What Is a Temp Controlled and Ambient Warehouse & What Types of Products do They House?

Some of the most challenging items to transport through the supply chain are perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals. They can neither be too hot nor cold. Otherwise, there is a high possibility that the items will go wrong. Logistic providers must meet environmental guidelines, like climate and temperature, while taking these items through supply chain. Many companies have begun storing perishable items in temperature-controlled and climate-controlled warehouses.

However, no old load will do when drivers pick up these items in their freight. Different things have different temperatures for optimal storage. For example, chilled beverages like beer and soft drinks should be stored at 30°F-40°F, whereas fish and other seafood items are required a temperature of  0°F-10°F. Temperature-controlled warehouses will provide the proper temperatures to house both of these items. This blog will explore more about temp-controlled and ambient warehouses and their various products.

What Is Meant by Different Temperature Control Warehouse Ranges and Figures? 

Most food and pharmaceutical products have a temperature range that they must always stay within. Depending on the product, every item has a different scope that the temperature should stay within. Temperature-controlled warehouses can store items in the required temperature ranges until carriers pick them up. Here are a few standard terms when referring to temperature ranges:

• Ambient. Ambient warehouses are designed for items stored in a dry environment at room temperature. The temperature is usually around 80°F year-round. Things such as toys, electronics, and paper products are stored here. 
• Air-conditioned. These are climate-controlled warehouses that store items between a temperature of 56°F and 75°F. Chocolate, candy, and confectionery products are perfect for these environments as they must avoid hot and cold extremes to prevent melting and sugar crystalization.
• Refrigerated. These are climate-controlled warehouses where the temperatures range between 33°F and 55°F. They use a vapor absorption system (VAS) and a Vapor compression system (VCS) to keep the warehouse cold enough to store perishables like fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
• Cold/Frozen. Cold/Frozen warehouses have a temperature of or below 32°F. They prevent items from decaying or not adhering to laws and regulations that apply to that item. Besides perishable items, biopharmaceutical items, artwork, flowers, and plants are stored here.

What Temp Controlled and Ambient Warehousing Looks Like

Temp-controlled and ambient warehouses are integral in the supply chain when transporting items that require specific temperatures to remain intact. We explored some standard terms when describing various temp and climate-controlled warehouses. Here are some more definitions that describe what a typically controlled warehousing unit might look like and some of the processes used to maintain the quality of items that are highly reliant on particular conditions:

• Temperature-controlled storage. Storage units with temperature-controlling capabilities utilize cooling and heating units to maintain a set range of temperature. The units are strategically placed throughout the warehouse so that an area stays within a particular temperature range. Cooling units are added or removed as the temperature outside changes. During the summer months, they use more units, while in the winter, facility managers remove some of the storage unit branches and allow the natural cold from outside to preserve the quality of the items stored inside.
• Climate-controlled storage. This term and temperature-controlled storage get used interchangeably. However, there are some notable differences between the two. While temperature-controlled warehouses control the unit's temperature, climate-controlled warehouses maintain temperature and humidity levels. Climate-controlled units have humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and other equipment that ensures the moisture will stay within range to preserve the freshness of the products.
• Temperature mapping. This process utilizes sensors placed throughout the temperature and climate-controlled warehouse and will automatically adjust the cooling and heating equipment based on the temperature readings. For example, suppose the sensor senses that the temperature is too warm. In that case, it will automatically adjust the thermostat to cool it down to the optimum temperature for storing the items. 

• Temperature monitoring. Temperature mapping is a proactive method that ensures optimal temperature coverage throughout the storage unit. But, temperature monitoring is observing and managing those conditions daily. 3PL partners with external monitoring companies to track temperatures in real-time and alert the storage unit operators of any significant changes immediately so those unit operators will make the appropriate changes. 

What Can Be Stored Safely at an Ambient Temperature And Climate Controlled Warehouse?

Many ambient warehouses will have some form of temperature control to ensure that the internal air stays dry and without moisture despite temperature fluctuations. Installing some form of temperature control is more likely to go ahead if the stored items are of high value or perishable such as in an ambient food storage warehouse. As mentioned earlier, climate-controlled warehouses also can control the temperature and humidity, so if there are items that are sensitive to the climate, they will be stored here. 

Items stored in ambient warehouses and climate-controlled warehouses  include: 

• Toys and games. Plastic toys and board games must be stored at room temperature to ensure that the plastic of the toys or the game pieces doesn't melt.
• Electrical goods. Wires, plugs, and any other electrical goods are best stored at room temperature as well because heat can cause them to spark and become a fire hazard, and cold will nullify the use of the items.
• Room temp drinks. Water and certain alcoholic beverages, like wine and other spirits and liqueurs, will be of optimal quality when stored at room temperature.
• Shelf-stable food. Dried foods like rice and pasta are best stored in ambient warehouses. 
• Clothes and textiles. Ambient warehouses should store items like shirts, pants, fabrics, and dresses to retain their quality.
• Paper products. Anything from printer paper to notebooks and files are considered paper products.
• Machinery and parts. Big and small machines such as tractors or lawnmowers and their parts, so they don't rust. 
• Tools and equipment. Anything you'll find in a typical toolbox is best stored in a room temperature environment.
• Fertilizer, paints, etc. Fertilizer, wall paints, and watercolors are some items that are best stored at room temperature. 

Maximize Shipping, Storage, and Logistics Management With Optimized Warehouse Solutions

Regarding food safety, most people in that industry look inward. Those in manufacturing are concerned about food quality at their facility. Workers at a restaurant worry about the integrity of their kitchen. No matter what part of the industry one works in, having the right 3PL and warehouse team can be a game-changer. It is essential to ensure that perishables get transported in the proper containers. Many restaurants and grocery stores incorporate top-of-the-line warehousing to ensure that items are still fresh when they reach their destination. The warehousing team will ensure that all things stored and transported are in optimal situations at all times. They will partner with a 3PL to ensure that they have the most accurate logistics provided so that warehouse operators can make the necessary adjustments to keep the quality of the merchandise intact. 

Once it's time to make the delivery, the 3PL can partner the warehouse with freight that has the necessary amenities so that trucks can transport items sensitive to temperature or climatic conditions with little to no issues. The 3PL will provide the carriers with information on what they need to transport from the warehouse and the features required to successfully ship them to the desired destination. Optimized warehousing solutions and real-time logistics provided to the shipping partners by the 3PL company make this all possible. 

Improve Warehouse Operations and Logistics by Partnering With Industry Experts

Items that require specific conditions for storage and transportation can be a challenge. But it doesn't have to be anymore. Whether they need temperature or climatic needs to preserve their quality, Port Jersey Logistics provides temperature and climate-controlled warehouses for perishable items and ambient warehousing for plastics, cloth, fabric, and electronics. It's easier now than ever to safely and securely store and transport your merchandise without worrying about an item compromising its quality before reaching its final destination. Port Jersey Logistics helps alleviate the stress of shipping and handling merchandise so that companies can return to doing what their expertise is. Learn more and get started today with Port Jersey Logistics for optimized warehouse solutions and logistics.