Cold Chain &
Temperature Controlled

What is cold chain in logistics?

The cold chain is the set of logistics processes that ensure a temperature-sensitive product is kept within a specific range from production to point of consumption or use. Breaking the cold chain can ruin an entire shipment — with major economic loss and public health risk.

At VS Logistics we coordinate ocean and air transport of temperature-controlled cargo, working with ocean lines operating state-of-the-art reefer containers (refrigerated) and remote temperature monitoring throughout transit.

Cold chain equipment types

• 20 ft Reefer container: Capacity ~28 CBM. Temperature controlled from -30°C to +30°C. For mid-volume shipments of fruit, vegetables, seafood or pharmaceuticals.
• 40 ft Reefer / 40HC: Capacity ~60–67 CBM. The most-used for large Costa Rican exports of banana, pineapple, cassava, hearts of palm and more.
• Isotank (tank container): For bulk liquids like juices, wines, oils, liquid dairy and chemicals. Capacity ~24,000 liters.
• Temperature-controlled air cargo: For pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biological samples that can't ship in standard bellies.

Products we handle in temperature controlled mode

• Fresh fruit and vegetables: Banana, pineapple, melon, papaya, hearts of palm, pejibaye, strawberry, avocado.
• Seafood and fish: Shrimp, tilapia, tuna, fresh and frozen fish.
• Meat: Beef, pork and poultry for export or import.
• Dairy: Cheese, butter, yogurt and processed milk.
• Pharmaceuticals: Vaccines, biologics, blood products, insulin and temperature-sensitive medications.
• Cut flowers: Fresh flower exports requiring 1°C to 5°C.
• Premium wines and beers: Imports with controlled temperature to preserve quality.

Temperature ranges by product

• Deep frozen: -18°C to -25°C (frozen fish, meat)
• Standard frozen: -10°C to -18°C (ice cream, frozen seafood)
• Refrigerated: 0°C to +4°C (dairy, fresh meat, flowers)
• Fresh: +5°C to +15°C (tropical fruit, vegetables, controlled-ripening banana)
• Ambient controlled: +15°C to +25°C (wines, pharmaceuticals, chocolate)

Process for a reefer export from Costa Rica

• 1. Pre-cooling: The container is pre-cooled to the required temperature before loading.
• 2. Supervised stuffing: Loading is done under supervision to maintain the cold chain at all times.
• 3. Temperature verification: We confirm cargo and equipment are at the correct temperature before sealing.
• 4. Priority plug-in at port: Reefer containers get priority power connection at terminals.
• 5. Monitoring during transit: Ocean lines offer remote temperature monitoring with real-time alerts.
• 6. Delivery with uninterrupted chain: We coordinate to avoid any cold-chain break at customs clearance and final delivery.