Running on Ice: Big Tech Transforms the Cold Chain
All thawed out
Cold chain giant Thermo King has unveiled the latest advancements in temperature tracking with its TracKing Smart Trailer telematics. This sophisticated system empowers fleet operators to seamlessly manage both the cargo and the reefer unit, aligning with Thermo King’s mission to reduce carbon footprints by one gigaton by 2030.
The solution offers profound insights into operational efficiencies, providing real-time alerts on trailer components. Features such as antilock brake system monitors, trailer backing cameras, and door position sensors enhance safety and minimize accident risks. Crucially, this aids fleets in maintaining regulatory compliance by offering features like lights-out detection and brake monitoring, preventing fines and enhancing fleet safety scores.
Adam Wittwer, President of Thermo King Americas, emphasized, "As cargo management becomes more complex, reliable, real-time data becomes critical. The TracKing Smart Trailer telematics empowers fleet operators to make smarter, faster decisions, minimizing costs while reducing environmental impact."
Temperature checks
Telematics are not the only advancement in logistics tech. Reelables has rolled out a new line of smart shipping labels tailored for temperature monitoring. These 5G cellular labels ensure reliable, scaleable temperature visibility, enhancing tracking precision from minus 10 to 60 degrees Celsius.
CTO Brain Krejcarek said, "Businesses shipping perishable products depend on advanced technology for intel on delivery trucks' locations and the ambient temperature. Our 5G temperature label ensures last-mile visibility and per-piece tracking of shipments at an accessible price point."
Food and drug
In an unexpected twist, Caulipower, known for its cauliflower-based crusts, launched a unique dill pickle pizza. With a creamy béchamel sauce infused with dill-pickle brine, this innovative pizza caters to pickle enthusiasts.
Gail Becker, founder of Caulipower, commented, "This isn’t just a pizza—it’s a flavor revolution. We've crafted a veggie-forward option that proves you can enjoy pizza without compromise."
Cold chain lanes
Our spotlight this week focuses on Memphis, Tennessee, where reefer capacity is tightening. Reefer outbound tender volumes dropped 39.26% week over week, while reefer outbound tender rejections climbed by 225 basis points to 36.89%.
The rising spot rates, surpassing contracted rates, are impacting bid seasons due to atypically high reefer rejection rates. As spring approaches, bringing warmer temperatures, reefer rejection rates are expected to improve.
Shelf life
- Construction begins for new life sciences facility at Wilmington International Airport
- Air cargo delivers for Valentine’s Day
- Revolutionizing supply chains: Ndustrial launches Nsight Fleet for efficient transport electrification management
- MSC introduces iReefer tracking system
- DHL acquires Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, becoming the largest reverse logistics provider in North America
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