Cold chain logistics is one of the most challenging sectors in the already complex world of logistics and transportation, for the simple reason that so many things can go wrong. And when they do? Spoilage, rejected loads, lost revenue, and damaged end-customer relationships, to name but a few of the pitfalls cold chain shippers face. Despite the inherent challenges,the North American cold chain market was valued at $270B in 2023 and is expected to grow at a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6% from 2023-2030. This growth rate also compounds the challenges for shippers and underscores the need for logistics strategies for maintaining the integrity of the cold chain.
The challenges faced by cold chain shippers are as varied as the products themselves. The requirements for transporting commodities as diverse as perishable and frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, flowers, and live seafood will vary depending on the season, length of haul, time-sensitivity of the shipment, and other factors.