Every year, a staggering one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. This statistic is not only a significant economic burden but also a major contributor to environmental concerns.
Yale Lift Truck Technologies understands the cold chain's critical role in minimising this waste. Our commitment goes beyond simply providing reliable lift trucks; we offer a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to optimise materials handling in cold storage operations and extend the shelf life of perishable goods.
The cold chain challenge
Temperature fluctuations are a major enemy of fresh food. When temperatures rise above recommended levels, microbial growth accelerates, leading to spoilage. Inconsistent temperatures can also damage fruits, vegetables, and other delicate items, reducing their quality and marketability.
Here's how inefficiencies within the cold chain can contribute to food waste:
· Improper temperature control: Delays in receiving or shipping goods, or malfunctions in refrigeration systems, can cause temperatures to rise above recommended levels, leading to spoilage.
· Inefficient handling practices: Rough handling, improper stacking, and slow processes can damage products, shortening their shelf life.
· Equipment failures: Breakdowns in material handling equipment can disrupt workflows and delay product movement, exposing food to unsafe temperatures.
Yale lift trucks are engineered for efficiency
Yale offers a range of cold storage solutions specifically designed to combat these challenges and minimise food waste. The new Yale Order Picker Pallet Truck is an example of how efficient and multi-purpose materials handling equipment can transform an operation. With the ability to perform multiple duties, the MO20-30X series trucks, which lift from two to three tonnes, provide many of the typical functions of a traditional Yale low level order picker but with added agility to load and unload refrigerated lorries.
Efficient and easy to operate, Yale pallet trucks, such as the MP16-22 series, are ideal for moving palletised goods in cold environments. Hot zinc-coated parts include the frame, tie rods, lever and tiller knob, while the battery cover, steering cover, and steering support can benefit from cold zinc, cataphoretic, or RAL 9006 paint coatings. These coatings provide superior corrosion resistance, contributing to equipment longevity and reducing the risk of breakdowns that could disrupt cold chain integrity.
Reach trucks, like the MR14-25 series, boast exceptional lifting heights and narrow chassis widths, allowing for optimal space utilisation in high-bay freezers. From multiple cold store cabin options, including the cold store drive-in cabin, to a specially applied prime layer enhancing paint durability, these trucks can be specified for cold store conditions. Equipped with heaters inside the motor compartment and beneath the floor plate, they offer optimal performance even in sub-zero temperatures while the incorporation of a draining plate above controllers prevents condensation buildup on controller contact points. Moreover, recent upgrades to the premium display and a multilayer gasket solution further attest to Yale's commitment to innovation and resilience. With enhanced drive and gear motors, these reach trucks provide a durable offering for cold store environments.
A data-driven approach to food waste reduction
At Yale, we believe a data-driven approach is crucial for optimising cold chain operations. Many Yale trucks can be equipped with Yale Vision Telemetry that collects valuable data on equipment performance.
This data can be used to identify areas for improvement by analysing data to pinpoint inefficiencies in workflows that could lead to spoilage. Cold chain businesses can also use data insights to refine picking routes, improve equipment utilisation, and minimise product dwell time within the warehouse.
Lastly, Yale Vision can help with scheduling preventative maintenance based on actual equipment usage patterns, preventing unexpected breakdowns that could disrupt the cold chain.
Working together for a more sustainable future
Yale is dedicated to partnering with businesses in the cold chain to achieve a more sustainable future. In addition to our innovative equipment and data-driven insights, our dealer network works in conjunction with specialist materials handling training consultants to provide comprehensive operator lift truck training programmes.
By working together, we can create a more efficient and sustainable cold chain, helping to keep food fresher for longer so that it reaches consumers in optimal condition. This not only benefits businesses by minimising waste and maximising efficiency but also plays a vital role in reducing our global environmental impact.
Get in touch with your local independent Yale dealer to learn more about how we can help you to improve efficiencies and reduce waste in your cold chain.
