Unitrans’ excellent reputation for servicing the FMCG sector rests on the key focus on securing and maintaining the integrity of the cold chain, from farm to store. Cold chain logistics refers to the process of distributing and storing products under certain temperature-controlled conditions, ensuring that a product maintains its quality from the point of origin to the point of consumption. We outline the key measures that Unitrans undertakes when supporting this critical industry across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Maintaining a secure cold chain
Fresh produce, dairy and the meat you shop for has often travelled extensively to reach the shelves of your preferred store. That’s why it’s critical to maintain a secure cold chain throughout its journey from farm to fork. At Unitrans, we understand this critical role. Our dedicated teams provide our customers with unparalleled hygiene, biosecurity, and cutting-edge technology solutions, to secure the cold chain throughout their operations.
Biosecurity protocols in temperature-controlled storage
The cold chain, a network of temperature-controlled storage and transportation systems, plays a vital role in ensuring food safety. Maintaining the integrity of the cold chain helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or the degradation of the product due to inappropriate temperatures. Contamination by pathogens or spoilage occurs if proper biosecurity and hygiene controls aren’t implemented. The Unitrans biosecurity protocols ensure strict adherence throughout the cold chain process, with specific guidelines enforced around personal hygiene, food safety, and facilities. Our constant focus on risk assessments ensures we secure the cold chain to exemplary standards too. Similarly, rigorous staff training, monitoring and evaluation enables our teams to stay ahead of potential concerns. Ensuring that consumers can choose from fresh items when in store is key, not only for retailers and manufacturers, but for securing public health too.
Hygiene protocols
Our commitment to food safety starts with a rigorous hygiene regime. Our teams adhere to rigorous personal hygiene protocols. Similarly, the vehicles and warehouses are cleaned and sanitised according to strict protocols, which vary depending on the product being transported. For instance, for the poultry sector, every vehicle undergoes a thorough cleaning and sanitation process after each load, including swab tests, to ensure complete elimination of bacteria. All our vehicles are R638 Regulation certified, adhering to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
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Optimising logistical efficiency
To enable optimised fuel efficiency, Unitrans utilises telemetry data to optimise routes, minimise delays, and ensure timely delivery. By installing strip curtains on vehicles, energy usage is also optimised, while minimising temperature fluctuations during loading and unloading. Comprehensive data analytics are used to continuously improve operations, across the board. By analysing past performance, we identify areas for optimisation, ensuring the most efficient and timely delivery of perishable goods.
Success stories from the poultry industry
Our commitment to cold chain integrity translates into tangible benefits for our customers. One of our customers, a well-known poultry manufacturer in South Africa, has seen a significant improvement in their cold chain operations since partnering with Unitrans. Our focus on continuous improvement, combined with advanced telematics for temperature control and rigorous driver training, has ensured the consistent quality and safety of their products. This leads to a significant reduction in product spoilage and extended shelf life for products. Perfectly fresh produce, dairy, and meat makes it to their destination stores, enhancing our customer’s brand reputation and ensuring positive consumer experiences.Â
By partnering with Unitrans, FMCG companies are assured their products reach consumers in the freshest possible state, safeguarding their brand image and maximising customer satisfaction.
