COURSES

The Cold Chain Institute features classes focusing on best practices in the refrigerated warehousing and logistics industries. Learn more about the Year 1 curriculum/courses below.

Year 1 Curriculum

AMMONIA SAFETY

Describe the health effects of ammonia exposure

Describe initial first aid for ammonia exposures

Define the physical and chemical characteristics of ammonia that affect safety and its use as a refrigerant

Learn about the other refrigerants in use and their respective safety considerations

Beware of F-gas phasing out and system transitioning

ACCESSING YOUR GCCA RESOURCES

Learn what the GCCA offers beyond the Institute

Tour the GCCA website and member benefits

Introduce the benefits of the GCCF Inquiry Service and Technical Guides

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Describe the eleven difficult customer types

Describe 10 ways to handle disagreements effectively

Create a plan to engage with customers on a regular basis

CUSTOMER SERVICE ESSENTIALS

Recognize the importance of delivering excellent customer service to the maintenance and growth of your company's customer base

Identify potential solutions and adequate communication to customer complaints

Demonstrate the ability to handle customer complaints so that customers are satisfied

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING

Define "Emergency Action Plan" and "Emergency Response Plan" and identify the key components

Identify the various levels of training needed by warehouse employees

Evaluate the pros and cons of having an in-house response team or using outside services

FINANCE 101

Define the difference between finance and accounting

Review accounting terms and apply them to daily life

Explain how day-to-day operations can have a direct impact on your business profitability

Understand how financial considerations/strategy may influence day-to-day operations

FOOD SAFETY

Comprehend the implications of food regulations on your job

Describe the difference between food quality and safety

Identify food safety requirements for the public refrigerated warehouse

Understand audit process and what is expected from your business to prepare adequately
Describe “Chain of Responsibility”

FUNDAMENTALS OF FOOD STORAGE AND PRESERVATION

Understand the effect of temperature-controlled storage; chilling, freezing and frozen on the quality of food products

Identify the factors that influence shelf life

Recognize the effect of temperature on chemical reaction rates

Accept each public refrigerated warehouse employee’s role in maintaining product quality

Know how to answer specific commodity storage questions

Prepare a product/commodity for Export

JOB SAFETY

Describe safety regulatory framework in Europe and the role it plays in your job

Explain why Risk Assessments are important

Describe the Risk Assessments procedure

Conduct a Risk Assessment

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Differentiate various leadership styles

Learn how to involve people and help them invest their personal commitment

Define ways to interact with various audiences - teams, colleagues, supervisors

Apply succession planning to the context of their warehouse facility

Build collaborative, interdependent, and supportive teams

WAREHOUSE OPERATION ESSENTIALS

Identify ways the refrigerated warehouse industry is changing

Compare procedures in your warehouse to those used in other facilities

Outline the steps involved in handling temperature-controlled products

Stay abreast of the fast pace of innovation and how it influences ways of operating

TRANSPORT - CARRIER RELATIONSHIPS

Define the carrier's priorities when doing business with a warehouse customer/partner

Modify their business operations to attract new carrier partnerships

Outline clear expectations for partnering with trucking companies

Resolve common conflicts between warehouse and carrier partner

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

Analyze their writing skills to find areas that need improvement.

Identify the benefits of professional writing style

Compose an employee performance review with all the necessary content

RISK MANAGEMENT: WAREHOUSE EXPOSURES

Identify the basic exposures of loss to a public refrigerated warehouse

Analyze various loss prevention techniques currently in use by warehouse operators

Date Range
2-4 September 2025

Location
Rotterdam, Netherlands

Register now

Event Type
In Person

Event Category
Training & Education

Region
Europe, Africa

Sector
GCCA Warehouse and GCCA Transportation

Year 2 Curriculum

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING

List the steps for preparing to interview a job candidate.                                                  

Construct a series of behavioral questions that align to a job description.                                               

Evaluate candidate responses to determine the best fit for a given position.

BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL CONTROLS

Explain the budgeting process.

Recognize the components and interaction of a Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement.

Calculate cash flow for a given period.

Apply a cost-benefit analysis technique for securing the approval of a project.

CASE STUDIES IN WAREHOUSE LAW

Distinguish between specific and general lines.              

Explain the pitfalls of customer-prepared agreements.

Given a case study, predict potential legal issues and suggest actions to reduce the liability of a warehouse.

CUSTOMER RECALL SIMULATION

Describe the process of a recall.

Identify the 3PL warehouse’s responsibilities during a recall.

Conduct an effective mock recall.

CYBER SECURITY

Identify current technology and information systems used in the Cold Storage industry.

Recognize threats and vulnerabilities to commonly used systems. 

Develop strategies to identify and prevent cyber-attacks.

DATAFLOW AND FREIGHT DOCUMENTATION

Understand different types of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

Identify different standardized EDI formats.

Learn the benefits and drawbacks of EDI.

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS

Define appropriate scenarios when a presentation is necessary.                                   

Identify how to structure a clear presentation.

Use visual aids effectively.

List tips for making a powerful first impression.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING FOR SAFETY

Define your role as a safety leader.

Apply strategies for providing and reinforcing safety feedback.

Identify techniques for value-added safety training.

FEEDBACK AND COACHING

Define what effective coaching looks like in a workplace/management environment.

Differentiate the importance of positive feedback from feedback for growth.

Apply techniques for delivering employee-specific feedback.

FOOD SAFETY IN THE MODERN WAREHOUSE

Defend the reasons for conducting a sanitation audit.

Recognize critical conditions that would prevent an “excellent” audit grade.

Analyze their warehouse’s sanitation procedures for weaknesses.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND THE COLD CHAIN

Explain the structure of the international cold chain.

Define common maritime industry nomenclature.

Analyze the impact of government agencies on international business.

MANAGING AND MOTIVATING HUMAN PERFORMANCE

Relate employee performance to personal and operational success.

Identify best practices for annual goal setting.

Summarize frameworks for measuring and evaluating employee performance.

REFRIGERATION & ENERGY

Define energy demand.

List the systems and employee roles that have the greatest influence on energy use in your facility.

Describe the components of an energy management strategy.

Analyze their warehouse facility energy management program.

SANITARY TRANSPORTATION OF FOOD

Understand the STF rule and why it is important.

Describe the benefits of certification.

Learn the sanitary best practices of refrigerated transportation.

General Sessions

2 September

Welcome Address

Ken Whah, Global Cold Chain Foundation, Chairman

Enhance your GCCF Cold Chain Institute Europe experience with our dynamic keynote session. Join us as we explore the critical forces reshaping the temperature-controlled supply chain in one of Europe's most vital logistics hubs.

The session begins with a warm welcome from Ken Whah, the esteemed Chair of the Global Cold Chain Foundation. Ken will officially kick off the session, celebrating the remarkable growth of the GCCF Cold Chain Institute and its vital role in developing industry leaders. He will touch upon the global nature of our interconnected supply chain and the importance of collaborative learning to drive innovation and excellence across the world.

Keynote Session

Forces Shaping the Cold Chain Industry in the Netherlands

Casper Roex, Partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants

Bram Kuijpers, Partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants

Following the welcome, dive deep into a strategic analysis led by Casper Roex and Bram Kuipers, Partners at OC&C Strategy Consultants. They will provide an exclusive look into the trends, challenges, and immense opportunities defining the Dutch cold chain landscape.

Don't miss their expert insights on navigating market volatility and securing your competitive advantage.

Your Competitive Advantage: What You'll Learn

This session is designed to provide you with actionable intelligence to future-proof your business. You will walk away with a clear understanding of how to:

  • Navigate Market Pressures: Gain a strategic perspective on the nitrogen crisis and its direct impact on red meat and dairy volumes, allowing you to anticipate shifts in demand and capacity.
  • Optimize Critical Trade Routes: Discover how to leverage Rotterdam's pivotal role in global logistics amidst evolving trade trends, tariffs, and nearshoring movements.
  • Unlock Growth Opportunities: Pinpoint emerging growth sectors and gain the foresight needed to navigate the competitive landscape, positioning your organization for long-term success.

3 September

Cold Chain Trivia Challenge: Network, Compete, and Collaborate

Think you know the cold chain? Get ready to put your industry expertise to the test in a fun, high-energy environment. Our Cold Chain Trivia Challenge is the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with colleagues, and engage in some friendly rivalry.

This isn't your average quiz night. We’re mixing it up by creating teams of students, advisors, and faculty. It's a unique chance to collaborate, share knowledge across generations, and see who truly knows the ins and outs of the temperature-controlled supply chain.

4 September

Keynote Session

Building Resilience - Master Pressure and Enhance Your Wellbeing

Hans Kroes, Executive Coach, Owner, Reflektive Minds

As we conclude an inspiring Cold Chain Institute, we shift our focus from industry operations to the most crucial asset of all: you. Join us for a powerful closing session with Hans Kroes, an Executive Coach, owner of Reflektive Minds, and a former cold chain logistics professional who uniquely understands the pressures you face.

From High Pressure to Peak Performance

In today’s fast-paced cold chain industry, the demands are relentless: constant connectivity, rapid-fire decision-making, and immense performance expectations leave little time to truly recover. Over time, this pressure impacts not just your body, but your mind and your ability to lead effectively.

This session moves beyond theory to provide tangible techniques and practical tools to help you build resilience. Hans will guide you through proven strategies to manage stress, maintain clarity, and sustain your energy, ensuring you can thrive both in your daily work and throughout your long-term career.

In this session, you will discover how to:

  • Master Stress in Real-Time: Learn practical techniques to navigate high-pressure situations, prevent chronic stress, and protect yourself from burnout.
  • Sharpen Your Mental Clarity: Gain tools to cut through the digital noise, improve focus, and enhance your decision-making capabilities when it matters most.
  • Sustain Your Professional Energy: Move beyond temporary fixes and learn strategies to build and maintain the mental and physical stamina required for a successful, long-term career in logistics.
  • Create a Personal Resilience Plan: Leave with a clear blueprint of actionable habits to help you not only cope with professional demands but use them as a catalyst for growth.

End your Cold Chain Institute experience on a powerful note. Invest in your own wellbeing and equip yourself with the skills to lead a healthier, more productive, and resilient professional life.