The refrigerated transport industry is worth more than $14 billion and is responsible for carrying a huge array of products across the country in perfect condition. It’s a big undertaking but an essential one for manufacturers and consumers.
Of course, one of the biggest challenges facing transport companies in Melbourne is ensuring that the temperature of the goods remains within a given range. It should be noted it’s not just fresh produce this applies to. Temperatures often need to be held stable for electronic appliances and even the transfer of medications.
Naturally, one truck can be subject to a wide variety of weather conditions. This includes freezing fog and baking desert sun. Each of these places a strain on the truck’s refrigerated system. Monitoring the temperature is the only logical answer to ensure the right temperature is maintained regardless of outside conditions.
How Temperature Monitoring Works
In the past, a simple thermometer told the temperature in the truck and the driver manually checked it every hour. However, today companies use electronic systems.
A good temperature data logger will check the temperature range at set intervals. This means it will know if the temperature is rising or sinking. When the temperature reaches a specified distance from the optimal parameters an alarm is sounded.
In most cases the alarm will sound in the truck’s cab, allowing the driver to investigate and report it to head office. A more sophisticated system will also send a wireless signal to head office, alerting them to the potential issue.
The alarm will sound again if the temperature exceeds or goes below the designated range. This then allows the driver or head office to react and, if necessary, provide a different truck.
It should be noted there are also individual sticker-based monitoring systems that go on a specific parcel. These have color-coded stickers that tell the driver the temperature is being monitored. If the temperature goes outside the parameters then the sticker changes color, alerting the receiver to the issue.
Why Temperature Monitoring Is So Important
In the digital age, it is very easy for one or two negative online reviews to destroy the reputation of a business. This can easily happen if goods are delivered but are not up to standard. In the past, it would be difficult to ascertain who was at fault. However, temperature monitoring allows the manufacturer and supplier to confirm that the damage was done during transport. This makes it easier to defend the reputation of a business and cheaper to get the problem resolved.
Without temperature monitoring, many companies would have to cover the cost of replacement products. This can add up and cause cash flow issues which can cripple a company.
Temperature monitoring while shipping frozen food helps to ensure that goods are looked after during transit and you get the high-quality produce that you expect. In short, they make the entire process more transparent. That’s why every business should invest in temperature’ monitoring stickers and ensure they use a company with the right procedures in place.
