Twenty years of cold chain

On a rainy winter night, there was a large scrap yard on the coast, only three or four miles from the dock.

Under the dim yellow light, wet mice hopped around hastily in the corners and crevices, occasionally letting out squeals.

Workers are using forklifts to load used shipping containers onto flatbed trailers, which are then transported to various used shipping container conversion plants. This work will continue for more than a dozen nights.

The history of used shipping containers is actually quite simple. Invented in the 1960s, shipping containers revolutionized the global maritime trade landscape. With the increasing trade at ports in recent years, more and more containers are being transferred to various port yards in China. However, the production bases for new shipping containers are concentrated in China. Therefore, many users who purchase new containers discard their old ones in China, which is the origin of the term "foreign garbage."

Abroad, used shipping containers are mainly used for static storage, temporary housing, and offices. However, in China, the industrial chain surrounding used shipping containers has become increasingly prosperous due to the increasing number of them.

Second-hand container semi-trailers are like giants in the refrigerated transport market. When the original refrigerated trucks are just starting to gain momentum, a single shake from a second-hand container semi-trailer can leave the original refrigerated trucks, which have put in a lot of effort, completely disoriented and helpless.

Previously, the second-hand container semi-trailers in the Mingjiang market were represented by companies like Zhonglesi. These companies were generally able to maintain their bottom line and not directly compete with refrigerated truck manufacturers, so they kept to themselves.

But things are different now. Container companies from other provinces have begun to aggressively penetrate and expand their operations. With ample raw materials available, they are striding towards Mingjiang!

This tiger's advance is so fierce that not only are the refrigerated truck manufacturers in Mingjiang struggling, but even the established used container truck manufacturers are on the verge of collapse. The reason is simple: they can offer even lower prices!

What's even more impressive is their attractive trade-in program, replacing old used shipping containers at Mingjiang Market with new ones. If your old cotton trousers are completely unwearable, you can get a less breathable pair for a small additional fee.

For a time, it was all the rage, sweeping through both trade-ins and sales!

Its impact goes far beyond that. The ultra-low prices have directly driven a large number of micro and small startups. Refrigeration is a booming market. You can start a refrigerated transport business with just two or three vehicles. Such low startup costs have attracted many people, and they have begun to aggressively encroach on the refrigerated transport market.

As for fuel consumption, there are too many subjective methods. In the early years, ice and quilts could be used for transportation. Now, with a more presentable appearance, sometimes it is not necessary to run the refrigeration unit at all for short-distance transportation. Just using ice to cool the air is enough.

In other words, all that's needed is to ensure that the meat hasn't thawed and the milk hasn't settled when the customer first sees it. And the lower freight rates have pushed the already struggling prefabricated truck market to the brink of collapse.

Ice Energy went bankrupt.

It survived the wave around 98, but finally couldn't withstand this one, which is a pity. In the past, Bingneng was regarded as a benchmark enterprise in the market, but its operation was already not smooth and its financial problems were mired in difficulties. This surge of containers became the last straw.

In the office, an elderly man tore the newspaper in his hand to shreds!

The old man was wearing an octagonal hat with thin strings attached to the temples of his glasses. He suddenly pulled down and flung the glasses in front of his chest, then picked up an ink bottle and slammed it hard on the table, displaying extreme agitation!

"Bastards! These bastards!"

The elderly man's name is Hong Chengliang. He is a doctoral supervisor at Minggong University and a director of Mingjiang Vehicle Technology Research Institute. For many years, he has been committed to improving the process, and his research and development focuses on supporting and caring for refrigerated truck companies.

Knock knock knock! Just then, a knocking sound came from the door.

"go out!"

Thump, thump, thump! The sound grew louder and louder.

"Where did you come from, you greenhorn? I'll teach you a lesson..."

As soon as Huo De opened the door, Hong Chengliang was about to unleash a torrent of abuse, but upon glancing up, he suddenly shrank back, letting out a muffled groan, "You wouldn't come when I invited you, but you old geezer always comes knocking on my door, huh!"

"Get out of the way! Let's make some tea first!"

Pang Shiyou used his cane to push Hong Chengliang aside. When he entered the room, he saw that, as expected, the floor was covered with debris.

Hong Chengliang pulled out the tea he had specially prepared for drinking with Pang Shiyou. Before it was even brewed, he couldn't contain his anger any longer. "Old Pang! What are we going to do next? We're doing things that are more expensive and cost more money, but they only need one trick to show everyone how to save money and make more money! I'll tell you something I've wanted to say for a long time: refrigerated trucks are a hopeless case!"

"So what? You've already compromised? You're deserting your post? You used to call them shrimp soldiers and crab generals, and after a few rounds you've become heavenly warriors and generals?"

"I'm not trying to be mean, but can you please stop talking like a drill all the time!"

"Nothing is tougher than technology, nothing is stronger than ambition. Cold chain is a game of chess, food safety is a path. We will persevere and nothing is insurmountable."

"Alright, alright, you can repeat yourself!"

"Old Hong, competition is a good thing. When we were young, we didn't know anything about cold storage or refrigerated trucks. We thought the ice boxes on bicycle seats were amazing. But now, refrigeration is becoming a common household thing. With this great progress, everything else is just trivial."

As he spoke, Hong Chengliang's expression grew even more somber. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the newly produced infusion process. Many things are just like that, leaving one feeling helpless. What's better is often what's more unacceptable; low costs have swept through the industry, leaving no glimmer of hope for any technology.

"Given the current situation, if the refrigerated truck industry doesn't take action, it's practically facing being overwhelmed. Old Hong, aren't you going to fight back?"

"What will we use to retaliate?"

"We're doing the same thing, dealing with the issues of young people and our issues, issues of two generations."

"What do you want to do?"

"Let's join forces and build a refrigerated truck alliance!"

"The affairs of the southern suburbs are none of our concern. What we need to do is to establish this alliance and inform the entire Mingjiang region about its significance for refrigerated trucks. Refrigerated truck companies must unite, otherwise this will be another harsh winter! Let's build a platform, share resources and technology, and bring everyone together like a cold chain network!"

Gradually, Hong Chengliang clenched his fist. Pang Shiyou's words, revealing the determination of their past conspiracy, gave people a sense of looking back on their ideals!

The older generation of those two old men endured even more trials and tribulations than the present, but their unwavering determination and resolute spirit were truly as strong as iron! They didn't live in an era of youthful exuberance, but that didn't prevent them from demonstrating even greater strength in this era!

"Old Pang, I still want to ask one more question: even if everything is settled on our end, what about that behemoth in the southern suburbs...?"

"Old Hong, actually, compared to someone else, you and I are both novices in the South Suburbs."

……

I've loved cold chain logistics for twenty years.