Reflecting on the last 20 years, Nick Finbow, Perishable Sales Director at International Cargo Logistics Limited (ICL), has seen significant advancements in the cool chain and handling of temperature-sensitive cargo in the logistics industry.
“There is now a much higher degree of understanding iof the need to ensure the freight is kept in the correct temperature regime from farm to end user,” he explained.
“The majority now pre-cool the product as soon as possible after harvesting and transport it to the airports in temperature-controlled conditions, maintained during transit using a combination of gel packs and cool guard.
As the industry has progressed, certain cargo types have seen notable growth, particularly berries.
“Blueberries are leading the charge,” Finbow explained, underscoring the need for tailored services, as “these products are very susceptible to heat, making it imperative that temperature control is maintained from field to fork.”
The dynamics between sea and airfreight for temperature-controlled goods have also developed: “Sea freight is seeing some extremely interesting developments, allowing for more highly perishable products to be moved by sea.”
However, airfreight will continue to be indispensable for highly perishable items like raspberries and strawberries due to their sensitivity and short shelf life. Geopolitical challenges are also pushing exporters towards airfreight: “It’s a more attractive option due to the additional costs and time associated with sea freight.”
As the cool chain sector continues to evolve, ICL’s strategic initiatives and partnerships position it to navigate the complexities of the industry, ensuring the highest standards of service and reliability for its clients.
Challenges and opportunities
Capitalising on the expanding cold chain market, ICL is positioning itself to meet evolving demands.
“Although airlines can profit from this offering with options like 2–8 and enviro containers, handling agents are often unable to capitalise on these requirements,” Finbow outlined, stressing that managing these costs and enhancing infrastructure is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge.
“We are in the process of expanding our refrigeration footprint to ensure our growth does not outstrip our cold chain offering,” Finbow stated.
“We are also in the process of gaining industry certification to give our customers confidence that what we say we really do.”
The primary issue facing airlines is reducing non-profitable routes, which are “adding so much to the cost of freight, making these overpriced and no longer attractive to customers.”
Despite these hurdles, ICL is exploring alternative solutions, such as moving products into the EU and trucking them to the UK: “We all know this comes with its own challenges, but ICL is fully equipped to assist and make these new routes viable for current and future customers.”
Partnerships play a pivotal role in bolstering ICL’s operations. Finbow underscores the importance of collaboration, citing the recent partnership with FreshLinc.
“These collaborations are a must. Many companies boast that they are asset heavy, but I firmly believe working with the right partners can ensure you offer the same if not a better service,” he highlighted.
“Companies with a different offering, such as haulage, are specialists in their area. The lesson here is to not try and do everything and fail but to ensure that the customer receives the best solutions based on both you and your collaborative partners’ strengths.”
