Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using ColdChainSA — from creating your account to listing your business and searching the directory.
About ColdChainSA
What is ColdChainSA and why does it exist?
ColdChainSA is South Africa’s first specialised cold chain logistics directory and knowledge hub. We were founded by cold chain operators who saw a gap: no comprehensive, objective resource existed to connect businesses with qualified temperature-controlled service providers.
For the full story, see:
- About ColdChainSA — what we do and the problem we solve
- Why We Started the Platform — our story, qualifications, and approach
- Understanding the ColdChainSA Category Structure — how we organise South Africa’s cold chain ecosystem
Creating Your Account
How do I register on ColdChainSA?
Visit the Sign In page and click “Don’t have an account? Sign Up” at the bottom of the form. You’ll need to provide a username, email address, and password. You must also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions before completing registration.
I registered but can’t log in — what’s happening?
You most likely need to verify your email address first. After registering, ColdChainSA sends a verification email to the address you provided. You must click the confirmation link in that email before your account becomes active. Until you verify, you will not be able to log in.
This is the most common issue new users experience. Check your inbox for an email from ColdChainSA — and importantly, check your spam or junk folder, as verification emails sometimes land there.
I didn’t receive the verification email
A few things to try:
- Check your spam/junk folder — this is the most common reason. Verification emails from new senders often get filtered.
- Whitelist our email — add info@coldchainsa.com to your contacts or safe senders list, then try registering again.
- Check for typos — if you entered the wrong email address during registration, the verification email would have been sent to that address instead.
- Contact us — if none of the above resolves it, email info@coldchainsa.com and we’ll sort it out manually.
What’s the difference between a “User” and an “Author” account?
When you register, you create a User account. This allows you to browse the directory, bookmark listings, and access your dashboard.
If you want to submit a business listing, you need an Author account. Author status is not automatic — it requires manual approval. When you request Author access, we’ll contact you to confirm your identity and connection to the business you want to list. This protects the directory’s integrity and ensures only legitimate cold chain operators are represented.
To request Author status, use the “Become an Author” option in your dashboard, or email us at info@coldchainsa.com.
How do I reset my password?
On the Sign In page, click “Recover Password” below the login form. Enter your registered email address and you’ll receive a link to create a new password. If the reset email doesn’t arrive, check your spam folder or contact us at info@coldchainsa.com.
Listing Your Business
Is it free to list my business?
Yes. Basic directory listings on ColdChainSA are free. There is no pay-to-play, no competitor suppression, and no hidden fees for a standard listing. We believe every legitimate cold chain operator in South Africa deserves visibility.
For information about enhanced visibility through sponsorship, see our sponsorship page.
How do I add my business listing? What are the steps?
The complete process works as follows:
- Register — create an account on the Sign In page
- Verify your email — click the confirmation link sent to your inbox (check spam if you don’t see it)
- Log in — once verified, sign in with your credentials
- Request Author status — in your dashboard, click “Become an Author.” We will contact you to verify your request.
- Once approved — you’ll be able to access the Add Listing form from your dashboard
- Complete the listing form — provide your business details, select the appropriate category, and submit
- Admin review — we review all submissions before they go live to ensure accuracy and relevance
How long before my listing goes live?
All new listings are reviewed by the ColdChainSA team before publication. This typically takes 1–2 business days. We check that the listing is complete, correctly categorised, and represents a legitimate cold chain operation. If we need additional information, we’ll contact you directly.
Can I edit my listing after it’s published?
Yes. Log in to your account and access your dashboard to edit your listing details at any time. Significant changes may be reviewed before the updated version goes live.
What information should I include in my listing?
The more detail you provide, the easier it is for potential customers to find and evaluate your services. We recommend including:
- Business name, physical address, and contact details
- Service areas and regions covered
- Temperature ranges you operate in (e.g., frozen at -18°C, chilled at +2°C to +8°C)
- Equipment and vehicle types
- Compliance certifications (R638, GDP, HACCP, ISO 22000, etc.)
- Specialisations (pharmaceutical, seafood, fresh produce, etc.)
- A clear description of what makes your operation different
Which directory category should I choose?
ColdChainSA organises listings into seven main categories:
- Transport and Distribution Services
- Refrigeration Equipment and Vehicles
- Temperature Monitoring and Technology
- Maintenance, Installation and Support
- Packaging and Insulation
- Compliance Consulting and Training
- Industry Associations and Resources
Each category has specific subcategories. If your business spans multiple areas, contact us at info@coldchainsa.com to discuss the best placement.
For a detailed explanation of how our categories map to the cold chain ecosystem, read Understanding the ColdChainSA Category Structure.
My business is already listed — how do I claim it?
We pre-populate directory listings based on our research to make the directory useful from day one. If you see your business already listed and want to take ownership, visit our Claim Listing page or email info@coldchainsa.com with your business name and we’ll guide you through the process.
Searching and Using the Directory
Do I need an account to search the directory?
No. The directory is freely accessible to everyone. You can browse all categories, search for specific services, and view listing details without registering. An account is only required if you want to submit or claim a listing.
How do I find a specific type of cold chain service?
You have several options:
- Browse by category — use the Directory menu in the main navigation to explore each of the seven service categories
- Search — use the Find Services page to search by keyword, category, or location
- Category pages — each directory category has a dedicated landing page with all listed providers in that sector
How are listings verified?
ColdChainSA takes directory quality seriously. Our verification approach includes:
- Research-based listings — many listings are compiled through our own industry research, verifying that the company has a physical South African presence and demonstrable cold chain operations
- Author vetting — businesses that self-submit must pass our Author approval process before they can create listings
- Editorial review — all new and updated listings are reviewed before publication
- Ongoing monitoring — we periodically review listings and remove or update entries where information has changed
If you believe any listing contains inaccurate information, please let us know at info@coldchainsa.com.
Can I contact a listed business directly?
Yes. Each listing includes the business’s own contact details — phone numbers, email addresses, website links, and physical addresses where available. ColdChainSA provides the connection; you deal directly with the service provider.
General
How do I report incorrect information?
We want the directory to be accurate. If you spot an error in any listing — wrong phone number, outdated address, incorrect service description — email us at info@coldchainsa.com with the listing name and the correction needed. We’ll update it promptly.
I have a question that isn’t answered here
Contact us directly at info@coldchainsa.com or call +27 83 625 1290. We’re happy to help.