Mastering the Cold Chain: Why Effective Expertise Will Transform Your Logistics

Refrigerated shipping is far more than a complex chain of logistics. It represents a unique niche characterized by an exceptionally intricate process that starts long before the actual transportation of the goods.

In most cases, this journey begins with dedicated expert teams who play a vital role in understanding the ins and outs of the sector, the needs of the customer, and the specific requirements of their most sensitive cargo. Their ultimate goal is to formulate the best possible solution for a successful shipment.

What is your approach when interacting with customers?

In interactions with new or existing customers, our approach revolves around establishing individualized connections. This means that we navigate every step of the journey, to ensure that every shipment is a successful one. With the help of exceptionally advanced tools, we can gather a comprehensive perspective of our customers’ needs. This helps us shape our services accordingly by identifying their preferences, allowing us to tailor our services for a more effective collaboration in the long run.

How does this framework benefit each customer and contribute to their unique shipping experience?

Over the past few years, our sales operations have undergone a significant transformation. These changes emphasize how our sales team has become adept at understanding every customer’s unique needs. We’re now able to deliver tailored supply chain solutions that align almost precisely with their specific requirements, particularly in terms of the cargo they are shipping. We’ve also improved their overall shipping journey by offering complementary services to streamline the entire process.

What are some key services customers can expect when shipping with ZIM?

We believe every customer should be able to enjoy a full encompassing experience of our services and solutions, which is why we provide a wide range of offerings designed to enhance the customer experience and simplify the shipping journey. For instance, we’ve introduced services like our eB/L, which not only cuts costs but also streamlines operations. This way, customers can transfer the electronic Bill of Lading to the consignee as soon as it is approved, making the process more efficient and quicker.

We’re also now stepping into the world of financing. Through our collaboration with 40Seas, we’re providing customers with flexible financing options when they choose to ship with us, as well as offering dedicated logistics services to further complement their shipping needs.

Considering the challenges within the refrigerated sector, how do you incorporate these demands into the process with customers?

We have definitely recognized the importance and potential growth of the refrigerated industry. To address this, we have committed resources to create specialized teams within every country we operate in. These teams are located across the globe, actively participate in continuous training programs that equip them not only with expertise in the shipping arena, but also with a deep understanding of the refrigerated sector.

How do these shipments differ from one another?

We understand that goods shipped in reefers differ from regular shipments and demand a specific level of attention and focus. ZIM’s premium solutions have been designed to cater to this exact need. Not only does ZIM hold the youngest reefer fleet in the industry, but these units also feature the advanced capabilities of the ZIMonitor, enabling customers to individually monitor their cargo in real-time and keep track of temperature changes and other crucial factors. In addition to providing detailed reports, we have dedicated specialized teams on ground, who are available to provide round-the-clock assistance and safeguard the cargo from any harm.

How are these teams able to meet the unique requirements of high-value or sensitive cargo shipments?

No matter where our customers are located, or where their cargo is headed, they can all benefit from a dedicated team of experts. These teams know all about handling temperature-sensitive commodities, and tailor their approaches to meet the specific demands and policies of each region.

They guide customers throughout the entire process, from start to finish, ensuring the best possible shipping experience, which is especially critical when transporting delicate goods in extreme temperatures. This approach has proved to be successful and much appreciated all around.