The process of transporting perishable items such as food, pharmaceutical and laboratory research items or body organs can be extremely difficult unless there are measures to maintain communication. Remember transportation of refrigerated items is so because of their sensitive nature.
Communication of load details up and down the refrigerated freight chain should be clear. You can only achieve supply chain efficiency if you have clear, open and continuous communication between all concerned parties. In their absence, anything could go wrong, leading to potential spoilage amounting to thousands of dollars depending on the sensitivity of the goods transported.
Communication network best practices
A good communication system consists of the communication and documentation aspects, all of which contribute to successful refrigerated transport in Sydney. Every country has its own best practices regulating the transport and communications industry, and Australia is no exception.
These best practices relating to good communication should develop and evolve as new technologies come up. For instance, temperature recorders are a necessary part of refrigerated transport today, but were not a few years ago. However, the future indicates a need for real-time temperature sensing equipment as well as radio frequency identification devices with GPS technology installed.
While advanced technology contributes to faster and more efficient delivery of products requiring refrigerated couriers, technology alone cannot ensure safe and timely delivery of such products. The best line of defence for key players in the transportation industry – drivers, carriers, shippers, receivers and logistics handlers – is proper documentation.
Importance of proper communication
You should ensure documentation of all agreements at all stages of transport by all means that are available: photography, videography, email, bill of lading notes and other forms of documents. By having properly documented evidence through the process of transportation helps with tracking. This in turn enables customer handlers to provide better service to clients.
In addition, good communication prevents disputes and enables faster resolution in case these occur. In the event of a breakdown, having proper documentation at all stages of the supply chain will enable the air freight services providers find out exactly where something went wrong, leading to late delivery or any other problem.
However, it’s not enough to have best practices for the industry. Such guidelines should be customizable for every player in the transport chain, outlining what must is necessary at every stage and how to communicate progress to the handlers.
Conclusion
In the end, whenever a customer calls in to find out the progress of his refrigerated products, he should receive an exact picture within a few short minutes. That’s how good service and customer satisfaction will be maintained, keeping refrigerated transport service providers in business over the long haul.
