Understanding How a Refrigerated 3PL Works: A Guide for New B2B Clients

Deliver and Store

How a refrigerated 3PL works. For businesses that require temperature-sensitive shipping, a refrigerated third-party logistics provider (3PL) such as Deliver & Store is essential. If you're new to the concept, this guide will walk you through how a refrigerated 3PL works and how it can benefit your business.

What Is a Refrigerated 3PL?

A cold chain logistics or refrigerated 3PL is a logistics provider that specialises in transporting and storing perishable goods at controlled temperatures. These providers ensure that your products—whether chocolates, dairy, pharmaceuticals, or other temperature-sensitive items—reach their destination in optimal condition.

How the Process Works

1. Receiving and Storage

• Once your goods arrive at a cold chain logistics warehouse, they are inspected and sorted based on required temperature conditions.

• Products are stored in temperature-controlled warehouses, ranging from frozen storage (-20°C and below) to chilled storage (0–16°C) and even ambient storage for temperature-sensitive but non-refrigerated products.

• Cloud based inventory management systems track and monitor stock levels, ensuring accurate order fulfilment. Your 3PL should have a WMS (cloud-based warehouse management system) to avoid delays and costly mistakes.

2. Order Processing and Fulfilment

• When an order is placed, the warehouse team picks the products and prepares them for shipment.

• Orders are packed according to specific requirements and must be packed using insulated packaging or cold packs, if the products are being transported by other 3rd party carriers such as ambient temperature couriers.

• The 3PL must ensure that the right temperature conditions are maintained throughout the packaging and handling process.

3. Temperature-Controlled Transportation

• Your products should be transported using refrigerated trucks or temperature-controlled containers where ever possible. Cold pack shipping with generic couriers should only be used as a back up option.

• Real-time monitoring systems should be used to ensure that temperatures remain within safe ranges throughout transit.

• A great logistics team will optimise the routes for efficiency, ensuring timely deliveries while maintaining quality.

4. Last-Mile Delivery and Compliance

• The 3PL will coordinate final delivery to your customers, whether they are retailers, wholesalers, or end consumers.

• The 3PL drivers should be trained in handling perishable goods, ensuring safe unloading and proper handoff.

• The 3PL must comply with food safety and regulatory requirements and work place health and safety. All staff must have undergone extensive safety training and have all licences and insurance required under Australian law.

Why Work with a Refrigerated 3PL?

• Cost Efficiency: Instead of investing in your own cold storage and transport fleet, you can leverage the 3PL’s expertise and infrastructure.

• Reliability: A great 3PL partner will ensure that your products remain at the required temperature, reducing spoilage and maintaining quality.

• Scalability: Whether you need small-scale or large-scale logistics support, a true 3PL partner should adapt to your business needs.

Conclusion

Working with a professional and experienced refrigerated 3PL simplifies the logistics of perishable goods, allowing you to focus on growing your business. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to handle your cold-chain logistics, we’re here to help. Contact Deliver & Store today to learn more about how we can support your needs!