Having an effective cold storage warehouse is non-negotiable for food manufacturers, retailers, and food-service companies that distribute frozen food items. When frozen foods are not stored at the correct temperatures and environments, food products become compromised, which can result in:
…And in the worst case scenarios:
Additionally, inefficiencies within the cold chain distribution process, from transportation logistics to inventory management and data analytics, can result in lost time and money for a food distributor.
This is why it’s critical to choose a reliable cold storage warehouse and logistics company. This should be a frozen food warehouse that not only meets the necessary temperature and capacity thresholds, but also addresses a variety of other business needs that make your frozen food distribution logistics flow as seamlessly as possible.
To assist you in the selection process, here are six considerations to keep in mind when choosing a cold storage and logistics company.
The first and most obvious criteria should be whether the warehouse has temperature-controlled space that meets safety standards for storing frozen foods. Make sure the warehouse has dedicated freezer storage areas that are kept at 0° F or below (with even lower temperature ranges preferred) and that they are monitored around the clock with up-to-date sensors and equipment.
Additionally, when evaluating the size of the frozen food storage space, make sure there is room to grow. Your warehousing solution should meet your cold storage capacity needs both today and over the long term, should you ever expand your inventory of frozen food items.
When choosing a freezer warehouse, consider diversity of space and function. Your freezer storage rooms should include both racked and bulk storage space, and it’s best if your facility is equipped to resolve a variety of food storage needs for your business. A mixed-use food storage warehouse will have a combination of options, such as:
With a more consolidated food distribution warehousing strategy, you can cut down on transportation costs and streamline some of your business operations, which could be helpful for your bottom line.
Your cold storage warehouse should be located in a centralized, easy-to-reach location that simplifies transportation logistics for your team. Look for a warehouse that is located right off one or more major freeways that will serve as a convenient stop for your personnel. You may also want to consider a freezer warehouse that is located near rail lines, which may open up the option of rail transportation for your frozen goods.
The company you choose should offer more than just a place to store your frozen food inventory – it should also be your food distribution logistics partner, assisting with numerous aspects of your cold chain process, from transportation logistics (loading, unloading, stripping and transloading) to order fulfillment and more. There should be utility vehicles and equipment available on-site, which makes it easier to maneuver and organize inventory within your cold storage space.
Asking what value-added services the company offers is a good start. Porter Logistics offers a variety of value-added services including, but not limited to:
You should also pay attention to the company’s dedication to process (or lack thereof). Ask for a tour of their facilities to observe their various services and amenities in action, and get a feel for their warehousing and transportation workflows. You will want a company with buttoned-up processes and hands-on support to help create a more seamless frozen food storage and distribution process for your business.
Food distributors can do better than the status quo when it comes to warehousing and third-party logistics (3PL) solutions. Excessive paperwork and low inventory accuracy simply will not cut it if you truly want to maintain a high level of efficiency within your business operations.
This is why it’s essential to choose a technology-driven company that uses digital tools like software to track and manage inventory and orders in real time and automate warehousing workflows. Advanced technology helps you automate order and inventory management workflows while giving you quick access to detailed reporting and performance trends. A more innovative cold storage and logistics partner will leverage technology that integrates with leading shopping platforms and marketplaces.
Your cold storage warehouse should be audited on a regular basis by government and third-party agencies that are trusted within the industry. Agency certifications and affiliations can serve as a testament of a storage provider’s commitment to excellence in safety and service. Look for a frozen food warehouse that maintains reputable food grade certifications, HAZMAT chemical certifications, and other approvals and affiliations with reputable groups and government entities that are responsible for upholding food safety standards.
Porter Logistics is a premiere warehousing and logistics solution that checks off all the boxes for food distributors that are looking for strategic cold storage spaces, logistical support, and technological innovation.
Porter Logistics offers:
When your food manufacturing, retail, or service companies are already dealing with challenges like rising business costs, labor shortages, and shifting trade regulations, having a reliable frozen food warehousing and logistics partner can help maximize operational efficiency, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Learn more about how Porter Logistics’ cold storage solutions can support your team.
