Handling your Products. How a Great 3PL Receives and Stores Refrigerated Goods.

Deliver and Store

Handling your products. For businesses that rely on temperature-sensitive shipping, a refrigerated third-party logistics (3PL) provider is a crucial partner. One of the most important aspects of cold-chain logistics is the receiving and storage process, which ensures that perishable products are kept in optimal conditions from the moment they arrive. Here’s how a great refrigerated 3PL expertly manages receiving and storage to protect product quality and maintain efficiency.

Step 1: Receiving and Inspection

• When products arrive at the 3PL facility, they are immediately checked to verify quantities, conditions, and temperature compliance. Any damage is photographed and sent directly to the client as well as shortages being noted, especially if the consignment note from the linehaul company does not match what the 3PL has received.

• Temperature-sensitive goods are quickly unloaded and moved to designated climate-controlled areas to prevent any exposure to unfavourable conditions.

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) ensure every item is entered, preventing errors and ensuring seamless inventory management and stock levels. Without a great WMS you are at the mercy of human error and humans make mistakes counting!

Step 2: Sorting and Temperature Classification

• Products are categorised based on their specific temperature requirements: frozen (-18°C and below), chilled (0–16°C), or ambient (for temperature-sensitive but non-refrigerated products).

• Each category is placed in its designated storage zone to ensure proper preservation.

• Storage areas are continuously monitored with real-time temperature tracking to prevent fluctuations that could compromise product integrity. A great 3PL will have refrigeration units that are backed by alarms, alerting staff to rises in temperature.

Step 3: Secure and Efficient Storage

• A great 3PL will have a modern facility, that is clean, pest and odour free. It should be safe and secure, alarmed and have 24/7 security monitoring.

• Regular audits and compliance checks help maintain industry standards and regulatory requirements. These can include pest, fire, OH&S and hygiene audits.

Step 4: Inventory Management and Order Preparation

• A well-structured inventory system tracks expiration dates and ensures first-in, first-out (FIFO) or first-expired, first-out (FEFO) inventory management as required by clients.

• Cloud based warehouse management software (WMS) provides real-time visibility for clients, allowing them to monitor stock levels and forecast demand effectively.

• When orders are placed, products are carefully retrieved, checked for quality, and packed for transport under precise temperature conditions.

Why Partner with a Refrigerated 3PL for Receiving and Storage?

• Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce delays and ensure rapid handling of perishable goods.

• Reliability: Advanced monitoring and compliance measures protect product integrity.

• Cost Savings: Leveraging a 3PL’s infrastructure eliminates the need for costly in-house storage solutions.

• Scalability: A great 3PL adapts to changing demands, whether you need small-scale storage or large-volume capacity. They should be treat you the same whether you are just starting out or a multi national worth billions of dollars.

Conclusion

The receiving and storage process is a critical part of cold-chain logistics, and working with a top-tier refrigerated 3PL ensures that your products remain in peak condition. By leveraging expert handling, advanced technology, and strict compliance measures, a great 3PL safeguards your supply chain from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to handle your refrigerated logistics, contact Deliver & Store today to learn how we can support your business, take away the headaches of distribution and storage and let you focus on growing your business.