Refrigeration units (reefers) play a vital role in the supply chain—not just by moving freight, but by ensuring that time- and temperature-sensitive goods arrive in optimal condition. Incorrect temperatures, humidity levels, or handling can damage product quality and lead to rejected loads, cargo claims, and financial losses.
As outdoor temperatures rise, the challenge grows. Warmer weather increases the strain on refrigeration units, making it even more important for reefer drivers to stay vigilant and proactive to protect cargo integrity.
Here are practical steps reefer drivers can take to help protect perishable goods during transit and reduce the risk of refrigerated cargo claims:
Review the shipper’s instructions and load specifications before starting your trip. Ensure your reefer unit can reach and maintain the required temperature for the goods you will be hauling. Pay attention to any guidelines concerning the co-mingling of products when transporting mixed loads, handling less-than-truckload shipments, or making multiple stops.
Clean and sanitize the trailer according to the shipper’s specifications. Residue, odor, or contaminants from prior loads can pose risks to the integrity of the intended shipment. Thorough cleaning helps prevent cross-contamination, protects against spoilage, and ensures regulatory compliance.
Plan your route carefully. Check traffic conditions and weather forecasts before heading out to minimize delays that could impact the condition of refrigerated cargo. If possible, avoid driving during peak heat hours to reduce stress on the refrigeration unit.
Inspect your vehicle. A pre-trip inspection is federally required and essential for safe driving, but it also helps prevent breakdowns that can cause delays and potential cargo spoilage. Equally important is a pre-trip check of the reefer unit per manufacturer guidelines and a thorough examination of the trailer. Look for and address any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or worn door seals, which could impact the trailer’s insulation and affect temperature control.
Make sure your fuel tanks—particularly the one powering your reefer—are full before arriving for pickup. A full reefer tank not only helps keep the refrigeration unit running without interruption, but many shippers require it to be topped off before they load.
Precool the trailer before loading. Trailer surfaces can retain heat. Precooling removes this residual heat and ensures goods are placed into an environment that meets their temperature requirements right from the start. Schedule enough time to properly precool the trailer to the required temperature before loading begins.
Be sure you understand the required conditions and controls needed to maintain the load quality during transport. Verify that the details on the bill of lading match the actual load, including any special handling instructions.
Check product temperature prior to loading. Refrigeration units are intended to maintain product temperature, not change it. Use a pulp thermometer to verify that the cargo is within the appropriate temperature limits before loading begins. Do not accept any product that is not within the required range. Also confirm that all items are properly packaged and securely sealed. Report any signs of spoilage, damage, or contamination to the shipper immediately in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Use correct loading techniques. Arrange cargo to promote even air circulation throughout the trailer and in compliance with product safety and transportation regulations (e.g., segregation, isolation, contamination prevention). Avoid placing items against the trailer walls, ceiling, or evaporator unit, as doing so can block airflow and create hot spots that may lead to potential spoilage. Secure the load to prevent shifting that could inhibit airflow or cause physical damage during transit. After loading is complete, reconfirm that the refrigeration unit has been set to the correct temperature and operating mode according to the shipper’s instructions.
Monitor in transit. Track cargo and trailer temperatures using onboard monitoring systems and/or remote tracking technology. Address any fluctuations immediately. Also stay alert to any unusual sounds or visible issues that may indicate equipment problems.
Guard against cargo theft. Theft of high-value, temperature-sensitive goods like food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and electronics is on the rise, so it is crucial to stay vigilant. Avoid stopping within the first 200-250 miles to deter thieves from following you. If you must park a loaded trailer, choose well-lit, high-traffic areas with surveillance cameras or on-site security whenever possible. Back the trailer tightly against a solid structure—such as a building, fence, or another trailer—to restrict access to the rear doors and deter tampering.
Have a contingency plan. Even with careful planning, breakdowns can happen. Keep contact information for mobile service providers and repair facilities handy and have a backup plan for transferring cargo to another reefer, if needed. Coordinate with dispatch to resolve issues quickly. Carrying basic repair tools and spare parts can be beneficial for minor fixes.
Be thorough at delivery. Keep trailer doors closed until unloading is ready to begin to minimize temperature loss. Also ensure product temperatures are checked and documented on the bill of lading or delivery receipt to help prevent disputes and protect against refrigerated cargo claims.
Maintain comprehensive records for every load. These records are crucial for compliance with regulations from federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Transportation. Complete and accurate documentation is also vital in reducing the risk of refrigerated cargo rejection or legal issues.
Warmer weather can make refrigerated transportation more challenging, but by following best practices, reefer drivers can protect product integrity, reduce the risk of refrigerated cargo claims, and ensure high-quality deliveries.
