On balance, we cannot consider that one method is better than the other, as it will depend on the specific characteristics and our objectives. In this post we take stock of the pros and cons of road and rail transport to help you decide which service best suits your needs.

Road freight transport

Road freight transport is the world's preferred method of transport. Although it does not move the most tonnes.

Its flexibility and the possibility of door-to-door delivery help to explain its success. Moreover, it is a method that allows any type of goods to be shipped. From small express shipments to full loads.

Advantages of road transport

The advantages of road freight transport include the following:

• The wide network of routes and highways makes this method of transport the one with the greatest coverage, especially for short distances.
• It is a more economical method because it does not require external infrastructure like rail.
• It is more flexible, adapts better to different types of journeys, conditions and is more suitable for small or urgent shipments.
• It offers more safety and security guarantees for dangerous goods or refrigerated cargo.
• It allows direct shipments between the customer and the final destination, without using more intermediaries.
• Digitalisation in the tracking of goods in real time is more advanced than in rail.

Disadvantages of road transport

The main disadvantages of road freight transport are:

• Trucks have less loading capacity than the freight train, so it can be limited in large shipments.
• The environmental pollution of road transport is greater than rail transport. At this point it should be noted that more sustainable alternatives, such as electric trucks, are beginning to be used.
• The risk of an accident is higher than in rail transport.
• If the state of the roads is affected by external conditions, delays are more likely to occur.

Freight transport by rail

Rail transport is another of the most widely used modes of transport, although it is a long way behind road transport, as it requires its own infrastructure. On the other hand, it is an efficient and less polluting method.

Advantages of rail transport

Among the advantages of rail freight transport, we can highlight the following:

• Rail is particularly suitable for large volumes or very heavy loads.
• The consumption of fuel and resources is lower, making it more efficient and sustainable.
• Final freight costs are reduced over long distances.
• The risk of delays, accidents or loss is lower than in road freight transport.

Disadvantages of rail transport

On the other hand, we must also consider the disadvantages of rail freight transport:

• It works less well for small parcels or urgent shipments, as it is less flexible.
• It depends on public infrastructure, which reduces its coverage, especially for medium and short distance shipments.
• Cannot ship directly from customer to final destination or door-to-door. It is always necessary to complement the shipment with trucks.

A third alternative: intermodal or multimodal transport

In certain circumstances, it may be advisable to alternate the transport of goods by road with rail transport. This is because lorries are more flexible and better suited to smaller or urgent deliveries. And that rail is more efficient and works well with large loads. We can take advantage of the benefits of both methods by creating routes in which we combine both alternatives, this is known as intermodal or multimodal transport.

Which transport method to choose?

After making this comparison between the two modes of transport, we can conclude that road transport is cheaper than rail transport for medium distances. Rail is cheaper for longer distances. Depending on conditioning factors such as the amount of cargo, the urgency of delivery, etc., one mode of transport or the other may be more appropriate.

In conclusion, we should not limit ourselves to selecting one method over the other, but adapt to the circumstances at any given time. Likewise, intermodal transport can allow us to take advantage of the benefits of both methods.

Dairy products are characterised by being very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, which is why the cold chain takes on special importance to guarantee their optimal preservation.

In this post we are going to know in depth how to respect the cold chain in dairy products, giving special importance to the critical points where there is more risk of breaking it.

The cold chain

Regulation 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council lays down the way in which dairy products must be stored, transported and refrigerated until they are ready for consumption.

The cold chain ensures that dairy products remain fresh and preserve their organoleptic properties. Dairy products are particularly delicate; if the indicated temperatures are not respected, their condition may be altered and cause damage to the consumer.

When preserving dairy products, we must differentiate between raw milk and pasteurised milk:

• Raw milk is particularly sensitive, it must be kept between 1 and 4ºC for a maximum of 20 days. If these temperatures are not respected, microorganisms can begin to grow and deteriorate its properties.
• Pasteurised milk has undergone a process in which certain harmful bacteria are eliminated, so it is easier to guarantee its good preservation.

Methods of food preservation

Depending on the characteristics of each food, there are different methods for preserving it.

• Low-temperature preservation methods include refrigeration, freezing and deep-freezing.
• To preserve food at high temperatures, one can opt for blanching or boiling, sterilisation or pasteurisation.
• By modifying the amount of water, foods can be preserved by dehydration, drying, freeze-drying or concentration.
• Food can be preserved by irradiation.
• High-pressure by pascalisation or pressurisation are alternatives to preserve food by means of high pressure.
• Food can be preserved by chemical alterations such as smoking, salting, marinating, pickling, marinating or pickling.
• Preservation can be achieved by additives such as antioxidants or preservatives.
• Preservation by atmosphere control can be done by vacuum, modified atmosphere or controlled atmosphere packaging.

What happens if the cold chain in dairy products is broken?

For dairy products, the ideal preservation method is at low temperatures through refrigeration. At this point, avoiding any break in the cold chain is key to guaranteeing the optimal state of the product.

While in refrigeration products are kept between 0Cº and 8Cº, in freezing they are kept between -18Cº and -35Cº. Refrigeration is used instead of freezing because this process can alter the fat and protein content.

Breaking the cold chain in dairy products creates an environment conducive to the growth of micro-organisms. These microorganisms deteriorate the quality of the milk and can cause digestive problems when consumed.

For this reason, the right technology must be in place to monitor the actual temperature of dairy products at each link in the supply chain at all times.

Critical points in the dairy cold chain

Critical points in the cold chain are those points where there is the greatest risk of the cold chain being broken. Every moment between transport, storage and sale is crucial.

Particular attention should be paid to the initial loading and delivery moments, as when dairy products are moved from storage there is an increased risk of not maintaining temperature. On the other hand, throughout the transport process it must be checked that there are no leaks in the insulation that could affect the temperature.

At Rios Sangiao we understand that any failure in the cold chain of dairy products can severely affect the product. As distributors of well-known dairy brands, our work is focused on avoiding any kind of variation in the temperature of these products during the whole process from arrival to delivery. In addition, we clean our tanks in approved and certified washing facilities in order to avoid any cross-contamination problems.

In the food liquid transport sector, the proper cleaning of food tanks on lorries is essential. In this way we can guarantee that the stored liquids maintain their original properties and do not suffer any type of cross-contamination of loads.

Tanker truck cleaning and maintenance

The cleaning of food tanks is a crucial step in their maintenance. It also allows us to detect any kind of problem in the maintenance of the truck.

Between deliveries, we carefully carry out a thorough cleaning of the tankers, as well as maintenance to check that everything is working properly.

Cleaning of food tanks

The truck cleaning process includes washing the chassis, the trailer, upholstering and vacuuming the cab, cleaning the floors, degreasing the accelerator, polishing and waxing… Although in this post we will only focus on the cleaning of the food tanks themselves. Which is the most important element of this process.

We are aware of the great responsibility in terms of food safety, so we follow good hygienic and sanitary practices and use non-toxic products suitable for their use. Furthermore, cleaning is only carried out in approved washing centres and by highly qualified personnel, to avoid any type of contamination.

Tanker lorries are cleaned at the washing centre designated by the Traffic Department. Drivers must carry the list of washing centres approved by the Quality Department.

The cleaning process of food tanks consists of three parts:

• Washing the inside of the tanks.
• Steaming of the tanks.
• Washing the outside of the tanks.

Once the tank has been cleaned, the driver must check its condition. Once he signs the delivery note and the washing certificate, he is responsible for ensuring that the entire process has been carried out correctly. This washing certificate is valid for 48 hours and consists of 3 copies: one for the loader, one for the client and one for the administration.

Important points for drivers to bear in mind

In the process of cleaning tanks in washing centres, drivers should:

• Check that there are no remains in the tank before accessing the wash centre.
• Check the effectiveness of the cleaning and record it on the corresponding service sheet.
• Optimise the relationship between cost and distance.
• Report to Traffic if new unregistered washing points have been found.
• Whenever possible, avoid acid washing and request prior authorisation.
• Follow office guidelines throughout the washing process.
• Check that all washing items on the delivery note are correct: time, products used, products washed, price, etc.
• In the event of detecting any anomaly or unsafe situation, he/she must inform the traffic manager or the corresponding person in charge.

The driver must verify that all cleaning is carried out in specialised, approved washing stations and that both the tank and all accessories have been properly cleaned. The load compartments, hoses, valves and joints accessible from the outside must be clean, dry and free of odours.

Finally, if everything is correct, the driver shall sign the cleaning certificate.

The European Food Tank Interior Washing Certificate

This certificate certifies that the cleaning has been carried out correctly, without toxic products and guarantees that there is no cross-contamination.

To be valid, it must be signed by the issuer and contain at least the following information:

• Name, address, telephone and fax of the washing centre.
• Date and number of the wash.
• Product washed and pre-load.
• Codes of the type of wash, and cleaning agents used.
• If necessary, number of seals affixed.
• Compartments that have been washed.

After this review of our entire cleaning procedure for food tanks, the importance of correct execution is more than clear. If you would like to know more or would like to find out more about our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The benefits of implementing artificial intelligence solutions are manifold. And not only that, the future prospects indicate that this is only the beginning, how far can we go?

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing a multitude of sectors, and the transportation of food liquids is not far behind. Improvements in traceability are more than evident thanks to this set of innovations: shorter delivery times, management optimization, route savings… The benefits of implementing artificial intelligence solutions are manifold. And not only that, future prospects indicate that this is only the beginning, how far can we go?

In this post we are going to analyse the main improvements of artificial intelligence in logistics, focusing on the transport of food liquids, and the main prospects for the future. Are you curious? Then read on because you will surely be surprised!

The change in consumer habits

The change in consumer habits has been the driver of digital transformation. Large corporations must turn their services into a personalized experience for each customer, attending to their demands and needs. And the key to achieving this personalization is artificial intelligence.

For the logistics industry, it is no longer enough to meet global demand; it must focus on immediate deliveries or minimum times. To do this, it must offer a flexible service that is tailored to the customer.

Artificial intelligence applications in transportation

Artificial intelligence is implemented in the transportation of food liquids in different modes:

• Integration of fixed and mobile devices to improve tracking of goods.
• Digitization of procedures, documents and signatures
• Accurate control of stock and inbound and outbound times
• Implementation of the digital tachograph, more accurate, easier to use and with real-time tracking.

Benefits of artificial intelligence in transportation

Beyond the improvements in traceability, the application of artificial intelligence in the transportation of food liquids, there are multiple benefits for the company, its customers and the environment:

Benefits for the company itself

Artificial intelligence applied to logistics allows:

• Optimize and create intelligent routes
• Improve the coordination of resources and trips in an efficient and cost-effective way.
• Reduce processing times by not relying on physical documents.
• Facilitate omnichannel management
• Automates production and warehousing processes
• Accelerates the entire process through to final delivery
• Generates a predictive analysis of the market, with room for manoeuvre to adapt by making the necessary changes.

Customer benefits

This set of benefits for the company also translates into a number of benefits for its customers:

• Real-time satellite tracking of goods
• Optimization of delivery times
• Efficient and error-free tracking, no changes in delivery dates and no errors in transported goods.

Indirectly, customers, partners and customers' own consumers also benefit by reducing their uncertainty and waiting times.

Benefits for the environment

The benefits of applying artificial intelligence to the transport of liquid foodstuffs also have an impact on the environment in general:

• Reduced use of paper, by digitizing all travel-related documentation.
• Reduced use of fossil fuels, by optimizing loads and routes
• Reduced electricity consumption by optimizing and simplifying processes.

Future prospects in artificial intelligence

The artificial intelligence environment is advancing so fast that it is impossible to foresee long-term developments. In the short and medium term, it is estimated that implementation will continue to advance, to the point of being a common basis in all companies in all sectors, and not in certain companies and sectors as it is now.

Measures focused on environmental care and improving sustainability will continue to gain weight within artificial intelligence. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly important in the field of artificial intelligence.

Likewise, advances will make it possible to offer an increasingly personalized service that is adapted to the changing needs of customers. Artificial intelligence will allow brands to look increasingly human in this way.

After this review of the effect of artificial intelligence on the transport of food liquids, it is clear that this is not just a benefit for the company. Customers, partners and the environment in general all benefit from these improvements.

This integration is a further step in our goal to digitize and optimize our time and processes. Digitalization in companies in our sector is crucial to guarantee delivery times and optimize traceability.

Our ERP system

Our ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system consists of a series of modules that allow us to perform different management tasks. From the customer area to human resources management or the coordination and monitoring of our carriers.

We have a system that allows us to track in real time the location of each of our drivers and send customers updated information about the times. Or, if they prefer, they can also directly consult the status of their cargo through a Tracking sent to the client's area. Thanks to this system we better manage our resources and reduce times.

Our goal: digitization

This integration is a further step in our goal to digitize and optimize our time and processes. Digitalization in companies in our sector is crucial to guarantee delivery times and optimize traceability.

In this digitization process, we transform our organization by means of technological tools and by orienting each activity to the digital environment.

Going digital brings us multiple advantages:

• A better customer orientation.
• A digital culture shared throughout the company.
• Take advantage of the possibilities of Big Data and artificial intelligence.
• An improvement in processes and other strategies.
• A consistent relationship between users and customers.

To make this digitalization process succeed, we combine a global strategy with a transformation in the company's culture, analyse customer needs and redesign processes.

Benefits of integrating mobile devices with ERP

Thanks to the combination of the flexibility of a mobile device with the extra functionalities offered by the capture of technical data from the vehicle, and being able to dump them in real time in our Central Server, allows integrations such as:

• Transfer of images to report the loading status in real time.
• Allows to send to the driver all the details and documentation related to loading and unloading.
• Controls rest and driving times according to regulations.
• Your assistant provides a daily summary of your driving behavior and optimization.
• Real-time compliance with the new labor regulations regarding remote time clocking from the vehicle.

Next steps in digitalization

The digitization of a company is a constant process with regular innovations. After the success of this integration, which allows us to improve traceability and obtain information in real time, we continue testing more tools. Our goal is to optimize our time and digitize most of the processes to do so.

Now that we have done this review of our digitalization process and the advantages of our ERP integration, would you like to know how we continue to strive to improve our service? You may be interested in our post about our new food liquid storage service in isothermal tanks. Or you can contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

We have expanded our offer of services and solutions to our customers with the new storage service for food liquids. Our customers needed to free up space in the facilities, without losing at any time the traceability, quality and conservation of their raw material, and we have responded to their needs with this new service. We have isothermal silos with capacity to store up to 200 tons of product.

Do you want to know more about the characteristics of our food liquid storage service? Keep reading! Because in this post we are going to clear all your doubts.

We focus on customer satisfaction

We have had clear values and objectives since our foundation in Oroso in 1994. During these more than 20 years of trajectory there are aspects that have not changed in this family business that has not stopped growing.

On the one hand, our commitment to always meet the highest quality standards stands out. For this reason, we have certifications such as ISO 9001, the most recognized quality management standard worldwide, or GMP certification, which establishes the conditions and requirements necessary to ensure hygiene in the food chain.

On the other hand, we aim to guarantee the delivery of products to all the points where our customers arrive. To this end, in addition to covering the entire national territory, we have been expanding progressively in Europe. We currently cover countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Holland and the United Kingdom.

Thanks to this commitment to quality and efficiency in deliveries, leading customers in the food industry have been relying on us for more than 15 years.

The storage service for food liquids

The new storage service allows our customers to keep large quantities of raw materials stored at a constant and controlled temperature. In this way, they can carry out the picking of their raw materials with the best guarantees, in addition to reducing costs.

On the one hand, they reduce travel costs from origin to destination. Since the travel distances are shortened and the need to hire more trips is avoided.

On the other hand, they reduce costs by facilitating storage at specific or seasonal moments of high production volume. Many customers do not find it cost-effective to have their own storage tanks at these peak times.

This way, they can have it stored and transported according to demand at any given time.
This new service has a total storage capacity of up to 200 tons. In addition, to adapt to the characteristics and conservation needs of each liquid, the tanks have isothermal functionalities.

Customers who use the storage service consider that this function allows them to improve their distribution in small volumes. This is because they have smaller capacity vehicles that allow them to reach all types of customers.

What are the characteristics of these isothermal tanks?

Isothermal tanks are in great demand in the food industry due to their ability to adequately preserve food liquids. This is the case of milk, juices, alcoholic beverages, brines and other raw materials. These tanks are designed to store raw materials at constant temperatures for long periods of time. They allow the product to be preserved while maintaining its initial characteristics and facilitate its subsequent handling.

They respect at all times the traceability of the food chain and have in mind at all times the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, to ensure the safety and hygiene of the stored goods.

Technical specifications of isothermal tanks

The perfect preservation of raw materials is possible thanks to a series of technical specifications of these isothermal tanks:

• They have insulating elements, such as rock wool and polyurethane.
• They are equipped with temperature control systems and refrigeration chambers.
• They are made of AISI 304 or 306 food grade stainless steel, the most corrosion resistant material.
• All welds are fully polished and passivated.
• They comply with ATEX regulations on risks in explosive atmospheres.
• They are equipped with the CIP cleaning system, for in situ washing and steaming.
• All inlets are insulated, with double doors and thermometer.

Now that you know the characteristics of our new storage service for food liquids, do not hesitate to contact us to solve any related doubt.

We have been working together for more than 25 years to improve people's lives, which we have achieved thanks to the enormous effort and hard work of all our employees. And of course, thanks to you. Without you it would have been impossible for Ríos Sangiao to become a reference company.

How was Rios Sangiao born?

It all started in 1994. This was the year in which Ramón Sangiao created the company Ríos Sangiao, a family business dedicated to the transport service of food liquids in tanker trucks to any corner of Spain and Europe.

Ríos Sangiao's operations centre is located in the industrial estate of Sigüeiro (A Coruña). There we have a complete infrastructure and a fleet of more than 50 trucks, with a very rigorous maintenance system. In addition, we have our own workshop to offer the best services to our customers and in the best conditions.

Activity

Our activity is mainly focused on the transport of dairy products, oils, juices and wines.

Although the company was initially conceived for local transport, we currently provide services in the most important industries in Europe. Our work covers countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Holland and the United Kingdom, and we hope to be present in many more!

Our mission, vision and values

Our mission as a company is to achieve market leadership through the search for new commercial horizons. Thus, we will be able to increasingly expand our scope of action to the entire European territory and meet the logistical needs of our national and international clients.

Along these lines, the main objectives of Ríos Sangiao are:

• Speed: punctuality and agility when resolving any unforeseen event is one of our top priorities.
• Trust: we have the necessary means to offer peace of mind to people who trust us to receive their products in perfect condition.
• Safety: we seek to guarantee the food safety of the products with the most rigorous hygienic conditions.

Above all, at Ríos Sangiao we seek to achieve customer satisfaction by ensuring the best prices and strict quality, hygiene and safety controls.

The main values that inspire us are excellence in customer service, innovation, experience, proximity, the alignment of our activity with the needs of society, the continuous training of our employees, communication and honest relationships between us.

The work team

We have more than 70 professionals who have the necessary experience to guarantee that shipments arrive on time and in the best conditions at their destination.

One of the purposes of Ríos Sangiao is to ensure the well-being of our workers, to increase their motivation and thus improve customer service, commitment and the quality of work.

Today, innovation and teamwork continue to be our main hallmarks, essential to achieve success and be leaders in the market.

Regarding quality, it is important to highlight that we have certifications that accredit our services:

• ISO 9001 certification, which is the most recognized quality management standard worldwide.
• GMP certification, which establishes the necessary conditions to guarantee hygiene and food safety in the food chain.

As you can see, Ríos Sangiao is a safe bet when transporting any liquid product in the bulk food sector. A company that stands out for its rigor, its efficiency and its commitment to the highest quality and hygiene standards.

So now you know, if you are interested in knowing more about our services, do not hesitate to contact us. We provide exclusive and personalized attention 7 days a week, 365 days a year.