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🧊 World’s Cold Chain leaders gather in Florida

September 27, 2024

Welcome back to CubeCold News where we cover the latest developments in the cold chain industry and temperature-controlled logistics.

In today’s edition:

  • World’s Cold Chain leaders gather in Florida

  • American Airlines Cargo enhances cold chain network with expansion of CEIV Pharma certification

  • XPO Logistics launches a new digital platform “Connect Europe”

  • AI technology could help put cold chain on ‘autopilot’

News

World’s Cold Chain leaders gather in Florida The 2024 GCCA (Global Cold Chain Alliance) Convention brought together over 620 global leaders in Bonita Springs, Florida, to discuss the future of cold chain logistics.

  • Under the leadership of new CEO Sara Stickler, the event emphasized the resilience of the cold chain industry amidst challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical issues, and climate change.

  • Key topics included innovation, sustainability, and industry growth, with expert presentations on economic forecasting, cybersecurity, and refrigeration technology.

  • With a focus on problem-solving and collaboration, industry leaders shared best practices to meet evolving global demands for temperature-controlled logistics, ensuring the safe transport of food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products.

  • The discussions highlighted the importance of technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and workforce development in ensuring the industry’s continued growth and adaptability to future challenges. (link)

American Airlines Cargo enhances cold chain network with expansion of CEIV Pharma certification American Airlines Cargo has expanded its cold-chain network by adding CEIV Pharma certification at John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU) airports.

  • The airline operates in over 30 CEIV- or GDP-certified locations worldwide, including major hubs such as Amsterdam (AMS), Dublin (DUB), Frankfurt (FRA), and Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG).

  • American Airlines Cargo has three master lease agreements for temperature-controlled containers, including ReleyeÂź containers from Envirotainer, CSafe’s active units, and Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Pegasus ULDÂź passive containers, the first FAA- and EASA-approved bulk temperature-controlled containers for pharmaceuticals.

  • The new certification from IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics reinforces the airline's commitment to high-quality handling of pharmaceuticals and life sciences commodities, ensuring safety, compliance, and consistency. (link)

XPO Logistics launches “Connect Europe” XPO Logistics has launched "Connect Europe," a new digital platform designed to streamline international shipments across 25 European countries.

  • This platform consolidates logistics operations into a single digital interface, offering customers enhanced visibility and control over their supply chains.

  • It provides real-time tracking and transparency throughout the entire shipment process, helping businesses reduce administrative burdens.

  • By integrating over 150 transport and distribution centers, and utilizing a fleet of more than 8,000 trucks, the platform handles over 60,000 pallets daily, optimizing efficiency across borders.

  • XPO has also prioritized sustainability in this initiative by offering low-emission transportation options. Customers can choose from alternative energy vehicles, including those powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), biogas, and electric trucks.

  • Connect Europe is particularly designed for businesses that require international transport solutions, enabling them to manage cross-border shipments with greater simplicity, speed, and precision. (link)

AI technology could help put cold chain on ‘autopilot,’ CEO says At FreightWaves' Net Zero Carbon Summit, Paxafe CEO Ilya Preston discussed the role of AI technology in transforming cold chain logistics.

  • Paxafe’s AI platform, ATHENA, helps companies monitor and manage temperature-sensitive shipments more effectively by predicting risks and automating key processes.

  • ATHENA analyzes real-time data to identify factors like temperature fluctuations and regional supply chain variations, enabling companies to optimize performance and minimize product loss.

  • Preston emphasized the potential of AI to put cold chain operations on "autopilot," significantly improving efficiency and sustainability by reducing energy use and emissions.

  • Paxafe's AI technology not only allows for proactive decision-making but also enhances operational transparency, providing insights across different stages of the cold chain. (link)

Other headlines

East Coast Warehouse & Distribution announced its expansion at the Port of Charleston.

ARCO National Construction partners with Mies Family Foods to build a 78,664-square-foot cold storage facility in Kansas City.

Thermo King upgrades high-roof reefer trucks.

Asian ocean carriers continue to benefit from spiraling freight rates.

Looming US ports strike threatens fresh supply chain crisis.

The cold chain in pharma: Chilling precision with booming growth.

NHS blood samples to be delivered by drones in London.

That’s it for today!

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