What sets high-quality refrigerated transport apart in the logistics sector

Refrigerated transport is playing an increasingly important role in the Dutch logistics sector. Demand for fresh produce is growing, lead times are getting shorter and food safety requirements are becoming stricter.

Whereas temperature-controlled transport used to be a specialism reserved for a limited group of hauliers, it has now become an integral part of many logistics chains. As a result, planners and transport operators are having to adopt a different way of thinking about capacity, speed and reliability. This affects not only the food sector, but also related industries such as the hospitality sector, catering and event organisation.

Growing demand for fresh produce is putting pressure on the supply chain

Consumers and businesses expect products to be fresh and delivered quickly. This expectation is reflected throughout the entire logistics chain. In refrigerated transport, the temperature is usually between 0 and 15 degrees, whilst chilled foodstuffs often need to be transported and stored at between 2 and 6 degrees to guarantee quality and shelf life. Frozen products require even lower temperatures. Even a slight deviation can lead to a loss of quality, which is precisely why temperature control is so crucial.

In addition, food safety regulations have been tightened. HACCP standards are now regarded as a fundamental requirement within refrigerated transport and cold storage, and ATP certification and the accreditation of cold stores by the NVWA also play a role in practice. Carriers and shippers must be able to demonstrate that temperatures are continuously monitored and recorded. This requires equipment that works reliably, but also processes that are correct at every stage of the journey.

Temporary refrigerated solutions during peak periods and breakdowns

Not every company benefits from purchasing its own refrigerated vehicles. That is precisely why demand is growing for temporary refrigerated solutions such as refrigerated trailers, refrigerated semi-trailers and refrigerated and frozen containers. These solutions are deployed when permanent capacity falls short, for example during seasonal peaks, in the event of breakdowns to existing refrigeration systems, or when a temporary expansion of storage space is required.

A refrigerated trailer is the ideal solution when fast and flexible refrigerated transport is required, whilst a refrigerated semi-trailer is better suited to larger volumes over longer distances. Refrigerated and frozen containers are more often used in a stationary capacity, for example as a temporary extension to an existing site or on construction projects where food safety is also a consideration. The advantage of this flexible deployment is that companies can scale up without investing in their own equipment. This saves not only on capital, but also on maintenance and management, whilst ensuring the continuity of business operations.

Events also require mobile refrigeration

The demand for temporary refrigeration solutions is not limited to regular transport chains. Within the events industry, too, the need for reliable, mobile refrigeration is growing. During festivals and large-scale events, large quantities of drinks and fresh produce must be kept at a constant temperature, often in changing weather conditions and with a high turnover at the bar. A refrigerated container can then serve as a buffer for large quantities of drinks, whilst smaller cold stores are suitable for catering stalls.

What is striking is that the requirements of the events sector hardly differ from those of standard logistics. Here too, the focus is on temperature control, hygiene and preventing losses. The right equipment is just as important as the transport itself, because without reliable refrigeration, fast delivery is of little value.

Reliability makes all the difference

What sets good domestic refrigerated transport apart lies mainly in the details. Verifiable and continuous temperature control, compliance with HACCP standards, speed of delivery and the certainty that vehicles are available at all times are the factors that together determine whether a supply chain actually functions reliably. Disruptions or delays are virtually impossible to rectify in this sector, as perishable goods do not get a second chance.

That is why companies are increasingly turning to providers who not only hire out equipment but also handle maintenance, inspections and transport themselves. Douven Verhuur from Weert is an example of a company that demonstrates this in practice, with refrigerated trailers, refrigerated semi-trailers and refrigerated and frozen containers used in both regular logistics operations and at events. This demonstrates that flexibility and reliability in refrigerated transport need not be mutually exclusive; rather, together they determine whether a supply chain can withstand peak periods, breakdowns and the growing demand for fresh produce.