Temperature-controlled shipping is one of the most technically demanding segments of international logistics. The equipment must be qualified, the monitoring must be continuous, the documentation must be complete, and every person who handles the cargo - from origin warehouse to delivery vehicle - must understand and respect the temperature requirements. When any part of this chain fails, the result is cargo that can't be used, liabilities that can't be avoided, and a regulatory record that can't be erased.
Understanding Temperature Requirements by Cargo Type
Different cargo categories have different temperature requirements, and getting these right begins with understanding the specifications set by the manufacturer or regulatory authority:
- Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) - 15-25°C: Many pharmaceutical products, certain cosmetics, and some food products. This is the most commonly misunderstood category - "room temperature" does not mean uncontrolled temperature.
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): The most common requirement for pharmaceutical products, including most biologics, vaccines, and injectable drugs. Also required for fresh produce, chilled meat, and dairy.
- Frozen (-18°C and below): Frozen food, certain biologics, and pharmaceutical products that require deep-freeze storage.
- Ultra-cold (-60°C to -80°C): Required for certain mRNA products and advanced biologics. Requires specialized dry ice or vapor-phase liquid nitrogen solutions.
Reefer Container Requirements
Reefer containers are refrigerated intermodal containers with built-in cooling systems capable of maintaining temperatures from -30°C to +30°C. For temperature-controlled ocean freight, key requirements include:
- Pre-trip inspection (PTI): The reefer unit must be inspected and verified before cargo loading to confirm it reaches and maintains the required temperature setpoint.
- Temperature setpoint documentation: The set temperature and operating mode (continuous, fresh air ventilation settings) must be documented before cargo is loaded.
- Power supply: Reefer containers require continuous power - confirmed at the vessel, at transshipment ports, and at the destination terminal. Power outages, even brief ones, must be logged and assessed.
Temperature Monitoring and Documentation
For pharmaceutical cargo, GDP requirements mandate continuous temperature recording throughout the distribution journey. This means:
- Calibrated data loggers placed within the cargo (not just the unit readings from the reefer machinery)
- Data downloaded and reviewed at each custody transfer point
- Deviation reports generated and assessed against the cargo's Mean Kinetic Temperature (MKT) or stability budget when excursions occur
- Temperature records provided as part of the delivery documentation
How TMG Manages Temperature-Controlled Shipments
TMG's cold chain logistics team manages reefer container booking, PTI coordination, temperature setpoint documentation, monitoring, and deviation assessment. For pharmaceutical clients, we provide complete temperature records in GDP-compliant format as standard delivery documentation. Contact us to discuss your cargo's specific temperature requirements and transit route.