Cold chain logistics often involves different challenges for securing loads in colder environments. At Strapping-Products.com, we understand the unique challenges faced when securing inventory for shipment or storage in temperature-sensitive environments. We bring modern and affordable solutions to cold chain logistics with our affordable temperature-resistant straps and strapping tools. Let’s look at some of the challenges in cold chain logistics and how Strapping-Products.com can help you avoid getting left in the cold.
Unique Challenges in Cold Chain Transport
Cold chain transportation of goods presents several challenges, including temperature fluctuations, the need for moisture-resistant straps, and the need to secure inventory during shipment. The most significant problem faced in cold chain transportation is preventing temperature fluctuations that can destroy perishable inventory. Straps can address this issue by ensuring perishable cargo is secured near cooling sources and preventing products from shifting, ensuring a consistent temperature distribution across your product. Having the right strap that remains durable and resistant to moisture is important to ensure your load stays secure. Polyester webbing is a good choice for many colder and wetter environments as polyester is hydrophobic and highly resistant to moisture, making it less likely to fail than other strapping materials when exposed to these conditions. Other straps come with special coatings for cold chain logistics applications. Let’s look closer at straps, the first choice for securing loads in cold chains.
Choosing the Right Strapping Material
While several different types of straps are made from several different materials, not all are able to handle the challenging environments found in cold chain logistics. Let’s examine how different strapping materials are uniquely suited for this job.
Polyester Webbing Straps: Polyester is naturally a hydrophobic material, which means it repels water and moisture while maintaining its tensile strength and ability to absorb shock. Unlike other materials that can become brittle in cold temperatures, polyester straps are resistant to cold temperatures, decreasing the chances of a load becoming unsecured during cold-temperature-controlled shipments.
Nylon Webbing with Coating: Nylon straps are among the most affordable strapping materials but are not typically as resistant to moisture as polyester. However, this problem can be fixed when coated with a waterproofing treatment like polyurethane, making them an affordable and practical choice for cold chain logistics.
Polypropylene Straps: While not as strong as polyester straps, polypropylene straps are also naturally resistant to water and moisture, making them a lightweight and affordable option for securing lighter loads in cold and wet environments.
Whatever strap you choose for the job, Strapping-Products.com has a massive selection of affordable straps to ensure your cold-chain shipments go as smoothly as possible.
Best Practices for Securing Temperature-Sensitive Shipments
After you have chosen the correct strap for the job, ensuring your cargo is properly secured is crucial to preventing the shifting of perishable items, which can lead to temperature fluctuations. Start by orientating your cargo, with heavier items at the bottom of a pallet and lighter items at the top. Straps should be placed around the pallet’s top, bottom, and sides to ensure even pressure is distributed across the load when the straps are tensioned. Employees can use automated tensioners and sealers to properly tension the straps and decrease the chances of a strap failing. The temperature of each pallet can be individually monitored with temperature sensors to ensure that cooling is applied evenly across secured loads. By following these steps, you can ensure your temperature-sensitive cargo reaches its destination safely and securely.
Contact Strapping-Products.com for Cold Chain Logistic Tools Today
To get started securing the tools you need for cold chain logistics, contact the team at Strapping-Products.com today at (888) 803-8140. We are proud to be the most affordable supplier of straps and strapping tools, beating out the competition on average by 10%.
