Cold storage is the process of storing anything perishable or temperature-sensitive, such as items that wouldn’t survive normal storage or freight conditions. If you’re working with these kinds of items, you’ll need to know how a refrigerated warehouse works and which items will require this special level of care.

A Basic Guide to Cold Storage

How It Works

You’ll select the temperature that you want your items to be kept at; then the cold storage provider will ensure they stay at that temperature while being stored or transported. These professionals will use many different facilities or pieces of equipment to accomplish this task. For example, a refrigerated container is ideal for storing small quantities and can be transported as long as it receives a power supply.

 A cold room is a larger version of the container and is usually located in a warehouse to store larger quantities. These rooms aren’t mobile because they’re fixed with insulation and sealing doors inside of a building. A blast freezer is ideal for rapidly freezing items with its low temperatures and blower fans, which force cold air across items and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.

What to Keep in Cold Storage

Perishable food, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, is usually placed in refrigerated shipping and storage. Flowers and other plants also require a cooler temperature to help them last longer. Artwork benefits from cold temperatures to keep colors bold and prevent paint from peeling off of the canvas. Pharmaceutical products, such as medicine or blood samples, are kept fresh and uncontaminated at cooler temperatures. Other items that might benefit include cologne, makeup, film, candles, and perishable nutrient products.

If you’re transporting or storing any of the items above, contact the team at Unicold Corporation in Honolulu, HI. Since 1962, they’ve operated the largest refrigerated warehouse in the state and offer shipping between Hawaii and Seattle, WA, as well as Los Angeles and Oakland, CA. They monitor product temperature throughout the journey to ensure items are kept at the optimal temperature. Learn more about their refrigerated warehousing services online, or call (808) 836-2931 to speak with a specialist about your cold storage needs.