Another key point is that the reefer truck cannot correct any discrepancy in the loaded cargo temperature.
Henceforth, refrigerated transportation technology has improved dramatically in the last few decades, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still some prevalent issues.
LEARN 12 SECRET STEPS HOW TO MAKE $950 MORE PER TRUCK / MONTH
Hey! I'm George J.Magoci and I will send you a FREE eBook where you can learn 12 secret steps how to make $950 more truck/month.
So, what we can conclude is that if the trailer is pre-cooled and the loads are in a good temperature condition than the potential problems will be minimized and load safety will be assured.
Refrigerated Transportation Challenge No.5: Maintain A Proper Airflow
The function of the refrigerated transportation is to maintain an accurate temperature of the load. Thereupon, you will have to remove the heat from all sources. Straight after that, you should know that the airflow can be restricted if the load is placed too high.
In addition, the cool air must be in contact with the load so that the heat can be removed. Also, the proper loading procedure plays a big role in airflow maintenance. Hence, the pallets must be loaded so that the skids can allow air flow.
Thus the product/ the perishable good shall be placed away from the trailer walls in order to allow airflow around all sides; air space must be allowed between the ceiling and the load, as well as between the front bulkhead and the cargo.
Refrigerated Transportation Challenge No.6: Residual Heat
Reefer truck drivers on a daily basis are facing different types of challenges. So that reefer truck drivers can protect and ensure food safety they must take some measures in regards to the temperature controls.
Thereupon, it is the best that the reefer trailer is pre-cooled. This is a crucial part of the refrigerated transportation process because this way the residual heat will be removed from the reefer trailer.
On the other hand, if you try and load the trailer while it is warm with refrigerated products it will lead you to improper distribution.
Later on, during the summer days, the radiant heat of the sun is transferred into the trailer- that is the main reason why reefer trailers should be pre-cooled.
Moreover, the pre-cooling process shall take a minimum of one hour prior to loading.
Refrigerated Transportation Challenge No.7: Data Entry Errors
The refrigerated transportation challenge no.7 includes the data entry errors that can happen to reefer truck drivers. Luckily, these days there are state of art electronic monitoring systems that can help truck drivers easily eliminate the entry errors.
Here is part of the benefits that your trucking company will experience if you decide to implement monitoring systems in your reefer trucks:
- You will reduce the risk of product damage due to non-compliant temperature;
- As well, you will have a peace of mind because you can track your shipments from anywhere and anytime;
- Data entry errors will be decreased;
Refrigerated Transportation Challenge No.8: High Humidity
Part of safeguarding the perishable loads while performing the refrigerated transportation plays the prevention of high humidity. Since humidity levels are usually high within the refrigerated trailer, the condensation is accumulating on the walls, cargo, as well as on the ceiling.
If condensation forms inside the reefer trailer it can lead to freezing or liquid form. Well besides the increased heat in the reefer trailer, the ice crystals and the moisture can also lead to the potential to cause food items to become inedible.
Later on, in order for reefer truck drivers to prevent the high humidity in their reefer truck trailers, they should pay attention to the doors, which should be open for a short period of time. Yet, the high humidity can be controlled by constant monitoring of the interior humidity levels.
Refrigerated Transportation Challenge No.9: Complying With Regulations
Well, without refrigerated trucks our food wouldn’t get to the final destination on time and in an edible condition. Thereupon, without reefer trucks, it would be impossible to maintain the temperature when transporting sensitive goods.
Be that as it may, all trucking companies that are specializing in refrigerated transportation should work in compliance with the mandate which is to maintain the temperature when transporting temperature sensitive goods. In fact, transportation companies are impacted on a daily basis by the implementation of FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Each reefer truck driver should be well trained on temperature management as well as on reporting requirement and temperature records for all loads. Mainly the rules and regulations that do imply refrigerated transportation are issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Yet, one of the established requirements for trucking companies that are performing refrigerated transportation by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act is the sanitary practice.
Refrigerated Transportation Challenge No.10: Equipment Malfunction
Having equipment malfunction during the refrigerated transportation means big issues. In order to prevent such situations, reefer truck drivers should perform a detailed pre-trip inspection.
Nevertheless, if any heating problems do come up during the transportation period they can’t be avoided easily unless they are being noticed by the monitoring system at the very beginning.
Moreover, each reefer trailer should be designed from a material that is really suitable and adequately cleanable.
Here are few tips how you can prevent equipment malfunction, and at the same time to perform safe and on-time refrigerated transportation:
- The reefer trailer altogether with the transportation equipment should be maintained in an exceptional sanitary condition;
- Also, the reefer trailer should be maintained at the adequate temperature control in order to prevent impair;
On the other hand, we can see that there are several other reasons for equipment malfunction during the refrigerated transportation. Thereupon, the malfunction can happen due to:
- Running out of fuel;
- Overheating;
- Blockages;
Refrigerated Transportation Challenge No.11: Immediate Proof of Delivery
In addition, if any type of equipment malfunction happens during the refrigerated transportation the transporter is the one that is often the first one blamed. Every here and now the reefer truck driver might find himself in the situation where he needs to prove the conditions in which he has been transporting the cargo.
