The required chain of custody to prevent spoilage and product safety in perishable products begins the moment it leaves the origination point. Whether CFI arranges collection or it is delivered to us, risk management and monitoring are immediate and critical.
At CFI Perishables, risk management for perishable goods in our custody begins the moment we take possession. CFI combines real-time monitoring, specialized packaging, health and safety program participations and audits, and decades of cold chain expertise to protect shipments through transport.
Whether you’re shipping California strawberries to Europe, Copper River salmon to Asia, or cherries to China, CFI’s CoolSkys™ packaging solutions and integrated temperature management ensure products maintain quality from receipt through final delivery.
Understanding the Risks
Perishables face critical challenges during air freight operations:
- Temperature Excursions – Gaps between refrigerated storage and aircraft loading can compromise product integrity.
- Packaging Failures – Inadequate insulation or depleted coolants during extended transit times.
- Documentation Gaps – Missing temperature records that complicate insurance claims or quality disputes.
At CFI, we address these risks through immediate temperature verification at receipt, use of Tive monitoring devices, and our proprietary CoolSkys™ packaging systems.
CFI’s Targeted Risk Management Process
Our protection begins at receipt:
- Immediate Temperature Verification: Cold chain custody starts with temperature readings on arrival at our controlled docks, with swift movement to appropriate refrigeration.
- Tive Technology Deployment: We apply sensors to outbound and domestic shipments, monitoring them throughout the shipment life cycle.
- CoolSkys™ Packaging Solutions: Our specialized packaging materials provide superior insulation and temperature maintenance for air freight environments and have been proven to reduce spoilage compared to traditional, foil-wrapped cargo.
- Import Handling Excellence: We receive customs-cleared perishables and maintain proper conditions for shipments awaiting government agency examinations.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Temperature logs, handling records, and chain of custody reports support quality assurance and insurance requirements.
Industries We Protect
CFI specializes in cold chain management for:
- Fruits & Vegetables: Temperature-controlled storage and air freight forwarding for domestic and export markets.
- Seafood (Fresh, Frozen & Live): Time-critical handling with specialized packaging for maximum freshness through HAACP-certified facilities.
- Meat, Dairy & Confection: Precise temperature management for premium proteins and specialty products.
- Pharmaceuticals: GDP-compliant storage and handling through our certified airport facilities.
Each commodity requires specific protocols, and CFI delivers consistent excellence through infrastructure and experience.
“True cold chain protection starts with visibility. At CFI, we deploy Tive™ temperature and humidity sensors directly inside our CoolSkys™ packaging—capturing live data from the moment a shipment is picked up until it’s delivered. Every data point is fed into our monitoring systems through API integration, enabling us to see, record, and respond in real-time. This isn’t just about tracking numbers—it’s about proving performance, protecting our customers’ cargo, and building a culture of accountability that keeps every shipment in the safe zone.”
—Willy Paredes, Information Systems Manager, Commodity Forwarders, Inc.
Protection and Prevention Go Hand in Hand
With cold chain operations at LAX, SEA, JFK, MIA, ORD, IAH, BOS, SFO, ANC, DFW, ITO, KOA, LIH, HNL, OGG, YHZ, YVR, GDL, MEX, and global partner networks, CFI provides consistent cold chain management across North America and beyond. We’re not just storing and forwarding freight—we’re maintaining quality, ensuring compliance, and protecting value at every critical transition.
When you trust your perishables to CFI, risk management is immediate and comprehensive. Contact your CFI representative today to learn how our cool chain culture protects your products.
