German-owned global forwarder Rhenus has recently opened a new temperature-controlled perishable handling facility at London-Heathrow Airport, distinguishing itself as one of the few freight forwarders with the capability to store and build ULDs in a chilled environment on-site. This facility boasts 2,195 square meters of floor space and a two-layer racking configuration that can accommodate 1,209 cubic meters of perishable goods kept at temperatures ranging from 0 to 8°C.
Rhenus has also enhanced its screening capabilities to comply with Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority regulations. With the implementation of dual-view X-ray and an electromagnetic inspection scanner, the forwarder can screen up to 30 pallets per hour. In addition to these services, Rhenus offers customs and health clearance, certificates of conformity and origin, as well as Chamber of Commerce legalization of phytosanitary certificates. Customers can also benefit from value-added services such as pick and pack within a temperature-controlled environment.
The launch of the Rhenus Fresh team in the UK in 2023 further solidifies the company’s commitment to providing top-tier temperature-controlled logistics services. Led by George Mead, the team aims to cater to a broader range of customers seeking temperature control for various products, including flowers, meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and fish. The facility is also equipped to handle items with an extended shelf life that require storage and subsequent export, including segmented ocean shipments.
Steven Aitken, the managing director of Rhenus Air and Ocean, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, highlighting how it enhances the company’s position as a premier provider of temperature-controlled logistics services with advanced security protocols.
