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Audit, Quality and Risk Management for Temperature Controlled Cargo

Audit, Quality and Risk Management for Temperature Controlled Cargo

2 Feb 2026

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Temperature-controlled cargo refers to all goods that require a specific temperature range for storage and transport. This can be anything from food products, dairy items, frozen goods, and medicines, to vaccines, & even chemicals. 

While both perishables and pharmaceuticals move through temperature-controlled environments, the level of monitoring, audits, and regulatory oversight differs significantly. 

If temperatures move outside the required range, product quality, safety, or effectiveness can be compromised. That’s why careful handling, continuous monitoring, and structured management systems are critical throughout the journey.

Why Audit, Quality, and Risk Management Matter

You cannot keep the temperature-sensitive cargo safe only by relying on a cooling or freezing system. Regular audits and quality checks are equally important to ensure all the right steps are followed, from storage to delivery.

For general perishables, the focus is always on preserving freshness and preventing spoilage. For pharmaceuticals, it is essential to maintain the product’s efficacy, ensure regulatory compliance, and prioritize patient safety. When these two practices are combined, they can protect cargo, meet safety regulations, and prevent costly losses.

General Perishables: Audit, Quality, and Risk Management

Regulatory Focus for Perishables

General temperature-controlled perishables follow the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR). The goal is to preserve shelf life, maintain food safety, and deliver products in the best condition.

What Audits Check for Perishables

Audits for perishables are for day-to-day operational controls and include: 

  • Storage and transport temperature compliance
  • Cleanliness of cold rooms and equipment
  • Pest control measures
  • Safe handling to prevent contamination
  • Cold environments that slow spoilage

Quality Management for Perishable Cargo

Quality management ensures consistency through:

  • Clear SOPs for food safety
  • Continuous temperature monitoring
  • Strong hygiene and sanitation practices
  • Trained staff following best practices

Risk Management for Perishables

Some of the major risks include delays, poor handling, and equipment failure but there’s always a chance to reduce these risks through route planning, backup refrigeration, and contingency plans.

Pharmaceutical Cargo: Audit, Quality, and Risk Management

Regulatory Focus for Pharma Cargo

Pharmaceutical cargo operates under strict compliance standards, mainly IATA CEIV Pharma and Good Distribution Practices (GDP). 

What Audits Check for Pharma Cargo

Talking about pharma audits, these are detailed & highly structured and cover:

  • Thermal mapping of storage and handling areas
  • Calibration and performance of sensors
  • Continuous and accurate temperature logs
  • Data integrity and system validation

These audits confirm that temperature conditions remain consistent throughout operations.

Quality Management in Pharma Operations

Quality management in pharma operations follows a structured Quality Management System (QMS) and consists of:

  • GDP-aligned SOPs
  • Continuous monitoring and recording
  • Excursion investigations
  • Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)implementation
  • Full traceability and documentation

Risk Management for Pharmaceutical Cargo

There are several risks involved in pharma cargo, including temperature excursions, equipment failures, data loss, and delays. Fortunately, these can be controlled by keeping backup systems, emergency response plans, and immediate corrective action. 

Risk Mitigation and Preventive Measures

After you know that all the risks have been identified, immediately take steps that can mitigate issues. Here are some of the key preventive measures to follow:

  • Backup Systems: Power and refrigeration backups to protect cargo at all times
  • Proper Packaging: Insulated and validated packaging for added protection
  • Contingency Plans: Clear actions for delays, equipment failures, or temperature deviations

These measures help maintain temperature integrity and ensure smooth operations.

Amerijet: Your Trusted Partner for Temperature-Controlled Cargo

All you need is a reliable partner when it comes to shipping temperature-sensitive goods. This is exactly why Amerijet is a preferred choice for handling both general perishables and high-compliance pharmaceutical cargo with precision and care.

We have over 50 years of experience in cargo logistics and specialize in handling perishable items, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-controlled shipments.

Our services include:

  • Dedicated perishable handling centers with refrigerated, frozen, and chilled storage
  • CEIV-aligned processes for pharmaceutical shipments
  • Real-time monitoring and shipment alerts
  • Comprehensive tracking from pickup to delivery
  • A global network reaching hundreds of destinations

When you work with us, your temperature-sensitive cargo stays safe, compliant, and on time. This is what gives you confidence that every shipment maintains its quality throughout the journey.

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