Snowman: Ensuring safe, reliable delivery of temperature-sensitive goods
"Our strategic infrastructure, careful placement of facilities, and a mix of transportation modes allow us to seamlessly transport temperature-sensitive products from their point of origin to their destination while preserving their integrity, freshness, and safety,” says Ashit Kumar Bose, AVP, Transportation, Snowman Logistics Limited.
Please provide an overview of the company's cold chain logistics services?
We offer customized cold chain logistics solutions across India, serving a diverse range of industries, including FMCG, food, pharmaceuticals, and more. With 44 multi-temperature warehouses and 6 dry warehouses across 21 cities, we provide 50 million cubic feet of cold storage capacity. Our extensive network spans over 1,050 cities and towns.
Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, we efficiently manage our cold storage facilities and transportation fleet, which includes more than 600 trucks—comprising over 450 owned vehicles sourced from renowned manufacturers such as Ashok Leyland, Eicher, Tata, Mahindra, and Isuzu. These vehicles cover a wide range of carrying capacities, from 1 to 21 tons, and include specialized multi-temperature units for sensitive cargo. Our capabilities are further enhanced by over 150 outsourced vehicles. We also expertly manage dry truck movements through a network of trusted and dependable vendors, delivering a comprehensive and seamless logistics solution.
How does your company train drivers and maintenance personnel to ensure fleet reliability and efficiency?
To enhance operational efficiency, our drivers and maintenance personnel undergo specialized training in handling extreme weather challenges. They are well-versed in conducting pre-trip inspections, routine maintenance, and on-the-go troubleshooting, ensuring our fleet operates smoothly under all conditions.
Preventive maintenance is a top priority. We conduct frequent inspections, timely fluid replacements, and monitor key components such as cooling systems, batteries, and tires. We also utilize high-performance lubricants and filters designed specifically for extreme temperatures, ensuring our fleet always remains efficient and reliable. Our telematics systems, integrated with our Centralized Control Tower, enable real-time monitoring of vehicle performance. This allows us to identify, track, and resolve potential issues before they escalate, ensuring seamless operations. All our vehicles are equipped with sensors that continuously monitor critical parameters such as engine temperature and oil pressure, providing early warnings of possible faults. Additionally, our diagnostic tools allow for quick and accurate detection of mechanical issues, minimizing downtime.
What are the challenges you face in cold chain, logistics, and how do you address them?
One of the key hurdles is maintaining a seamless temperature environment across vast distances and varying climates, particularly in India, where extreme weather conditions often put immense stress on cooling systems. Power outages, inadequate road networks, and the lack of modern cold storage facilities also disrupt the seamless flow of goods, leading to spoilage and delays.
We have invested in cutting-edge technology, utilizing advanced temperature monitoring systems, GPS tracking, and data analytics to maintain real-time visibility and control over cold chain operations. Our strategic infrastructure includes the careful placement of facilities and a mix of transportation modes to optimize efficiency and minimize transit times. We place a strong emphasis on training personnel, ensuring that they are well-versed in proper handling procedures, temperature control protocols, and emergency response strategies.
Our priority is maintaining the highest standards of product quality and safety throughout the supply chain. We have certifications in Food Safety Management System, Environment Management System, and BRC certifications at specific locations, underscoring our adherence to the highest standards. We also hold the FSSAI License for Good Distribution Practices and maintain EIA-certified warehouses. This holistic approach enables us to consistently maintain product quality and safety throughout the supply chain.
Moreover, we use robust packaging solutions, including high-quality insulated containers, to protect products during transit and storage. In keeping with the sustainability ethos, we are increasingly adopting energy-efficient refrigeration systems and exploring renewable energy sources, to reduce our environmental footprint.
