Refrigerated transport

What is refrigerated transport?

Refrigerated transport, also called temperature-controlled transport (transport sous température dirigée), is an essential service for keeping a low, constant temperature while sensitive goods, food parcels in particular, are on the move, so that their quality and integrity are preserved in France and across Europe. It mainly covers fresh and frozen (deep-frozen) food products, as well as some pharmaceutical and cosmetic products that need a rigorous cold chain (vaccines, blood products, raw materials) on their way to their recipients.

Definition and types of goods carried

This type of transport service applies to perishable foodstuffs such as meat, fish, dairy products, fruit, and vegetables, as well as temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products, often packed as parcels. It can use different modes (road, rail, sea, air) depending on needs and distances, to deliver goods to their final recipients, including large retailers.

The cold chain: keeping the temperature and ensuring food safety

The cold chain is a set of procedures that keep specific controlled-temperature conditions in place throughout the transport of parcels, from loading to delivery to recipients, to prevent the growth of microorganisms and the deterioration of fresh and frozen products. It requires suitable equipment, specific packaging for each parcel, and rigorous temperature monitoring: real logistics know-how for moving goods anywhere in France.

Refrigerated transport regulations

The ATP Agreement: requirements and certifications

The ATP Agreement governs the technical and sanitary conditions of international refrigerated transport, setting requirements for vehicles and equipment so that the cold chain is maintained in cross-border trade.

The Hygiene Package: standards and best practices

The Hygiene Package (Paquet Hygiène) brings together the European food safety rules, including strict standards for refrigerated transport to guarantee the sanitary quality of perishable foodstuffs.

International transport: specific regulations

International refrigerated transport must comply with specific regulations that depend on the countries and modes of transport involved, including certifications, customs checks, and compliance with international agreements such as the ATP.

Types of refrigerated transport

Road transport: trucks, trailers, and specialized vehicles

Road transport is the most common, and it uses several types of temperature-controlled equipment:

• Insulated (isotherme): an insulated body with no active cooling, to limit heat exchange.

• Refrigerated, non-mechanical (réfrigérant): fitted with a non-mechanical cold source to adjust the temperature.

• Mechanically refrigerated (frigorifique): fitted with a mechanical cooling system (refrigeration unit) for precise temperature control.

• Heated (calorifique): able to raise and maintain the temperature inside the body.

They come as small vans, light commercial vehicles, trucks, heavy goods vehicles, and semi-trailers, depending on the volume and the distance to cover.

Rail transport: pros and cons

Refrigerated rail transport suits long overland distances and offers high capacity, but it is less flexible than road for local distribution and requires suitable infrastructure.

Sea and air transport: options for long distances

Refrigerated sea freight is preferred for large volumes over long international distances, while air freight is used for high-value products or those that need fast delivery.

Choosing a refrigerated carrier

Selection criteria: experience, certifications, and insurance

It is essential to choose a carrier with solid experience, the right certifications (ATP, Hygiene Package), and insurance that covers the risks of refrigerated transport.

Requesting quotes: comparing offers and choosing a provider

Comparing quotes on the services offered, temperature guarantees, lead times, and real-time tracking is crucial to selecting the right provider.

Refrigerated transport rates

Rates depend on the type of vehicle, the distance, the volume, the required temperature, and additional services such as tracking or specialized handling.

Safety and traceability

Real-time tracking of temperature and goods location

Modern technologies allow real-time monitoring of transport conditions, ensuring traceability and cold chain compliance. Some sensors use edge computing to process readings on board and send alerts instantly. Unpowered semi-trailers and containers can also be located with battery-powered asset tracking devices.

Safety systems and risk prevention devices

Vehicles are fitted with alarm systems, anti-intrusion devices, and mechanisms that prevent loss of cold when doors are opened or during incidents.

Handling incidents and non-conformities

Strict procedures are in place to handle temperature deviations, with immediate corrective action to keep products safe.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What temperatures are different products transported at?

Temperatures vary by product: for example, fresh products are carried between 0 and +4°C, frozen products at -18°C or below, and some pharmaceutical products at their own specific temperatures.

How can you guarantee the quality and safety of transported products?

By strictly respecting the cold chain, using suitable vehicles, tracking in real time, and following rigorous loading and unloading procedures.

What are the penalties for breaking the regulations?

They can include fines, operating bans, and liability for damaged goods or health risks.

How can the carbon footprint of refrigerated transport be reduced?

The main options to prioritize include optimizing routes, using energy-efficient vehicles, improving vehicle thermal insulation, and switching to less polluting modes of transport, such as rail.