Frischelogistik
Also: Frische-Logistik, Fresh Logistics, Kühlkettenlogistik, Logistik für Frischware, Frischwarenlogistik, Frischekettenmanagement
AI-generated
Fresh logistics encompasses all logistical processes for fresh and perishable goods, where temperature control, short throughput times, and end-to-end traceability are critical.
Key facts
- Fresh logistics ensures that perishable goods pass through the entire supply chain without quality loss through continuous temperature monitoring and end-to-end batch traceability.
- The FEFO principle (First Expired, First Out) is the standard goods-issue strategy in fresh logistics, used to avoid waste caused by expired best-before dates.
- Short throughput times and high delivery frequencies require tightly scheduled cut-off times and a WMS with native best-before date and batch management capabilities.
- Temperature deviations must be documented without gaps – both for internal quality processes and to meet statutory reporting obligations.
- Beyond refrigeration technology and transport frequency, the main cost drivers are the share of waste and the effort required for compliance audits.
What is fresh logistics?
Fresh logistics covers all transport, storage, and handling processes for goods with a limited shelf life and specific temperature requirements – typically food products such as meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables, but also pharmaceuticals or flowers. Unlike general food logistics, fresh logistics places extreme emphasis on short response times and continuous cold chain monitoring. Any break in the cold chain or delay in the process can lead to quality loss, waste, and compliance violations.
How does fresh logistics work in practice?
The core principle is uninterrupted temperature control from producer to recipient. To achieve this, companies operate with clearly defined temperature ranges – such as +2 °C to +8 °C for chilled goods or below −18 °C for frozen products – and monitor these in real time using data loggers and telematics systems. Deviations are documented and trigger defined escalation processes.
Specialised strategies are employed in the warehouse:
- FEFO (First Expired, First Out): Goods with the earliest best-before date are picked first to minimise waste.
- Best-before date management in the WMS: The warehouse management system manages batches and best-before dates, and checks at every goods issue whether the remaining shelf life is sufficient for the respective delivery.
- Batch traceability: In the event of a recall, it must be possible at any time to trace where a batch originated and where it was delivered.
Delivery frequencies in fresh logistics are often daily or even multiple times per day. This requires tight time-slot management concepts, coordinated cut-off times, and a high level of process stability in picking operations.
What matters when selecting service providers and systems?
Anyone evaluating a logistics service provider for fresh goods should check certifications – such as IFS Logistics or HACCP compliance. The precise audit standards vary by vendor, so it is advisable to review the specific requirements for each. On the IT side, what matters is whether the WMS used natively supports FEFO and batch management, or whether extensive customisation will be required. Equally relevant are monitoring interfaces for temperature data and clear processes for deviation documentation and complaint handling. In addition to refrigerated transport, the main cost drivers in fresh logistics are waste from expired goods and the effort involved in demonstrating compliance.
Related terms
- 3PL
3PL (Third Party Logistics) refers to the outsourcing of operational logistics processes – such as warehousing, order picking, or transportation – to an external service provider. The company retains strategic responsibility, while the 3PL vendor handles operational execution.
- Avisierung
Pre-advice refers to the advance notification of a delivery by the supplier to the recipient before the goods arrive. It enables the warehouse to plan staffing, dock capacity, and put-away processes in a timely manner.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Charge
A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.
- Chargenrückverfolgung
Batch traceability refers to the complete and uninterrupted trackability of products and materials along the supply chain based on their batch assignment. It enables companies to quickly identify and selectively block all affected quantities in the event of a quality issue or recall.
- Compliance Definition
Compliance refers to adherence to legal regulations, regulatory requirements, internal policies, and contractual obligations.
- Cross-Docking
Cross-docking is a logistics method in which goods are transferred directly from inbound to outbound transport at a transshipment point, without going through conventional put-away and storage.
- Cross-Docking
Cross-docking refers to a goods handling process in which items are transferred directly from inbound receiving to outbound shipping without interim storage. The goal is to reduce throughput times and avoid warehousing costs.
- Cut-off-Zeit
The cut-off time is the latest point by which an order must be received in order to be processed, picked, or shipped on the same day. Orders arriving after this time are generally not considered until the next processing cycle.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.
- Distributionslogistik
Distribution logistics encompasses all processes that move goods from the manufacturer or warehouse to the end customer – from network planning through storage and transportation to order fulfillment.
