Transport et distribution de produits alimentaires: situation actuelle et tendances futuresTransport and distribution of foods: today's situation and future trends

International regulations formerly focused on consumer safety. Now, attention is shifted towards the preservation of the global quality of goods. New control methods (HACCP) can increase the quality of the whole chain. A correct approach to weight losses is a primary goal in the cold chain. Direct fuel consumption (with respect to each mass unit transported) is reduced when the transported weight per vehicle is increased; indirect consumption is optimised when the efficiency of the refrigerating unit is increased and when the overall heat transfer coefficient of the insulated body is minimised. Ageing of the vehicles must be minimised. A voluntary energy labelling program of vehicles provides an excellent opportunity to reduce energy consumption. New insulating products can theoretically worsen the energy budget. Every effort should be made to improve the basic thermal characteristics of new insulating materials and new vehicle design should be studied. Energy and environmental benefits can be obtained by the optimisation of the logistic chain. Multi-temperature vehicles and mini-containers can solve certain specific problems.