Refrigerated cargo is cargo whose nature requires a certain temperature control, and is normally perishable. Refrigerated cargo is normally placed in containers termed as Reefers.
Checklist for reefer cargo
When preparing for a refrigerated shipment, always determine:
- Optimal temperature requirement.
- Fresh air ventilation requirement (in cbm/hour).
- Humidity requirement.
- Transport time.
- Practical shelf life of the product.
- Volume of cargo.
- Packaging materials and cartons used.
- Recommended stowage pattern.
- Required documentation, including legislative requirements.
Before and during stuffing, always make sure:
- Container is set at the optimal temperature, ventilation and humidity levels.
- Cargo is never stowed above the red load line.
- Cargo is stable, evenly stowed (weight is distributed evenly and the entire floor is be covered) and blocked and braced as necessary.
- Total cargo weight does not exceed the maximum payload of the container.
- Total weight of the container (unit, cargo, chassis and genset) does not exceed the road limitations in any country crossed during transport.
- Entire load is stowed according to our stowage guidelines.
- If cargo is palletised, dunnage is placed in the centre channel between pallets.
- Frozen or chilled cargo requirements are followed.
For frozen cargo, always:
- Follow our checklist for reefer cargo.
- Pre-freeze cargo before stuffing.
- Ensure that fresh air ventilation is closed.
For chilled cargo, always:
- Follow our checklist for reefer cargo.
- Pre-cool cargo before stuffing.
- Set unit at carrying temperature, not lower (lower set point will not expedite cooling process and may damage cargo).
- Set fresh air ventilation as required.
