Ben E. Keith needed a comprehensive real-time cold chain solution that could grow with them, yet still ensure constant cold chain integrity, efficiency, safety and quality.
That’s why the Fort Worth, Texas-based distributor selected Cooltrax Fresh InTransit, which provides 24/7, real-time location tracking and product level temperature monitoring of refrigerated trailers throughout the entire in-transit cold chain.
“Ben E. Keith understands that the handling of food products requires a strong focus on efficiency, safety and quality. Cooltrax has effectively helped solve that challenge for us, as their innovative Fresh inTransit solution will now empower our entire team to closely monitor our refrigerated environment and quickly address any problems that may occur. Equally important, the partnership with Cooltrax will help us remain compliant with the regulatory mandates of FSMA,” says Dick Hairston, director of operations and transportation, Ben E. Keith Co.
Finding a proven and reliable solution together
For more than a century, Ben E. Keith has delivered only the highest-quality products, earning the reputation of being a leader in the food and beverage distributing industry. But, it needed a comprehensive cold chain solution that would support the company’s commitment to freshness and quality. This included knowing where their product was along the cold chain at all times and reducing loss.
Cooltrax Fresh InTransit was the logical answer, with a reefer solution that reads both Carrier and Thermo King microprocessor data in real-time, along with 24/7 tracking and product level temperature monitoring of refrigerated trailers from any location.
“We have an unwavering commitment to our transportation partners in helping them deliver perishable food products safely and securely, which can only happen by having constant, detailed visibility into their trailers and transportation environment,” adds Mike Sharpe, president of Cooltrax. “The entire Ben E. Keith Foods team shares a similar vision, and we are very proud to expand this partnership that will enable their continued leadership in the handling of food products that serve a broad range of customers.”
Immediate results lead to better outcomes
The greater visibility of trailer conditions that Fresh InTransit delivers provides countless benefits to Ben E. Keith. Using Cooltrax, the company’s transportation department is able to monitor trailer temperatures across the entire cold chain, from loading to delivery. Active alerts allow the Ben E. Keith team to correct high-risk problems quickly, eliminate the potential for “lost” loads and mitigate operational costs. The value to their system extends far beyond preventing load loss. Fresh InTransit also enables the company to accurately validate cold chain temperature integrity with customers, store owners, operators and wholesale buyers.
Plus, Fresh InTransit is fully compliant with FSMA and customer requirements, and can be fully integrated into Ben E. Keith’s management systems.
