilization also presents challenges during transport as it can lead to shifting and alter the planned configuration and airflow patterns. Displaced items can block air vents or create uneven gaps between items that exacerbate temperature inconsistencies across the cargo space. Additionally, when cargo shifts and compacts, it can restrict airflow within the truck and make it difficult for the refrigeration system to maintain consistent temperatures.

Another issue arises when insulated packaging shifts and becomes dislodged, which compromises its effectiveness as a thermal barrier. This can lead to increased thermal conductivity at the exposure points and cause damage even when ruptures are minor. For example, in a shipment of electronic components that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, even a small area of exposed packaging can lead to condensation buildup inside the package. This moisture can cause corrosion or short-circuits that could damage the electronics irreversibly.

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Damage during Transit

The irregular size and weight of oversized cargo make it susceptible to damage during loading, unloading, and transit. Delicate machinery, in particular, may suffer structural harm or internal damage if not properly handled.

To mitigate these risks, freight forwarders employ a variety of risk management strategies. For instance, they may conduct thorough cargo inspections before and after transportation. Here, they can use advanced technologies like ultrasound or thermal imaging to detect any hidden defects or damages. Additionally, to safeguard cargo integrity, they might invest in specialized packaging solutions such as impact-resistant crates or vibration-dampening materials. Lastly, ground forwarders often engage in cargo load testing to identify any potential stability or security issues. This includes subjecting oversized items to simulated transport conditions such as shaking, tilting, and exposure to different weather scenarios.

Regulatory and Compliance Issues

Navigating the regulatory landscape is another significant challenge. Large cargo often requires special permits, including oversized/overweight vehicle permits for delivery to the airport. Additionally, there are stringent safety standards for loading and unloading oversized cargo that ground forwarders must strictly adhere to. These include guidelines for the appropriate use of loading ramps and special platforms to maintain stability. Cargo must be secured with locks, straps, and braces on these structures to prevent any movement that could lead to accidents. The angle of the ramps is also regulated to provide a gradual incline and reduce the risk of cargo sliding or tipping. The alignment with the aircraft’s cargo bay is also meticulously checked for a seamless transition. And to ensure aircraft stability, ground forwarders are responsible for positioning the cargo within the aircraft’s hold in a way that it maintains balance during flight and complies with center of gravity requirements.

Pricing Complications

The transportation of oversized cargo is inherently more expensive due to specialized handling and equipment, including custom-built loading ramps and reinforced storage facilities for large industrial machinery. Furthermore, when utilizing large aircraft such as the Antonov An-225 from airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle, forwarders incur additional expenses. These calculations include higher fuel consumption due to the cargo’s weight and dimensions, special route clearances, and escort services for ground transportation.

Customized Solutions

The uniqueness of oversized cargo shipments requires customized logistics solutions and detailed coordination. For instance, when transporting a large aircraft engine, freight forwarders might need to design a specialized cradle to ensure the stability of the engine during transit. The transportation of large marine equipment, like undersea cables, also requires bespoke solutions. In such cases, forwarders might develop specialized spooling mechanisms so that these cables are safely loaded and unloaded. And in cases like transporting oversized art installations, forwarders may collaborate with engineers to construct bespoke protective casings. These casings not only fit irregular sizes but also include environmental controls like temperature and humidity regulation to preserve sensitive artworks.

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What Items Are Considered Hazardous

Hazardous items range from ordinary goods like nail polish, liquor, and hair spray to dangerous substances such as toxic materials and gases. Toxic and infectious substances, for instance, include items carrying fungi, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, that can cause harm, injury, or death. Oxidizers such as chlorine, bleach, and ammonium nitrate fertilizers may enhance or cause combustion. Flammable solids may ignite spontaneously or when in contact, including sodium batteries, potassium, fish oil, coal, sulfur, and matches.

Examples of Ordinary Items That Can Pose Hazards

Construction and electronic equipment, engine, aircraft, and auto parts, and powered equipment like chainsaws can present safety hazards. Construction equipment, for example, may contain CO2 cartridges and batteries. Space heaters, generators, and gasoline-powered saws may contain thinners, drying agents, paints, gas torches, liquified petroleum, or fuel. Electronic and electric equipment may have uninterruptible power supplies, batteries, mercury in switches, and magnets. Auto and engine parts may also pose safety hazards if they contain gas tanks, gas lines, or carburetors with gasoline. Likewise, aircraft parts must be shipped regulated when they contain fuel control devices. The residue of fuel may be present in powered equipment like chain saws. Machinery parts may also include a variety of hazardous substances, including solvents, sealants, paints, and adhesives.

Mining and drilling equipment that contains mercury, lubricants, acids, and other hazardous substances are shipped regulated. Lawn equipment that contains batteries or fuel is also considered a safety hazard, including items such as weed trimmers and lawnmowers.

In addition, office and photographic supplies, tool boxes, and repair kits are considered potentially hazardous goods under certain circumstances. Office supplies, for instance, may contain electrical storage batteries and non-inflammable and inflammable printing ink. Photographic supplies containing poisonous and corrosive materials, acids, and bleaches must be shipped regulated. Toolboxes may also contain a variety of hazardous substances such as corrosive liquids, flammable paints, spray cans, and power rivets. Lastly, repair kits could contain flammable gases, solvents, and adhesives.

Other goods that may pose health and safety hazards include:

• Thermometers
• Samples for testing
• Refrigeration equipment
• Hand tools like screwdrivers and rechargeable drills
• Passenger service units
• Medical supplies containing infectious substances, corrosive chemicals, etc.
• Lighters
• Laundry supplies
• Household goods containing spray cans and bleaches
• Firefighting equipment and fire extinguishers
• Fertilizers
• Dental equipment
• Cosmetics
• Breathing apparatus

Hazardous goods are some of the most expensive, heavily regulated, and complicated items to ship. This is because they can pose a hazard to human health and property if handled, stored, or transported improperly. The requirements for shipping typically cover proper documentation, labeling and packaging, and specialized transportation in some cases.

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Agricultural Machinery

Depending on the destination and type of machinery, agricultural equipment can be shipped by RO/RO vessels, charter and air freight services, break bulk vessels, flat racks, and deck trailers. Machinery with tracks or wheels can be transported by RO/RO ships provided that it is operational and clean. RO/RO vehicles ship both towable and self-propelled equipment that is fully assembled. Intermodal transport is often used, including ocean freight and port-door and door-port service, along with customs clearance. Note that machinery needs to be disassembled and placed in containers when shipped to destinations where RO/RO services are not available. This is also done to save on shipping costs.

Construction Equipment

Construction equipment can be shipped on long and short hauls. Inland transport can be arranged using removable gooseneck trailers, step-deck trailers, flatbeds, specialized trucks, and expendable trailers. The types of equipment that you can ship include:

• Show plows
• Bucket cranes
• Road rollers
• Earthmovers
• Bulldozers
• Graters
• Dump trucks
• Backhoes
• Excavators
• Skid steer loaders
• Scrappers
• Motor graders
• Forklifts
• Log loaders
• Concrete mixers

Watercraft and Aircraft

There are some instances when you need to ship an aircraft or watercraft like when it cannot handle a long distance or overseas trip, needs repairs at a different location, or is not fully assembled yet. Even a small airplane is likely to exceed load limitations due to its wingspan. This is why it has to be partially disassembled. It can be difficult to ship a fully assembled plane through tunnels, overpasses, and other road and highway elements. That is why parts are typically loaded on a truck trailer while the fuselage is transported using an open-air flatbed. While carriers can aid with the loading of crated components and fuselage, you will need to disassemble the aircraft before shipping.

When it comes to leisure boats, yachts, and racing yachts, they can be shipped on a cradle or trailer via a RO/RO vessel. Depending on the size of the watercraft, it can also be shipped inside 40ft or 20ft containers. The types of watercraft that carriers accept include:

• Motor and power boats
• Wave runners
• Jet and speedboats
• Cuddy cabin, cruiser, fishing, high-performance, and inflatable boats
• Deck, pontoon, and sailboats
• Yachts
• Jet skis
• Sea-doo

When shipping watercraft, your service provider will handle all the paperwork, customs, permits, and boat protection, proving escorts, tow service, and insurance upon request. Services typically include monitoring and reporting, securing cargo, pick-up loading, and shipping to the final destination.

As shipping costs can be high, it is important to consider the dimensions of the watercraft. Removing the flybridge or radar arch of a motor yacht or the keel or bowsprit of a yacht can lower shipping costs.

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Foodstuff

This category includes a variety of items that may or may not require refrigeration transport, including partially processed, fresh, frozen, and packaged goods. As a rule, foodstuff is challenging to ship due to the short shell life of goods and the risk of spoilage, making air freight the most suitable mode of shipping. Cargo with a longer life is also transported by sea using refrigerated vessels where temperature is maintained below 0⁰C.

Livestock

Livestock is typically shipped for bi-products, meat, and breeding. Shipping livestock also presents challenges such as ensuring proper ventilation, nutrition, temperature and adequate lighting. Vessels used to transport animals include specialized ships and modified bulk carriers that allow for the safe transporting of different categories of livestock. Ships are also equipped with HVAC systems to maintain proper ventilation and temperatures for animals.

Vehicles

Vehicles are commonly shipped through ferry services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and some parts of Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. Vehicles are transported on Ro-Ro vessels which are designed to ship oversized cargo and withstand large loads.

Factory Parts, Machinery, and Equipment

Shipping parts, equipment, and machinery is a profitable business, especially when transported in large quantities. This is because they do not require special equipment to withstand sea motion. The main risk here is rusting and corrosion due to moisture developing onboard vessels. That is why ships are equipped with drying units to maintain appropriate temperatures. Calcium-based agents are also used to eliminate rust and keep cargo safe.

Liquid and Dry Bulk Cargo

Both categories are shipped by sea using specialized equipment to prevent cargo from moving or leaking. Liquid bulk cargo, in particular, can be highly volatile, posing risk for both, the environment and crew members. To prevent leakage, cargo usually has a double bottom and is double-shelled.

Toxic and Hazardous Cargo

Hazardous and toxic cargo poses a number of challenges during shipping, regardless of the mode of transportation. The main risks include contamination, accidental poisoning, toxic leakage, and corrosion of the container units or the ship itself. In such cases, operators, cargo handlers, and crews are at risk due to inappropriate shipping, handling, and storage. To minimize risk during transit, ships are outfitted with specially designed and reinforced units for poisonous cargo and chemicals. In case of an accident, different factors are taken into account such as individual sensibility, chronic vs. acute exposure, duration of the exposure, as well as concentration of the substance. Symptoms of exposure can vary from shortness of breath, cough, and pain to decreased consciousness and hypoxia.

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Types of Oversized Loads

There is a variety of freight types that are categorized as oversized cargo, including industrial machinery such as large engines, bulldozers, and cranes and vehicles such as trucks and cars. Steel structures and beams and special, quarry, and mining equipment are also oversized cargo. Additionally, non-standard freight includes construction facilities, prebuilt homes, yachts, turbines, and power generation equipment.

Considerations and Challenges

Oversized cargo requires special attention due to the high costs in case that damage occurs. The choice of mode of transport depends on whether non-standard or standard oversized freight is being shipped. Standard oversized loads include compact-sized equipment, building materials, and steel constructions with weight up to 30 tons. The dimensions should not have considerable excess over standard height (3 – 3.5 meters), width (3.5 – 4 meters), and length (15 – 16 meters).

Such freight can be shipped by truck or a fleet of trucks with the appropriate identification signs and marks. Special oversized cargo, on the other hand, includes parts for large mining equipment, sections for power generation plants, basins for food manufacturers, and other heavy elements. As a rule, this type of cargo has large dimensions and a relatively small weight and can be transported by road trucks. However, there are limitations when it comes to height (6 meters), width (7 meters), and length (10 meters).

Long cargo such as beams, long pipes, rails, and rod posts may require special vehicles and drivers with extensive long-haul experience. Heavy lifts also count as special oversized cargo and include engines and turbines with small dimensions but large weight. Heavyweight items between 100 and 300 tons are typically transported by multi-axle trucks fitted with semi-trailers. Massive and large cargo make for a fourth category with height up to 40 meters and weight up to 900 tons. Such freight is mainly shipped by river or sea due to its dimensions and weight.

Oversized and heavy freight is also subject to special regulations. This is so because freight forwarders must not exceed the technical limitations of pathways and roads. Oversized freight may damage tunnels, bridge foundations, and road paving if technical limitations are not set in place.

When delivering oversized cargo, it is important to bring the required safety signs for the container and vehicle. Typically, heavyweight load signs are in black and yellow, placed at the back and front of the vehicle, to attract drivers’ attention and prevent road accidents. The two main types are metal and mesh oversize load signs, both of which can be secured via tie downs such as bungees or grommets.

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Factors to Account for

Climate is always an important factor as well as weather at the place of origin and destination. Extreme temperatures can affect fish, especially when it sits at a post office in cold or hot weather. Also, different fishes require different temperature ranges during shipping. Cold water fish, for example, thrives at 7°C – 15°C while warm water species do better at 21°C – 28°C. When transporting tropical fish, the temperature range must be 26°C – 30°C.

When shipping internationally and transport times are long, it is important to place heat or ice gel packs to maintain the ideal temperature. Other factors to account for are excretory functions, respiratory rates, and oxygen requirements. Oxygen demands depend on metabolic rate, nutrition, temperature range, and body size. In general, demand increases with activity level, size, and temperature. Also, the number of fish per bag should be reduced when transporting to countries with warmer weather and during the warmer months of the year. Make sure you check with the carrier if re-oxygenation is required. When shipping internationally, oxygen should be in sufficient qualities for fish to survive for at least 48 hours.

Examination prior to Shipping

Ornamental fish is usually moved to a holding facility prior to shipping. Upon arrival, it must be checked for fungal patches, ulcers, ragged fins, and parasites. This is typically done through biopsy and analyzing tissue from the fins, skin, and gill. If there is scale loss, excess mucus, or white spots, it is best to contact a fish health specialist.

Packing

In some cases, chemicals are added to water to eliminate pathogens or sedate the fish to be transported. Chemical additives help reduce stress during shipping.

Packaging is also an important consideration when transporting live fish. Square-bottom bags work well because fish remains upright. Pillow bags are also used, and you will find a variety of sizes. When it comes to bag size, it depends on where fish is going, type of species, size, and number.

Oxygen, Ventilation, Labeling

Add oxygen to the bag and place in an outer box. You may also use packaging with ventilation holes, especially for live shellfish. Place labels such as “this side up”, “live fish”, and “fragile”.

Permits and Certificates

When transporting live fish by air, freight forwarders must fill in a Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals. They must provide details such as number of packages and quantity of species, names, and description. Additional details include airport of departure and destination, address and name of the shipper, and air waybill number.

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Customs Requirements and Shipping Regulations

Subject to customs formalities in the destination of arrival, forwarders and individual customers may need a permit by a food governing body or an import license. Are you allowed to send sausages to Qatar, milk to Singapore, or ice cream to China? Making assumptions about food standards and national legislation can be a costly mistake. Here is what you should know about country-specific customs requirements and shipping food in need of specialized transportation.

European Union

EU Member States have been actively working to adopt harmonized food legislation for a population of about 460 million. Regulation 178/2002 sets the general principles of food safety to ensure the protection of human health and life and consumers’ interests. Products that cannot be imported in the EU include food that is unfit for human consumption or is injurious to health.

In terms of more specific restrictions and border controls, foodstuff includes:

• Fishery products from Albania containing histamine
• Groundnut meals and flours from Argentina containing aflatoxins
• Chinese celery from Cambodia due to pesticide residues
• Sweet peppers from the Dominican Republic due to pesticide residues
• Pistachios from Iran containing aflatoxins

United States

With a population of over 329 million, the U.S. state and federal authorities control the retailing, distribution, and manufacture of refrigerated/chilled foods. The Food and Drug Administration is tasked with monitoring the sale, storage, import, and manufacture of foodstuffs that must be in compliance with relevant legislation.

As food safety requirements vary by country, it is advisable that importers contact an import specialist to inquire what is required, based on country of origin and type of food as well as whether there are any quotas.  Bush meat produced from African wildlife, in particular, is not admissible.

New Zealand and Australia

Food safety standards have been implemented as part of an agreement between New Zealand, Australia, the mainland territories, and the Australian States. Specialized agencies within each jurisdiction are tasked with food surveillance under the Imported Food Control Act 1992.

Foods that require a valid import permit include:

• Trout
• Whole salmon
• Raw unroasted nuts
• Popping corn
• Uncanned meat
• Fresh vegetables and fruit
• Eggs
• Cereal seeds
• Peas
• Beans

Additionally, restricted and prohibited items include meat products of any kind and any shipment that originates or has travelled through Bangladesh, Egypt, or Somalia. When it comes to small shipments, the list of restricted items includes foods with dairy and eggs, nuts, and fresh fruit. Avoid packaging options such as dried plant and straw material, wooden boxes, and egg cartons.

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Carriers also use temperature-controlled containers to transport frozen and chilled goods, photographic film, and pharmaceuticals. If not shipped at appropriate humidity and temperature, such cargo might spoil quickly during transit.

Reefer Design

Reefers have one or more temperature chambers and a generator to maintain the right temperature regardless of weather conditions. Depending on the type of cargo, the temperature ranges from – 35 °C to 35 °C. As they are used for refrigeration transport, cooling gets done during loading, storage, and transit.

Air is blown through the side or floor of the reefer. The floor is typically T-styled, with air coming from the bottom up to cool cargo.

There are also refrigerated containers that use water to maintain the desired temperature. They have a water cooling system that ventilates heat in the storage space and outside the containers.

Types of Reefers

The main types of refrigerated containers in use are automatic fresh air management, controlled/modified atmosphere (CA/MA), and closed reefers. The latter have automatic heating and cooling units and come as a single piece. These are conventional containers.

Automatic fresh air management reefers are equipped with an advanced air exchange system to adjust the composition of gases, including carbon dioxide and oxygen. Controlled/modified atmosphere reefers also have an air exchange system that replaces the used oxygen to maintain the atmosphere inside containers constant.

Types of Cargo

Reefers are used to ship chilled goods such as live plants, confectionary, eggs, and seafood. Chilled goods are transported at temperature around freezing points to retain their value. Frozen goods also require specialized transportation at temperatures of -20°C and below. Examples are prepared foods and concentrates, frozen meat, and ice cream which are shipped at freezing temperatures to retain their quality, texture, and flavor. Low temperatures slow down oxidation processes and enzyme activity and prevent bacterial growth.

Reefers are also used for miscellaneous and special cargo such as chemicals, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and batteries. In most cases, such cargo has special handling instructions for humidity and temperature control, stowage, and packaging.

The approximate shelf life depends on the type of cargo to be transported. It is 2 to 3 weeks for avocados, 1 to 7 months for apples, and 7 to 10 days for green beans.

Cargo Handling

Before shipping, forwarders provide information such as humidity and temperature requirements, type of packaging, destination and departure port, weight and volume, and types of products shipped. This information allows carriers to ensure the appropriate conditions and identify the right container and ship to transport cargo.

Chilled and frozen goods are pre-cooled to maintain the appropriate temperature and are placed in containers and loaded through a cold tunnel facility. Cargo is packaged using strong cartons and is packed tightly so that it is stable. Reefers are then set to maintain the appropriate humidity and temperature and to maintain proper ventilation.

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While the EU reversed its decision to impose controls, the question that begs to be answered is why vaccine shortages occur given that Member States paid millions to boost production? The complex nature of supply chains is part of the answer. The shortage of workers, however, is a major obstacle to adding new lines and capacity.

Why Deliberating Controls

The EU explained that the measures would help ensure timely delivery and access to vaccines for all Member States. Controls were to be implemented in response to AstraZeneca skimping on deliveries and allegedly exporting doses to Great Britain. The European Commission also discussed the option to enforce article 16 of the Brexit’s Northern Ireland protocol, with the goal of preventing the shipping of vaccine doses through Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.

Reasons for Vaccine Shortfalls

AstraZeneca explained vaccine shortages with a production shortfall in its factory in Belgium. While this is a likely reason for delivery delays, there is more, from the need for specialized transportation to the complex nature of vaccine supply and the number of parties involved. The supply chain involves manufacturers such as AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer, logistics companies shipping doses to docks, hauliers transporting vaccines between states, and local distributors delivering doses to the state authorities.

Another reason for delivery delays is the shortage of workers that can support global supply chains. At the most basic level, supply chains span activities such as storage and distribution, transportation, and production. In times of a global pandemic of unprecedented proportions, the availability of labor for activities requiring human involvement has been significantly reduced. The reasons are many, from physical and social distancing to morbidity, fear of contagion, and illness.

Pharmaceutical companies are racing to fill in open positions as to accelerate production and availability. They are hiring hundreds of supply-chain management directors, quality assurance analysts, warehouse associates, and other professionals. Analysts point to the fact that 10 of the largest manufacturers that signed Covid-19 outsourcing contracts have over 5,000 job openings. Manufacturers producing vaccine doses for AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer are also struggling to find staff and admit to being in unprecedented territory. One company is even offering attractive sign-on bonuses to night-shift staff. The problem is that many of the positions not only require a biotechnology degree but extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing. A company contracted by Johnson & Johnson, Emergent BioSolutions is a point in question. In January alone, the producer had over 180 job vacancies, including positions such as bioanalytics scientists, engineers, and warehouse associates.

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