Food logistics is like a relay race, where the baton (food) has to reach the finish line (in your plate) as quickly and in top condition as much as possible. To win this race of the food supply chain, food transportation companies need to be one step ahead.
The journey of food from farm to table is very interesting. Concerns related to food safety are rising among consumers, and to overcome this challenge, businesses need to utilise optimised technology and better routes for food transportation.
In this blog, we will learn about the practices that are changing or shaping the food logistics and transportation industry.
Food Logistics
Food logistics is a carefully planned journey for food. The journey of food starts from the farm and ends at your plate. Throughout the journey of food transportation, there are many steps and ways to protect the edibles.
Here’s what’s included in Food Logistics
Planning: In this step, management decides how the food will be transported and stored within the food supply chain.
Execution: Carrying out the plan, such as packaging, loading, and shipping the containers.
Monitoring: Keeping an eye on the journey of your food transportation to ensure the food items are transported to their desired destination successfully without disturbing the supply chain.
Food transportation is different from other goods transportation. Food logistics requires more attention because it can spoil quickly. With quality-controlled and technically advanced transportation services, Food transportation companies ensure that edibles are safe to eat and taste good when reached at their right destination.
7 Best Practices in Food Logistics
Temperature Control
To preserve the freshness of perishable edible items throughout transportation, maintaining an optimal temperature is mandatory.
Perishable liquids like milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables need to be kept at a certain temperature to keep them fresh throughout the delivery process.
To serve this purpose, food transportation companies in Australia utilise temperature-controlled trucks and warehouses to prevent spoilage problems of edibles throughout the food supply chain. This is called supply chain management.
Choose the Right Transportation
Selection of the food and beverages transportation industry is one of the most vital decisions for any business. There are certain things you should look for when choosing a freight forwarding company.
Cold chain vehicles or refrigerated food transportation trucks are a good choice. It empowers businesses to transport their perishable items on time without damaging or spoiling them.
Transportation methods may vary for non-perishable items. It usually depends on factors like distance and characteristics of the item.
To optimise all your transportation needs, you need to connect with a reliable 3pl provider in Australia.
Hygiene & Sanitation
Food & beverage transportation companies need to maintain hygiene standards throughout the transportation, as clean as food prepared in their kitchen. Following food safety guidelines and keeping items hygienic is mandatory. It can’t be neglected.
From trucks to food logistics warehouses, everything needs to be spotless and clean. Ensuring hygiene not only keeps food fresh but also prevents contamination possibilities. By keeping items clean and hygienic, you aren’t only protecting your customers’ health but also building trust in them.
Inventory Management
The primary goal of effective stock management is to sort and store the inventory in a manner that is easy to access every time whenever needed.
Food logistics warehouses utilise advanced inventory management software to avoid shortages and overstocking. Overstocking might be good for other items except perishable goods.
There are certain time periods, even in cold storage logistics, for storing the items. Invest in good inventory tracking software to avoid food shortages and wastage.
A great inventory management software is essential for calculating the real-time data of perishable items in stock and items out of stock.
Proper Storage Condition
Imagine a refrigerator in which different food items are placed in their right places. That’s the significance of proper storage conditions in food supply chain management.
Warehouses need to be equipped with different storage areas and customised temperature settings to preserve the freshness of foods.
But it’s not limited to temperature. Certain factors, such as humidity, air circulation, and ventilation, play a big role in keeping food fresh.
Regular inspections and maintenance are important to maintain the optimal storage conditions in a food storage warehouse. It allows businesses to store perishable items for prolonged periods without fear of spoilage.
Temperature-controlled food warehouses are like major refrigerators, which keep the food fresh for a longer time.
Regulatory Compliance
For delivering food that isn’t just fresh and safe to eat but meets all the highest quality standards. That’s where regulatory compliance comes in. Food logistics companies in Australia need to follow all the rules and safety standards set by the government to maintain higher quality standards.
Technology & Data Analytics
Data analytics and technology integration in the food logistics and transportation industry are revolutionising the growth. Factors such as trends and patterns are used for forecasting demand, managing delivery schedules, and optimising operations.
IoT Technologies are playing a major role in shaping the food and beverage transportation industry. IoT devices can track product locations accurately. It also helps businesses to keep an eye on the report of perishable items during their transportation journey.
Conclusion
The food supply chain is a complicated chain, which ensures the food reaches on your table safely and preserves all its natural nutrients. By following these best practices, food transportation companies in Australia can optimise their operations.
If you are looking for the best food & beverage transportation company with temperature-controlled technologies, then connect with Aussie Trident Group Today.