Temperature-controlled transport: optimize your routes efficiently

In cold logistics, many products requiring strict preservation (whether foodstuffs, fresh produce or sensitive medical products) must be transported without the slightest temperature deviation. In this sector of temperature-controlled transport - also known as refrigerated transport - even the slightest temperature deviation can compromise the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive goods.

Last but not least, carriers have to deal with a host of operational constraints: strict delivery deadlines, Low Emission Zones (ZFE) that restrict access to certain city centers, and the just-in-time imperative that leaves no margin for error in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Optimizing a temperature-controlled transport route is not simply a matter of reducing distance or journey time.

It's about orchestrating a route that complies with all technical, regulatory and business requirements, to guarantee control of the cold chain and maximize the performance of your business.

How does temperature-controlled transport work?

Definitions

• Cold chain (or refrigeration chain): all storage, handling and transport operations designed to ensure that sensitive products remain at the right temperature, without compromising their quality or affecting health.

• Temperature-controlled transport (refrigerated transport): transport of temperature-sensitive goods in an isothermal truck equipped with a refrigeration unit, ensuring that a uniform temperature range is maintained throughout the journey.

• HACCP & ISO 12830 standards : hygiene and traceability management methods. HACCP identifies critical control points (e.g. temperature thresholds not to be exceeded), while ISO 12830 specifies requirements for regular temperature recording (often every 15 minutes).

• ATP: European regulation (Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be Used for Such Carriage) which sets out the technical requirements for refrigerated vehicles. To legally transport temperature-controlled foodstuffs in France, a truck must be ATP-certified. Each vehicle is issued with a valid certificate of technical compliance, proving that it meets these standards (this certificate must be renewed periodically, e.g. every 6 and 9 years of truck use).
  
  

Regulatory constraints and business practices in temperature-controlled transport

In France, transport regulations are very strict in this field: refrigerated transport trucks must comply with the ATP agreement and be fitted with approved temperature recorders (ISO 12830). These devices ensure temperature control, generally with automatic readings taken every 15 minutes, in line with HACCP requirements.

Carriers must comply with a number of technical transport requirements to operate legally and safely. For example, refrigerated trucks must be ATP-certified, which guarantees their ability to maintain a constant temperature in the loading area (often between -20°C and +25°C, depending on the products being transported).

French regulations strictly govern temperature-controlled transport. Decree no. 2020-1218 of October 2, 2020, which came into force on January 1, 2021, modernizes the technical conditions for transporting perishable goods under controlled temperature. In particular, it specifies the requirements for compliance with the ATP agreement, the organization of authorized test centers and the procedures for issuing certificates of technical compliance by Cemafroid (article 10 of the decree).

The set temperatures to be respected depend on the type of goods being transported:

• Frozen products (ice cream, frozen meats or vegetables): approx. -18°C to -20°C;

• Fresh products (dairy products, fresh meats, other perishable foodstuffs): between +2°C and +4°C;

• Sensitive products (e.g. vaccines, medicines, pharmaceutical or cosmetic products): up to +25°C maximum.

Compliance with these temperature ranges is monitored by the continuous traceability system described above. ISO 12830-compliant data loggers provide a frequent time-stamped record, enabling a posteriori control in the event of an audit. In the field, the operator must be able to present temperature monitoring documents at any time, as well as the vehicle's ATP certificate, proving its valid compliance.

In addition to legal obligations, good cold logistics practice means anticipating all factors that could affect the cold chain. For example, it is crucial to use appropriate packaging (isothermal containers, refrigerated crates, etc.) for each type of product transported. Well-chosen packaging enhances product preservation and prevents breakage during loading, transport and delivery.

Despite all these precautions, operational hazards remain: a traffic jam, a breakdown or a poorly closed door can always occur. However, a break in the cold chain entails specific risks that are not to be underestimated:

• Loss of product quality and safety. For example, a break in the cold chain during refrigerated food transport encourages bacterial proliferation and can render foodstuffs unfit for consumption.

• Regulatory or commercial sanctions in the event of non-compliance (fines, refusal of goods, loss of contract), with possible customer disputes.

• The batch delivered may be called into question, up to and including outright destruction of the damaged goods.
  
  

The benefits of a TMS for temperature-controlled transport

Why adopt a TMS for temperature-controlled transport?

A TMS (Transport Management System ) is much more than a simple route planning tool: it's a strategic ally in ensuring the compliance, performance and real-time management of your temperature-controlled transport operations. The TMS helps you control the entire end-to-end chain, while optimizing costs and lead times.

Optimized planning and compliance with constraints

Thanks to a dedicated TMS, routes involving temperature-sensitive goods are automatically optimized and prioritized during planning. The software integrates specific French rules (ZFE, tight delivery slots, restrictions for heavy goods vehicles, just-in-time requirements, etc.) and adjusts routes in real time in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Carriers can thus :

• Up to 15% fewer kilometers travelled per optimized round;

• Fewer superfluous stops and lower fuel consumption, thus reducing their CO₂ footprint.

This level of control improves productivity and guarantees delivery in compliance with current health or pharmaceutical standards. By optimizing every parameter (distance, time, delivery sequences, etc.), a TMS (like Sinari TMS Ready) ensures control of the cold chain throughout the journey.

Geotracking and real-time temperature alerts

With on-board sensors synchronized to the TMS, each refrigerated vehicle is continuously geotracked and its internal temperature monitored in real time. As soon as a temperature deviation outside the defined range occurs, an instant alert is sent to the driver and/or fleet manager.

This reactivity means that action can be taken in a matter of minutes (e.g., by adjusting the cooling unit or checking the door for leaks), thus avoiding a damaging breakdown. You're always in control of the situation, making your round safer and preserving your products until they reach their destination.

All useful data is instantly fed back into the TMS: measured temperatures, truck position, history of variations. This geotracking coupled with remote temperature monitoring facilitates rapid operational decisions (turning back to a warehouse, transferring the cargo to another vehicle, etc.) to save the goods if a problem occurs en route.

In short, the risk of losing fresh produce or costly vaccines due to a malfunction is greatly reduced thanks to these proactive alerts.

Automatic reporting and simplified compliance

All temperature readings (ISO 12830) and position/time data linked to routes (ATP, HACCP protocol) are automatically aggregated in the TMS. Each route is traced and time-stamped, and the complete history remains available for export in the event of an inspection or dispute. This automation frees transport teams from tedious administrative tasks, and eliminates the risk of errors associated with manual handling of documents.

In just a few clicks, the manager can produce a summary report proving compliance with the cold chain on a given route. He can also provide the customer with a certificate of compliance for the goods transported, in complete transparency. Compliance with temperature-controlled transport regulations becomes much simpler to manage on a day-to-day basis, as the TMS acts as a guardian: it centralizes proof and key indicators (temperatures, schedules, seals, etc.) for each shipment.

Measurable gains in costs, customer service and reputation

The use of a TMS brings concrete benefits to the transport company:

• Up to 15% productivity gains, according to Sinari Group customer feedback.

• On average, 20% fewer empty kilometers, reducing fuel costs and carbon footprint.

• Increased productivity of operational teams: fewer preparation errors, systematic adherence to delivery slots, better management of unforeseen events.

• Complete traceability of the cold chain, reassuring customers and simplifying audits, particularly for sensitive fresh or medical products.

By optimizing transport with a TMS, carriers can not only make significant savings, but also improve their quality of service. The reliability of temperature-controlled deliveries boosts customer confidence (for example, in the agri-food or pharmaceutical sectors) and preserves the carrier's reputation in a market where compliance with regulations and responsiveness are decisive criteria.

Conclusio n

Controlling temperature-controlled transport is much more than a regulatory issue: it's an imperative for performance and reliability.

With a dedicated TMS, you can guarantee traceability, compliance and quality of service, while optimizing your routes and costs. A real lever for boosting customer satisfaction and securing your day-to-day operations.