The logistics for fine chemical products requires an extremely high level of security and control. These substances, which are often hazardous and sensitive to external conditions, require specialized logistics from storage to distribution. Any failure in the logistics chain can endanger human health and environmental safety and may even threaten a company’s operational continuity.

In this context, real-time monitoring has become an indispensable tool. Having systems in place to track every stage of a product’s journey in detail, both nationally and internationally, offers multiple benefits. It reduces the risk of incidents, optimizes decision-making in the event of unforeseen events and increases the transparency of the entire operation.

Companies that transport fine chemicals must not only know the location of their goods at all times, but also their condition (temperature, humidity, possible impacts), and this requires advanced technological integration in logistics processes. This real-time traceability gives customers peace of mind and allows logistics operators to respond swiftly and effectively to any issues that arise. What tracking systems are actually used for products in the fine chemicals industry?

• GPS with integrated sensors: this system enables real-time vehicle location and, thanks to additional sensors, the monitoring of key variables such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure. It is essential to ensure that the products remain within the established parameters throughout the entire journey. For example, in overland transport of sensitive reagents, sensors can issue alerts if the temperature exceeds critical limits.
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems: these systems allow for automated inventory control and tracking in warehouses, as well as real-time verification of inputs and outputs. Each product is identified by an RFID tag that emits a unique signal, which makes it easy to locate each unit within a complex load precisely.
• IoT (Internet of Things) technology: IoT connects physical devices to a digital network, allowing constant data about product status to be sent. In the case of fine chemicals, for example, IoT devices can record the internal environmental conditions of a container and transmit that information to a centralized monitoring platform.
• Transport Management Platforms (TMS) with cloud integration: these solutions provide a single dashboard that allows visualization of all shipments in progress, including their status, location, and environmental conditions. They are especially useful for companies with global operations because they enable efficient coordination of multiple carriers and routes.
• Blockchain for traceability: although still under development for many sectors, the application of blockchain in the transport of fine chemicals offers unalterable and secure traceability. Each transaction in the supply chain is recorded within a block in the chain, creating a reliable history for auditing and compliance purposes.
• Electronic smart labels: these labels record parameters such as shock, tilt, package opening or temperature. They are widely used in air transport, where pressure changes and rough handling can affect the integrity of the cargo.

How to transport fine chemicals safely

Transporting fine chemicals is regulated by various international legislation that varies depending on the means of transport. For road transport, the ADR regulations (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) establish the conditions for packaging, labeling and documentation. Air transport is governed by the IATA – DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Air Transport Association), which specifies how these substances must be handled on airplanes. In the case of maritime transport, the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) applies, which is managed by the International Maritime Organization.

At Airpharm we know how important it is for our customers to have a reliable partner for the transportation of fine chemicals. That is why we offer comprehensive logistics solutions with total control at every stage of the process. If you are looking for an experienced company with qualified staff and cutting-edge technology, contact Airpharm now and find out how we can improve the security and efficiency of your fine chemicals logistics.