The cold chain involves the transportation of temperature-sensitive products along a supply chain through thermal and refrigerated packaging methods, as well as logistics planning in order to protect the integrity of these deliveries.

The cold chain is thus a science, a technology, and a process. It is a science since it requires an understanding of the chemical and biological processes linked with perishability. It is a technology since it relies on physical means to ensure appropriate temperature conditions along the supply chain. It is a process since a series of tasks must be performed to prepare, store, transport and monitor temperature-sensitive products. The main elements of a cold chain involve:

-Cooling systems: Bringing commodities such as food to the appropriate -temperature for processing, storage, and transportation.

-Cold storage: Providing facilities for the storage of goods over a period of -time, either waiting to be ship to a distant market, at an intermediary -location for processing and distribution and close to the market for -distribution.

-Cold transport: Having conveyances available to move goods while maintaining -stable temperature and humidity conditions as well as protecting their -integrity.

-Cold processing and distribution: Providing facilities for the transformation and processing of goods as well as ensuring sanitary conditions. Consolidating and consolidating loads (crates, boxes, pallets) for distribution.