Cold Chain Transport Dos and Don’ts for Food Businesses

When it comes to moving food that needs to stay cold—like meat, dairy, fruit, or frozen meals—cold chain transport is the only way to go. But not all transport is equal. If the cold chain breaks, the food can spoil, which means wasted money and unhappy customers.

Here are some simple dos and don’ts to help food businesses get the best out of their cold chain deliveries:

Do: Work with a Trusted Cold Chain Partner
Choose a transporter that specialises in refrigerated goods and understands your product. A company like LMC Express, for example, has trained staff, reliable cold trucks, and years of experience.

Do: Know the Right Temperature for Your Product
Different products need different temperatures. For example:

• Fresh meat: 0°C to 4°C

• Frozen goods: -18°C or colder

• Dairy and fresh produce: Around 2°C to 5°C
  Always check your product’s storage requirements and share them with your transporter.

Do: Package Your Goods Properly
Use sealed containers or insulated packaging. Keep raw and ready-to-eat products separate to avoid contamination. The better you pack, the safer the delivery.

Do: Plan Ahead
Book your transport early—especially during busy times like holidays. Cold chain vehicles are in high demand, and last-minute bookings may lead to delays or poor service.

Don’t: Leave Products Unattended
Once your goods are ready to go, don’t let them sit out on the loading dock. Even 15 minutes in the sun can affect quality. Make sure the handover to the cold truck is fast and smooth.

Don’t: Ignore Signs of a Cold Chain Break
If goods arrive partially thawed, too warm, or smelling off—don’t accept them. That could mean the cold chain was broken, and the food may not be safe to use.

Don’t: Overload the Truck
Too many boxes can block airflow and make it harder for the truck to keep the right temperature. Let your transporter know the size of your load ahead of time so they can send the right vehicle.

Don’t: Skip the Paperwork
Make sure your transporter gives you delivery notes and temperature logs. These are important for food safety and for tracking if something goes wrong.

Final Thought
Cold chain transport is all about keeping food safe, fresh, and high-quality—from the farm or factory to the shelf. By following these dos and don’ts, food businesses can protect their products and their reputation.

And remember—a good cold chain partner like LMC Express can make all the difference.