When the climate outdoors is unpredictable and harsh, you want assurance that your temperature-sensitive freight is safe from the elements. There are all different types of warehouse temperature control in the shipping industry. These temperature-controlled storage facilities range from full-service climate-controlled warehouses, to refrigerated warehouses, to heated warehouses, etc. They all provide their own set of benefits for your products. Here’s how a climate-controlled warehouse can benefit your supply chain and how to choose climate controlled warehousing with the right services for you.
What is climate-controlled storage?
Just like a heat and air system regulates the temperature inside your house, climate-controlled storage facilities and warehouses control the temperature inside their storage units. A climate-controlled warehouse keeps the temperature at a consistent level, no matter what the weather is like outside. When it’s sweltering hot in the summer or freezing cold in the winter, you can rest assured that your goods will always be kept at an appropriate temperature.
Non-climated controlled warehouses have no way to regulate the temperature inside their storage areas, which can prove problematic for businesses shipping temperature-sensitive freight.
How does climate controlled warehousing work?
There are several different methods to achieving a climate-controlled warehouse. The warehouse may have a heating system, a cooling system, or a combination of both, depending on where the warehouse is located. If a warehouse is in the northern regions where summers are mild, but winters are harsh, the warehouse may only need a heating system to regulate the temperature. The reverse could be true for warehouses in more hot, humid states like Florida. Some climate-controlled warehouses may offer these services in dedicated temperature-controlled storage units, or throughout the entire warehouse floor.
What kind of goods need climate controlled warehousing & storage?
Any kind of perishable goods, such as food or healthcare items, are the perfect candidates for climate-controlled storage. If your products have a limited shelf life, storing them at a consistent temperature ensures that they will last as long as possible once they get into your customers’ hands.
Other products that can benefit from climate-control services include antiques or items made from wood, which may be prone to warping and splitting in extreme temperatures. Products that contain adhesives can melt or bond together in high-heat environments, and electronics may be prone to overheating in the summers. Liquid products like chemicals can freeze in harsh winters, which can compromise their usability.
If you’re at all concerned that extreme temperatures might damage or compromise your products in any way, storing them at a climate-controlled or temperature-controlled warehouse is an ideal way to assure that your products will remain intact until they can reach store shelves.
What is humidity-controlled storage?
Changes in the season cause more than fluctuations in temperature. Higher levels of rain in the spring and summer can bring soaring levels of humidity with them. High levels of moisture in the air can promote mold and mildew growth on your products or compromise the usability of electronics or medical supplies. Humidity-controlled storage containers keep the moisture in the air under control, meaning that you don’t have to worry about condensation accumulating on your products while they’re in storage.
While many products don’t need this level of climate control, if you’re concerned about the effect that humidity will have on your goods, it can pay to use a warehouse that offers storage units with humidity control services.
What is refrigerated storage?
If you’re shipping perishable goods like food or medicine, chances are you’ll need a refrigeration system to keep them from expiring before they reach store shelves. Many warehouses offer refrigerated or air-conditioned storage units to store items that need to be kept in cold storage or a refrigerated environment. Products like these also require refrigerated trailers, trucks, or ships to keep them intact during transport. If you specialize in manufacturing refrigerated products, keep a lookout for warehouse or storage providers that deal exclusively in cold storage or refrigeration services.
What kind of goods don’t need climate controlled warehousing?
While climate-controlled warehouses provide increased stability for sensitive goods, that extra reassurance shows up on the bill. It costs far more to operate a warehouse with climate-controlled units than an ordinary non climate-controlled warehouse. For some businesses, it’s not worth it to justify the extra cost of climate control when it’s not strictly necessary. While certain goods require more advanced climate-controlled services for safe shipping, the vast majority of products most businesses ship don’t require climate control at all.
If your goods don’t need climate control, or only some of your goods need climate control, you can save money by enlisting a warehouse that only provides the services you need. Do you ship frozen foods that need to be kept refrigerated? Choose a warehouse that provides refrigeration services for your sensitive freight. If you’re transporting liquid goods, like chemicals, and worried that they might freeze, a warehouse that only provides heated services might be exactly what you need. Consider exactly what kind of services your goods need and consult with your prospective warehouse providers before making a final decision.
N&D has the heated warehouse you’re looking for
If you’re looking for a heated warehouse in Rhode Island, N&D Transportation is proud to house a state-of-the-art heated warehouse at our 12-acre North Smithfield facility. We provide heating services throughout our entire warehouse to keep your goods at an optimal temperature. You won’t have to worry about your products freezing in the harsh Rhode Island winters. They’ll be safe and warm year-round, no matter how long you need to store them. It’s ideal for businesses who need heated storage units without other, more expensive climate control warehousing services.
If you’re interested in learning more about our warehouse, contact us to learn more about how N&D can keep your goods safe and secure.
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