Reefer transport: pre-cooling, temperature records and ATP

In reefer (refrigerated) transport, problems usually start not on the road but in preparation: the vehicle was not pre-cooled, the temperature was written wrongly, or no record was kept. The points below are general practice; rules vary by product and country.

Pre-cooling

A reefer unit is designed not to cool the cargo but to keep cold cargo cold. So the body must be brought to the set temperature before loading (pre-cooling), and the goods should be loaded at their target temperature. Loading warm goods and waiting for the unit to cool them wastes energy and quality. Also check before loading that the body is clean, odour free and dry.

State the temperature range in the listing

"Reefer" alone is not enough. A listing should include:

1. Temperature range: for example +2 to +6 degrees; negative values for deep frozen. Give a single figure or a range, and do not leave it vague.
2. Product type: food, pharmaceuticals, flowers, chemicals; the rules differ.
3. Continuous or cycle mode: should the unit run continuously, and how should air circulate?
4. Loading temperature: the temperature the goods will be at when loaded.
5. Pallet layout: stowage that allows air flow; cargo must not rest against the unit's front wall.
6. Document needs: ATP, temperature report.

Temperature records

A temperature record is the most important evidence in a damage dispute. The vehicle carries a device that records body temperature continuously; keep the record from loading to delivery and share it on request. An independent data logger placed among the goods can also be used. At delivery the consignee should measure the temperature and note it on the consignment note; if there is a problem, write the reservation at delivery, because adding it later is hard. For reporting deadlines in international transport, see the article on CMR.

The ATP certificate

ATP is the agreement that sets the standard for the special equipment used in international carriage of perishable foodstuffs (1970, Geneva). An ATP certified reefer has been tested for insulation and cooling capacity, and carries an ATP plate and certificate. The certificate has a validity period, and a vehicle whose certificate has expired cannot work under it until it is renewed. Whether ATP is mandatory in a given country, and which countries are parties, should be checked in a current source; confirm the rules for your route with the carrier.

Common mistakes

• No pre-cooling: the goods are loaded into a warm body.
• A vague range: the carrier sets the wrong value.
• Blocked air flow: pallets rest against the wall and cold air cannot circulate.
• Doors open too long: the temperature rises in a truck waiting at the dock; plan appointments and waiting time ahead.
• No record: when damage appears there is no evidence.
• Running out of fuel: the cooling unit may have its own fuel; on long waits check that it can keep running.

For body types, see also the article on mega and standard trailers. For terms, see the Freight Glossary.