The added value of using a refrigerated courier

As the food and drink market changes, so must the approaches taken by refrigerated logistics suppliers. It is key you don’t get this muddled up with a standard logistics supplier. There is after all a difference in terms of how this service offering is to work for the end user. The benefit of Refrigerated Transport is that the products being transported are kept fresh. This is, as a result, big business nowadays.

Refrigerated courier trucks are more versatile than you think. The added benefit of using an enclosed space is the privacy factor. So for instance, let’s say you are a specialist lobster farm or you may specialise in a product that is of high value, you can actually keep your produce 100% under the blanket from a privacy point of view. This can help no end as a supplier to industry; whether you may be supplying supermarkets, restaurants or any other type of going concern.

Key details is bear in mind

Containers should bear labels providing sufficient information on handling and storage requirements and precautions to ensure that the products are properly handled and secured at all times. The containers should enable identification of the contents of the containers and the source. For small volumes of lower risk products, with short journey times of less than three hours, validated insulated containers can be used.

Sending items over a long distance

For extended journeys, gel or ice packs are added to the packaging to maintain appropriate temperatures throughout. The positioning of these packs within the consignment is extremely important and they must not be allowed into direct contact with the products being shipped. Bespoke packaging with compartments for the gel or ice blocks are available, although securely encasing the blocks in some form of wrapping, such as bubble wrap, or installing some other form of a buffer can be equally as effective.

Controlling temperatures

Daily minimum and maximum temperature monitoring and recording should also be carried out at all storage locations. Any recording devices should be calibrated.

Couriers and distributors should review the temperature records or data for each consignment and there should be procedures in place for implementing corrective action in the case of adverse events. They should also ensure that consignments of refrigerated goods are clearly labelled with the required storage and transport conditions to be maintained as stated above.

How all of this can benefit an SME

Creating an efficient delivery operation that adds value and facilitates great customer service. This is vital for every small and medium-sized business. Being able to match the bigger players when it comes to offering the best possible delivery services to your customers could be what sets your company apart for clients. This is whether you’re an e-commerce platform, or regularly send important documents to clients.

Getting the most value out of the process is not only a question of getting goods from point of origin to the end user as quickly as possible, but should also be about minimising spend and maximising the relationship with the transport provider. In this article, we’ll run through the sorts of options SMEs should look for in a courier service, from efficiency to how to get the best rates.

The wider possible cost savings you can also expect

Small businesses are often compelled to try and do everything themselves, with a perception that it is cheaper and more valuable to keep operations in-house. This is hardly ever the case however and can be an unwelcome distraction from the day job. The distribution sector as a whole is facing an uncertain future over Brexit, driver shortages, fuel prices and tax, making it increasingly expensive to run in-house operations. Vehicle operating costs have risen 3% to 4% in the UK through the past 12 months and there are no guarantees you will actually retain more control and visibility over your goods.

As well as minimising costs through more competitive rates, especially during busy periods, a provider can help with additional capacity at short notice and help reduce the overall spend on returns or missed deliveries. They can also help provide end-users greater flexibility through premium next-day and same-day delivery or longer, cheaper delivery options.

Ensuring you are also able to offer and deliver a quality end service

For most small businesses, outsourcing distribution makes perfect sense and offers great value for money. Amid the boom of e-commerce, customer experience and service reliability are also key. They are by far more important than any short-term view to costs in terms of long-term planning. SMEs absolutely need a provider that can grow alongside their business and be ready as customer demands evolve. Getting the most value out of developing a solid distribution operation usually means thinking longer term. Seeking a low-cost strategy in the short term is not always cost-effective in the future.

Sourcing the best possible service provider / partner

By securing a reliable delivery partner, SMEs can grow with, they can adopt a strategy that keeps generating value. As volumes increase, greater efficiencies can be leveraged, and savings passed on to the customer. It can also create a leaner, more efficient operation; allow staff added focus on core activities and an overall more valuable service to customers. It is obviously far easier to grow a business when everyone is focused on it. For many small business owners and managers, the supply chain is not their first area of expertise. They need a provider that has the depth of industry knowledge as well as proven processes on-hand.

Overall – what you need to bear in mind in close consideration

The first way of ensuring higher delivery profitability is to use a refrigerated truck. It needs to be perfectly suited to your requirements, or those of your customer. In other words, you need to transport as many products as possible whilst maintaining excellent manoeuvrability. You need to know that your high value and also perishable products will be able to get from A to B. This needs to be done in the most stress free and seamless overall manner. For you as a business, this can and will only prove to be a win win all round. This is where and how hiring a refrigerated courier service can benefit your business so much.