Cold Chain Logistics: Temperature-Controlled Shipping for Food and Pharmaceuticals

A truckload of strawberries leaves Istanbul in perfect condition — and arrives in Hamburg spoiled. That single scenario captures why cold chain logistics demands a level of precision that standard freight does not.

What Is Cold Chain Logistics?

Cold chain logistics is an integrated system that keeps temperature-sensitive products within a defined temperature range from production to the end consumer. The system comprises temperature-controlled warehouses, refrigerated trucks (ATP-certified), reefer containers, and specialized air cargo handling.

The "chain" metaphor is deliberate: a single break — a door left open too long, a delay at a port transfer — can compromise the entire load.

Which Products Require Cold Chain?

• Food: Fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy, deli products — typically 0°C to +8°C.
• Pharmaceuticals & Biologicals: Vaccines, blood products, biologics — typically +2°C to +8°C; some require -20°C or colder.
• Chemicals: Some reactive chemicals destabilize outside specific temperature bands.
• Cosmetics: Creams, serums and organic products can degrade in heat.

Sea Freight: Reefer Containers

For large-volume food and pharma exports, reefer containers — 20' or 40' units with independent refrigeration units programmable between -25°C and +25°C — are the standard solution. Our sea freight service includes pre-cooling, temperature log maintenance and cold storage coordination at destination.

Road Freight: Refrigerated TIR

ATP-certified refrigerated vehicles handle cold chain road transport from Turkey to Europe. Our road freight service includes refrigerated vehicle options with continuous temperature monitoring.

Air Cargo: Pharma Cold Chain

For high-value biologicals and vaccines, air offers the shortest exposure time. Our air cargo service includes cool chain and temperature-controlled options.

Cold Storage

Our warehousing service includes temperature-controlled zones for food and pharmaceutical products, with data logger records available on request.