As temperatures rises so does the challenge of beating the heat, while transporting consignments. Many require special measures to get to their destination, fresh and undamaged. This includes products such as pharmaceuticals, perishables and beverages, cosmetics, batteries, and electronics.
-Abigail Mathias
To combat the summer heat, shipping temperature-sensitive freight requires at the very least temperature-monitoring, with many products such as pharma and perishables among others requiring temperature-controlled transport.
Transporting heat-sensitive items necessitates considering the temperature of the goods throughout the supply chain process. Some heat-sensitive products need to remain at a specific temperature every step of the way to prevent spoilage requiring temperature-controlled transportation, while others can handle a little bit of heat without being compromised.
Every day, around 1,100 tonnes of food and other perishable products originating from different parts of the world move through various cargo terminals. The timely dispatch of these products is an imperative aspect of the process.
One of the points of origin for perishables for Emirates SkyCargo is India. Every month, around 4,000 tonnes of fruits, vegetables and other perishables are moved from India by Emirates SkyCargo aircraft. Produce exported include summer fruits such as mangoes and vegetables such as guavas and okra, drumsticks and chillies to help bring a taste of home to Indian expat communities. in various markets. Since May 2019, Emirates SkyCargo has moved 18,000 tonnes of perishables from India alone.
Premium tailored solutions
Etihad Cargo transports a wide range of temperature-sensitive commodities, including pharmaceuticals and perishables, via our premium products PharmaLife and FreshForward. The carrier’s award-winning, IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product is dedicated to the safe transportation of pharma around the world.
To meet the needs of transporting dangerous goods in frozen and deep-frozen conditions, PharmaLife provides premium tailored solutions to handle temperature-controlled conditions from minus 80° to 25°C via the carrier’s portfolio of leased active and hybrid containers.”
This apart, the carrier has also increased its dry ice carrying capability, with its full freighters carrying up to 13 tonnes of dry ice, one of the largest amounts of dry ice that airlines are permitted to carry.
“In addition to launching a new pharma facility that will double our cool chain capacity, we are gradually adding new, exclusive features to our PharmaLife product across our network. We have just launched our new dedicated thermal covers for PharmaLife products into our top pharma origin stations, including Amsterdam and Paris.
Challenges and limitations
Transporting temperature-sensitive cargo comes with many challenges. For example, variable environmental temperature is a greater challenge given the high temperatures in the UAE, including humidity and solar reflection The time on the tarmac will always be a critical factor, as any amount of time the cargo spends outside of the required temperature range will impact the quality and integrity of products.
This is why Etihad Cargo has stringent service level agreements in place, ensuring risk the factors are anticipated and mitigated.
Moreover, the global reach of Etihad Cargo’s operations, with international airports serving as hubs combined with our road feeder trucking networks, ensures that even the most remote destinations are accessible. This capability is significant for delivering sensitive cargo directly to where it is needed, thereby minimising the need for extended ground transportation and the associated risks.
Investing in infra, technology
dnata continues to invest in infrastructure and equipment to ensure efficient and safe handling of perishable goods. With the temperatures rising above 40°C during the summer in Dubai, our cutting-edge facilities are equipped to maintain all IATA standards for temperature control ranges at all stages of the cargo handling process. This includes transportation to and from the aircraft in high-tech ‘cool dollies’, specially designed to serve perishable and pharmaceutical products with a closed temperature-controlled system.
Our cool chain facilities at our Dubai World Central hub provide 22 separate storage areas, offering a range of temperatures from minus 20°C deep freeze through to refrigeration and 25°C controlled room temperature. We are committed to consistently investing in infrastructure and digital technologies to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global cargo hub. Despite extreme heat, our world-class facilities, advanced equipment and cooperation with our partners and authorities ensure that each piece of perishable cargo remains at its optimum storage temperature throughout the transportation process.
Climate control, careful handling
Goods2Load employs strategies to ensure the safe transport of sensitive air cargo, especially during challenging summer temperatures. We primarily utilise logistic suppliers capable of identifying and using climate-controlled containers and aircraft with advanced monitoring to maintain optimal conditions. Our trusted carriers, experienced in delicate cargo handling, implement additional precautions as needed. With our commitment to logistics excellence, we guarantee the safe and secure arrival of your sensitive air cargo, regardless of seasonal challenges.
Shipping sensitive air cargo during summer frequently poses challenges such as temperature fluctuations, fragility, security concerns, and regulatory compliance. Limitations include the need for consistent climate control, careful handling to prevent damage, stringent security measures, and adherence to the complex regulations, which can increase logistical complexity and costs. Air cargo is ideal for transporting sensitive cargo due to its speed, global reach, controlled environment, enhanced security measures, and reliability. With fast transit times, access to remote locations, climate-controlled facilities, strict security protocols, and dependable operations, air cargo ensures the safe and secure transportation of sensitive goods.
Consistency need of the hour
With temperatures soaring above 45°C in the region, air cargo is the best way to transport sensitive shipments. The consistency with which freight operators manage the shipments is hard to duplicate by road or by sea. Which is why air cargo is the most preferred means to ferry goods, which are more time-bound.
Shippers need to know the pros and cons of air cargo shipping to make the best decisions for their shipments. The pros of air cargo include the speed of delivery, the ability to ship to remote locations, and the shipment’s safety and security. The cons of air cargo shipping include the high cost, the potential for delays, and the need for special handling. As temperatures soar, it becomes imperative to manage timely shipment of goods to their respective locations.
Air cargo shipping is one of the most reliable transport. It offers improved tracking and increased assurance that your products will arrive at their destination on time. Also, air freight companies have a good track record of delivering products on time and in good condition. They also have an extensive network of agents and partners who can help with the shipping process. This means that if there are any delays or problems with the shipment, they can usually be resolved quickly.
strict quality control
Transporting sensitive cargo during summer needs meticulous planning and execution. Proper packaging with insulated materials and thermal blankets maintains the the cargo’s internal temperature, while ensuring thermal resistance and moisture protection. Implementing temperature monitoring systems enables real-time tracking and intervention, if needed. Collaboration with airlines and instructions for handling and storage, minimises risks. Maintaining stringent quality control ensures cargo integrity, ensuring successful delivery despite challenging conditions. During summer season, the logistics industry experiences adjustments to meet the heightened demand across sectors such as retail, tourism, and agriculture.
This increase in demand necessitates operations to accommodate the increased volumes of goods being transported. With rising temperatures, there is a heightened emphasis on transporting temperature-sensitive items such as fresh produce and pharmaceuticals.
These require careful handling and storage throughout the transportation process to maintain their quality and integrity. Last-mile delivery (LMD), especially for e-commerce and parcels, witnesses a surge in demand during the summer due to increased consumer activity. This increased demand prompts logistics providers to enhance their route optimisation strategies and increase their delivery capacity to ensure timely deliveries.
As a service provider, we leverage cutting-edge route optimisation and real-time tracking systems to minimise transit times and ensure delivery of goods, particularly during periods of weather disruptions. Collaborating with special vendors enables us to guarantee punctual transportation of goods throughout the summer months.
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