Food and Drink Logistics

Since 1987, Wallis Shipping has specialised in food and drink logistics for businesses trading across the UK and internationally. Based in the East of England, within easy reach of major ocean freight ports, we arrange tailored supply chain solutions for ambient, perishable and temperature-sensitive goods.

Our experienced team coordinates imports, exports and cross-trade shipments by road, rail, air and sea. From route planning and documentation to refrigerated transport, temperature-controlled packaging, storage and final delivery, each solution is planned around the product, required temperature range, destination and timescale.

Food and Drink Products We Transport

At Wallis Shipping, we help food manufacturers, retailers and other businesses transport a wide range of products, including:

confectionery
herbal teas and infusions
non-alcoholic cocktails
chocolate
dried snacks
malt and brewing ingredients
pet food
spices and dry ingredients

Some products can travel under ambient conditions, while others require temperature-controlled logistics to protect product quality and maintain product integrity. We assess the cargo and route before recommending the most suitable transport, packaging and storage arrangements.

Can we help with your food and drink logistics?

Cold Chain Logistics for Temperature-Sensitive Goods

Cold chain logistics refers to the coordinated transport, handling and storage of temperature-sensitive products under controlled conditions. Its purpose is to maintain the required temperature throughout the supply chain and reduce the risk of temperature fluctuations that could affect safety, quality or shelf life.

Depending on the product and route, the key components may include refrigerated transport, reefer containers, access to cold storage facilities, temperature-controlled packaging and temperature monitoring. Careful planning helps maintain stable conditions, protect perishable goods, reduce food waste and support safe delivery.

For a more detailed explanation of the process and technology involved, read our guide to mastering cold chain logistics.

Cold Chain Management from Collection to Delivery

Effective cold chain management begins before collection. We review the product type, quantity, packaging, collection and delivery points, required temperature range, handling requirements, transit time and any customs or regulatory requirements.

Wallis Shipping then coordinates the most suitable route, equipment, storage and handovers through our network of experienced partners. For door-to-door shipments, we can manage each stage of cold chain distribution and keep you informed from collection to final delivery.

Managing Common Cold Chain Challenges

Temperature deviations can result from delays, unsuitable temperature settings, extended loading times, equipment problems or poor handovers between suppliers. These operational challenges require clear instructions and close coordination across all cold chain operations.

Our team plans around these common challenges by selecting suitable carriers and equipment, confirming handling requirements, monitoring shipment milestones and maintaining clear communication. Where appropriate, route alternatives and escalation procedures can improve reliability without losing sight of cost or delivery deadlines.

Cold Chain Transport by Road, Sea, Air and Rail

Depending on the urgency, volume, route and required temperature, cold chain transport may involve refrigerated trucks for road movements, reefer containers for ocean freight, temperature-controlled air freight for urgent cargo and rail or intermodal services where practical.

By comparing transport modes, Wallis Shipping can identify a cost-effective solution that supports the required temperature range and delivery schedule. This multimodal approach makes cold chain transportation more flexible across global trade routes.

Cold Storage and Real-Time Temperature Monitoring

Where temporary storage is required, we can coordinate access to suitable cold storage facilities through our trusted partner network.

Depending on the cargo, carrier and equipment, advanced technology may include data loggers, real-time temperature monitoring and forecasting tools that help teams anticipate changing conditions during transport.

Where real-time visibility is available, potential temperature deviations can be identified and addressed more quickly. Wallis Shipping also uses its Exportease freight tracking and management software to track shipments, produce essential trade documentation and keep customers informed throughout transit.

Import, Export and Regulatory Compliance

Food and drink shipments may involve customs declarations, licences, health certificates, port health requirements and destination-specific rules. Wallis Shipping helps coordinate the documentation and customs formalities required for imports, exports and cross-trade shipments, reducing avoidable delays and supporting regulatory compliance.

Requirements vary according to the product, origin and destination, so our team reviews the shipment requirements before booking and works with trusted partners to support compliant and timely delivery.

“Quite simply, they care. Wallis takes the time to understand what we need, have the depth of experience in the team and the global reach of resource giving them the capabilities to deliver solutions at a reasonable cost with me as the customer at the centre of their focus, and more than that, I trust them to do an excellent job.”

David Press - Head of Operations for Three Spirits

Three Spirits Story

Specialist Food Logistics: Ambient and Cold Chain Transport

We arrange tailored supply chain solutions for food and drink products with different transport, packaging, storage and handling requirements, from ambient goods to temperature-sensitive products.

Teas and Herbal Infusions

We coordinate domestic and international transport for packaged teas and herbal infusions, with storage and handling arrangements planned around moisture, odour transfer and the risk of damage.

Malt and Brewing Ingredients

We arrange reliable freight for malt and brewing ingredients, taking packaging, storage, humidity control and production schedules into account.

Confectionery and Chocolate

We plan ambient or temperature-controlled transport for confectionery and chocolate, helping protect product quality from heat and temperature fluctuations.

Spices and Dry Ingredients

We manage logistics for spices and dry ingredients, with careful planning around packaging, moisture control, customs documentation and cross-contamination risks.

Why Choose Wallis Shipping?

Wallis Shipping combines international freight experience with personal service and a trusted global partner network. We provide one point of contact for tailored food and drink logistics, whether your products require ambient transport, refrigerated transport or a more complex cold chain.

Our team can coordinate road, rail, air and ocean freight, including reefer containers, alongside packaging, storage, customs documentation, shipment tracking and final delivery. We focus on practical, cost-effective solutions that protect product quality and give your business a reliable route to market.

Where suitable alternatives are available, we can compare routes and transport modes by cost, transit time, energy efficiency and environmental impact. This helps clients consider the shipment’s carbon footprint without compromising the required temperature range or delivery schedule.

Summary of Our Food and Drink Logistics Services

Wallis Shipping arranges food and drink logistics for ambient, perishable and temperature-sensitive products across the UK and internationally. Depending on the shipment, our services can include cold chain management, refrigerated transport, packaging, storage, documentation, temperature monitoring and door-to-door delivery.

Tell us what you are shipping, where it needs to go, the required temperature range and your timescale. Our specialists will assess the details and recommend a suitable supply chain solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cold chain logistics is a coordinated system that keeps perishable products and temperature-sensitive goods within the right temperature range from collection to delivery. Depending on the shipment, it may involve refrigerated transport, cold storage, temperature-controlled packaging and monitoring to protect product quality and shelf life.

Yes. Through our network of trusted partners, we can arrange ambient and temperature-controlled transport. The precise solution depends on the product, required temperature, route, volume, available equipment and delivery schedule. Contact our team with the shipment details so we can confirm the suitable options.

Depending on the route and cargo, cold chain transportation may use refrigerated trucks, reefer containers, temperature-controlled air freight, rail or a multimodal combination. We compare the available options to balance temperature control, transit time and cost.

Depending on the cargo, carrier and equipment, temperature monitoring may use data loggers or real-time monitoring systems. These systems help confirm whether products remain within the required temperature range, while shipment tracking systems provide real-time visibility into the consignment’s progress during transit.

Yes. We coordinate international freight, customs formalities and shipping documentation for food and drink imports, exports and cross-trade movements. Requirements vary by commodity and destination, so the team reviews the details before arranging transport.

Please provide the product description, quantity, dimensions or pallet details, collection point, delivery destination, required temperature range, preferred timescale and any known packaging, handling or documentation requirements.