Growing importance of refrigerated transport in Europe
The demand for temperature-controlled transport is growing year on year.
Small cold stores are used not only by retail chains and pharmacy, but also by restaurants, caterers and online shops.
From 2025, however, companies providing such services must comply with new technical and legal standards.
What is refrigerated transport?
Refrigerated transport is the carriage of goods requiring the maintenance of a specific temperature - usually between -20°C and +12°C.
This category includes, among others:
- fresh fruit and vegetables,
- meat, fish and dairy products,
- medicines and vaccines,
- cosmetics and chemical products.
For such transport to be safe and legal, specialised vehicles with insulated cargo space and temperature recording are required.
Legal requirements for refrigerated transport in 2025
Companies performing refrigerated freight transport in the Netherlands, Belgium or Poland must have in 2025:
- ATP certificate - confirms that the vehicle meets international refrigeration standards (insulation, tightness, cooling power).
- Third party liability insurance - protects against losses due to damage or temperature fluctuations of the goods being transported.
- Regular inspection of cold stores - mandatory inspection and calibration of the cooling system at least once a year.
- Temperature register During transport - required when transporting food and pharmaceutical products.
Failure to have an ATP certificate or OCP policy can result in financial penalties and loss of orders.
Modern technology in refrigerated transport
The year 2025 marks the point at which transport refrigeration becomes fully digital and green.
The most common solutions:
- Electric chillers - quiet, energy-efficient, also operates at standstill.
- Digital temperature recorders (dataloggers) - record data in real time, with access via an app or portal.
- Isothermal composite walls - reduce vehicle weight and fuel consumption.
New-generation systems automatically send alerts when temperature deviations exceed 1°C - crucial when transporting medicines or fresh produce.
Advantages of refrigerated transport up to 3.5 tonnes
Lightweight refrigerated trucks offer a number of advantages to hauliers:
- entry to low emission zones (LEZs) in cities,
- lower fuel and toll costs,
- fast, flexible delivery,
- No tachograph mandatory in most countries.
This is why more and more logistics companies in Europe are supplementing their fleets with small refrigerated vehicles.
The future of transport refrigeration in Europe
The European Union is supporting the transition to zero-emission refrigerated transport.
Within a few years, electric or hybrid vehicles with solar panels will become standard.
Businesses investing in such solutions today will gain:
- lower taxes,
- greater customer confidence,
- better environmental positioning in international tenders.
Summary: Refrigerated transport as a key segment of logistics
Refrigerated transport up to 3.5 tonnes is becoming a pillar of the European supply chain.
Companies that comply with ATP and OCP requirements, invest in technology and maintain reliable records build a competitive advantage.
Today, the modern cold store is a mobile warehouse that guarantees quality, safety and continuity of supply.
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