Perishable and temperature-sensitive goods — from pharmaceuticals and vaccines to fresh produce and seafood — need an unbroken cold chain from origin to destination. Shipping them from India requires the right equipment, documentation, and partners.
What is cold chain?
Cold chain means keeping cargo within a defined temperature range throughout pickup, transport, storage, and delivery. Any break (e.g. delayed clearance, equipment failure) can spoil the product or invalidate pharma compliance. Modes include refrigerated (reefer) containers for ocean, and temperature-controlled air freight with active or passive packaging.
Key requirements
- Temperature range: Define the required range (e.g. 2–8 °C for many vaccines, or -18 °C for frozen food) and ensure every leg of the journey can maintain it.
- Packaging: Use insulated containers, phase-change materials, or active cooling as needed. Labels must show temperature requirements and handling instructions.
- Documentation: Health certificates, phytosanitary certificates (for plants/ produce), and pharma documentation (e.g. GDP, temperature logs) as required by origin, carrier, and destination.
Air vs ocean for perishables
Air freight is faster and often preferred for high-value or short-shelf-life pharma and fresh produce. Ocean reefer is cost-effective for larger volumes and longer shelf-life products. Your forwarder can recommend the right mode and arrange pre-cooling, reefers, or temperature-controlled air space with carriers that meet the required standards.
How Globe Hauler can help
We work with carriers and handlers experienced in cold chain and perishables. We can coordinate temperature-controlled air or ocean shipments from India, help with packaging and documentation, and ensure your consignment stays within spec until delivery.
Need to ship perishables or pharma from India? Tell us your product and temperature range and we’ll propose the right solution.
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