Winter downtime offers an ideal opportunity to enhance cold chain efficiency

Maximizing Winter Downtime for Cold Chain Efficiency

The refrigerated freight sector follows a predictable seasonal cycle, and forward-thinking carriers are taking advantage of it. While the busy produce season from May to August requires all resources on deck, the quieter winter period presents an ideal opportunity to enhance operations and set the stage for future success.

On a recent episode of Running On Ice, host Mary O’Connell interviewed Travis Ross, Senior Sales Engineer, and Megan Bafford, Market Development Lead at EROAD. They explored how fleets can use the slower winter months to fine-tune their cold chain processes by adopting and optimizing telematics solutions.

For many carriers handling temperature-sensitive freight, summer is a time of nonstop activity. Ross described the hectic pace of produce season, likening it to a relentless flow of data and urgent demands.

“Summer feels like you’re just trying to keep up, overwhelmed by a constant stream of information,” Ross explained. “There’s little you can do to change course. Winter, on the other hand, is the closest thing to a break these operations get.”

Ross compared this downtime to a restaurant kitchen after the dinner rush. “When the chaos subsides, do you simply rest, or do you review what happened and look for ways to improve? The best time to reflect and make changes is when things are calm and manageable.”

Trying to introduce new systems or improve processes during peak season is often futile. When teams are scrambling to fulfill last-minute orders and deliver perishable goods, there’s no room for change management or optimization.

“Cold chain logistics is more of a marathon,” Ross noted. “The real test comes in spring and early summer, and your performance depends on how well you prepared during the winter—who reviewed their data, who made adjustments, and who planned ahead.”

Neglecting this preparation leads to recurring problems. Ross pointed out that carriers who relax after summer often face the same issues year after year—recalls, product loss, and damage—repeating the same cycle unnecessarily.

By closely analyzing data such as pre-cooling routines, delivery methods, and fuel usage, carriers can turn raw information into practical strategies that improve operations before the next busy season arrives.

Telematics: Strengthening Shipper-Carrier Partnerships

Ross emphasized that telematics isn’t just about internal improvements—it also plays a crucial role in relationships with shippers, especially when shippers are responsible for operational expenses.

In broadline distribution, shippers or distributors often shoulder significant costs during summer, including fuel, maintenance, and labor. Demonstrating operational excellence through data can set carriers apart from the competition.

“Top-performing carriers are using this time to analyze their data and prove their value to shippers,” Ross said.

When shippers question the need for greater transparency, EROAD helps clarify where their investments are going.

“Many shippers believe their carriers handle everything, so they don’t see the need for a conversation,” Ross explained. “But since they’re footing the bill, it’s important to understand exactly how their money is being spent. We can provide that insight and support their carriers.”

EROAD’s Comprehensive Support for Fleets

Bafford described EROAD’s commitment to being a true partner for logistics companies, not just a technology provider. Their approach to telematics adoption is holistic and collaborative.

“The biggest hurdle in change management isn’t the technology—it’s the overwhelming amount of data,” Bafford said. “Operations teams often lack the time or resources to process all the telematics data they receive.”

EROAD steps in to help filter and convert this data into meaningful insights tailored to each client’s needs. Their onboarding process includes joint planning sessions, customized dashboards, and seamless integration, followed by targeted training and ongoing support for marketing, customer success, and education.

“We simplify the process, making it easier to update procedures, measure results, and ensure compliance before the next peak season,” Bafford added.

Tailored Data for Every Role

Recognizing that different roles within a company require different information, EROAD customizes data delivery to maximize efficiency. Ross, drawing from his own experience in transportation management, noted that not everyone needs access to all the data—just what’s relevant to their responsibilities.

“We’ve refined our approach so that each role gets only the information they need, saving time and boosting results,” Ross said.

EROAD also provides a range of resources, including step-by-step guides, quick-reference materials, and dedicated training platforms. Bafford mentioned that they even create custom landing pages for stakeholders and influencers, working closely with clients to ensure a smooth experience.

“Our goal is to turn complexity into clarity, empowering teams to act quickly and confidently with actionable data,” Bafford said. “This way, customers gain the understanding and measurable outcomes they need without feeling overwhelmed.”

Preparing for the Next Peak Season

The insights gathered during the busiest months are only valuable if fleets take the time to analyze them and implement improvements. With regulations becoming stricter and shippers expecting more, having robust telematics capabilities is now essential.

Winter isn’t just a break from the hectic pace of summer—it’s a crucial period for preparing to excel in the year ahead. Ross and Bafford urge fleets to use this time wisely, enhancing their systems before the next produce season begins.

Discover more about EROAD here.