The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Cold Chain Management – and How to Avoid Them
At the Escola Europea we have had the opportunity to work with many professionals in the logistics and transport sector who are looking to optimise their operations and adapt to the demands of an ever-evolving market. Among the topics that consistently spark both interest and challenges is temperature-controlled logistics — an area where precision and coordination are everything.
Over the years, we have observed that even well-established companies tend to make the same kinds of mistakes. Some stem from poor planning, others from over-reliance on technology, and others still from a lack of communication between stakeholders.
In this article, we wanted to share the five most common errors in cold chain management and offer a few best practices for avoiding them – using real examples from Barcelona, one of the most dynamic logistics hubs in the Mediterranean.
Because in temperature-controlled logistics, success isn’t just about keeping things cold — it’s about keeping control.
Lack of planning from the start
Temperature control doesn’t begin when the product enters a truck or refrigerated container — it starts long before that.
An efficient chain requires strategic planning from the outset: route design, transit time forecasting, choice of transport modes, and coordination with storage and distribution points.
In Barcelona, companies like MBCOLD Logistics exemplify integral planning. With more than 6,500 m² of facilities and capacity for thousands of pallets across different temperature ranges (+2 °C to -21 °C), MBCOLD plans each shipment based on the sensitivity of the cargo, ensuring stability and traceability throughout the journey (mbcold.com).
In an increasingly interconnected sector, anticipating needs is key. That includes adopting intermodal transport solutions — combining rail, road, and sea to reduce costs, time, and emissions.
1. Relying on equipment without ongoing verification
A common mistake is assuming that once the refrigeration system is installed, the job is done. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Refrigeration units require regular calibration, maintenance, and verification. A minor sensor fault or a poorly closed door can have irreversible consequences.
At Frimercat Logística de la Cadena de Frío, located within Barcelona’s Food Unit, continuous monitoring is standard practice.
With more than 115,000 m³ of refrigerated chambers, the company uses automated systems to record every temperature fluctuation and issue immediate alerts when something deviates from target conditions (frimercat.es).
Their guiding principle is simple but powerful: “What is not measured, is not controlled.”
2. Incomplete documentation and traceability
Maintaining the right temperature is only part of the challenge — being able to prove it is just as essential.
Each shipment must be accompanied by accurate documentation: temperature logs, certificates of origin, time-in-transit records, and customs or health inspections.
The Port of Barcelona has made significant progress in this area. Through its Canal Frío initiative, it facilitates the flow of perishable and pharmaceutical goods thanks to specialised infrastructure and digital processes that improve traceability and customs efficiency (portdebarcelona.cat).
Incomplete or outdated documentation can lead to delays, penalties, or even cargo rejection. In the end, traceability is the language of trust among all the actors involved.
3. Poor communication between transport modes and operators
The cold chain isn’t linear — it’s a complex intermodal network involving carriers, port terminals, rail operators, warehouses, and distributors.
When communication between these players breaks down, efficiency suffers.
In Barcelona, the BEST Terminal (Hutchison Ports) has invested heavily in increasing its capacity for refrigerated containers, integrating systems that enhance coordination between sea, rail, and road transport (railfreight.com).
Such infrastructure shows that collaboration and shared information are just as crucial as technical capacity.
Every link — no matter how small — plays an essential role. The difference between a seamless delivery and a failed one often lies in communication.
4. Underestimating the human factor
In an era of automation and data-driven logistics, the human element remains the decisive link.
Even the most advanced technology loses value if the people operating it don’t understand how to use it or how to interpret the data it provides.
A recent report by Logista on frozen goods transport in Spain highlights that success comes from combining technology with human expertise, through continuous training and awareness (logista.com).
At the Escola Europea, we share this philosophy: a resilient chain is built by informed, motivated professionals who can act decisively when things don’t go as planned.
5. Learning from real-world experience
Barcelona offers a unique environment to understand the complexities of cold chain logistics in depth. From the Port of Barcelona to Mercabarna, the city is a living laboratory of innovation, intermodality, and sustainability. That’s why the Course on Temperature-Controlled Supply Chains, taking place from 17 to 22 November 2025, combines theory and practice in this very ecosystem:
- Online sessions with international experts.
- In-person workshops and site visits to terminals, warehouses, and cold-chain operators in Barcelona.
- Real case studies reflecting the challenges faced by today’s industry.
The course is eligible for FUNDAE funding, and Alumni of the Escola benefit from a €100 discount.
