SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCÍA, NL.- Within the framework of ETYL 2024 , specialists highlighted the main challenges facing the cold chain , ranging from security to the lack of trained operators, challenges that without adequate logistics can jeopardize the quality of the service.
In this regard, and during a workshop entitled Cold as added value to logistics , Alejandro Pedroza, Commercial Director of González Trucking , Gustavo Equihua, CIO of Frialsa Frigoríficos , and Adrián Sánchez Cortés, Operational Manager of Grupo Multimodal Altamira addressed crucial issues such as security, technology and sustainability in this vital sector for the transportation of perishable products.
The speakers also explained that the deterioration of infrastructure and insecurity on Mexican roads are the main challenges for the conservation of products that require strict temperature control, such as food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
They agreed that the main objective is to avoid loss of quality and ensure safety at every stage of logistics, from production to the point of sale.
In this context, Alejandro Pedroza pointed out that “what we sell is temperature. Our challenge is to keep it stable throughout the product’s journey.”
Pedroza also mentioned that real-time monitoring devices are essential to prevent failures in refrigeration equipment.
“We have invested in systems that allow us to monitor the boxes in real time. This not only guarantees the ideal temperature, but also helps us make quick decisions if any failure occurs,” added the Commercial Director of González Trucking.
Another of the major challenges facing the cold chain in Mexico is insecurity , since, according to Pedroza, “refrigerated products, especially meat, are very attractive to organized crime due to their high value and ease of resale.”
The loss of merchandise not only affects suppliers, but also impacts end consumers, since a break in the cold chain can compromise the quality and safety of products.
For his part, Adrián Sánchez Cortés, from Grupo Multimodal Altamira, added that one of the key factors to guarantee a successful cold chain is synergy with customers .
“We make sure we know their needs well in order to adapt our processes. This is essential to avoid temperature drops and offer an efficient service,” explained Sánchez Cortés.
He also stressed the importance of technology in this sector, highlighting that real-time monitoring not only allows for maintaining the correct temperature, but also for reacting immediately to any unforeseen event.
The lack of well-trained operators is another challenge affecting the cold chain in Mexico. According to Pedroza, “the average age of transport operators in our country is around 54 years old, and fewer and fewer young people want to get involved in this sector due to the risks on the roads and insecurity.”
Added to this is the migration of drivers to the United States, which exacerbates the shortage of qualified labor to operate refrigerated vehicles.
“Without trained operators, maintaining cold chain efficiency is becoming increasingly difficult,” Pedroza added.
Gustavo Equihua, from Frialsa Frigoríficos, also highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards of safety and traceability in the products they handle.
“Every small change in temperature directly affects the shelf life of products. Every degree lost by a frozen food, for example, reduces its shelf life and compromises its quality when it reaches the final consumer,” Equihua explained.
This shows that the cold chain depends on efficient transport and also on rigorous control throughout the entire logistics chain.
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