International. The technological evolution of cold chain transport is justified by the need to distribute products such as food and medicine in a strategic and sustainable way, according to the Thermo King company.
Similarly, cold chain solutions have grown thanks to increased demand for perishable goods, trends such as e-commerce, and increased consumer awareness of food safety.
According to a study by Mordor Intelligence, Latin America's cold chain logistics market will grow from US$4.78 billion in 2023 to US$8.27 billion by 2028.
"The growth in demand for refrigerated transport is a significant challenge. However, having planning focused on leveraging resources and optimizing routes, managing risks and reducing energy consumption, will be essential to guarantee the quality of the products being transported", said Marcel Souza, Product Manager for Latin America at Thermo King, who identified three emerging technology trends.
Impact of automation
Automated temperature control systems help ensure that perishable goods are kept at the proper temperature during transportation. AI is a fundamental part of the process, as it makes it possible to optimise transport routes, detect problems in the cold chain and ensure the safety of transported items.
Importance of intermodality
Intermodality is another trend because the combination of different modes of transport, such as sea, land and air, can help improve the efficiency and sustainability of transporting perishable goods by reducing transport costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainability
Cold chain freight transport is working to reduce its environmental impact, using more efficient and sustainable technologies. For example, many companies are using electric and natural gas vehicles to transport perishable goods, medicines, and vaccines.
In addition, the industry is proposing more efficient refrigeration systems to reduce energy consumption, investing in the development of technology based on electrification, along with other sustainable fuel sources.
"Companies in the sector must take advantage of these trends to improve their competitiveness and offer benefits such as improved efficiency, safety and sustainability," Marcel concluded.
