Have you ever gotten a package of food that went bad even though it looked fine on the outside? Reefer containers look like regular containers, but they need to be managed with more care and attention, especially when temperature-sensitive goods are inside. There are six little-known tricks in this blog that can really help you run your reefer containers better.
1. Pre-Cool the Container Before Loading
Warm goods should not be placed inside a warm container. Before you put anything inside the cooler, make sure it has reached the appropriate temperature first. Pre-cooling prevents food from becoming spoiled in the first few hours after it has been prepared.
Get an early start because the walls of the reefer require some time to cool down. After you have adjusted the unit to the appropriate level, check the screen. It is possible to give cold things a new beginning by placing them in a container that has already been at room temperature.
2. Pack Cargo Correctly for Air Circulation
Reefers need air to be able to move around. Leave room between boxes when you stack them; don’t pack them tightly or block the vents. The load should be covered in cold air all the way through.
When movement is low, hot spots form that damage the goods. In addition, make sure that air comes in at the bottom, goes up, and then comes back around. Load space gaps are also important. The way things are set up can make or break the trip.
3. Monitor Temperature Throughout the Journey
You can’t just set the temperature and hope it works out. Monitor the numbers closely. To see what’s going on inside, use data loggers or remote viewers. A small change could mean there is a big problem.
Quickly react if the temperature changes too much. Some things go wrong very quickly. Write down what you read as proof and a backup.
4. Verify Power Supply Stability
The power that a reefer gets is what makes it work. Check that the plugs work. Before you leave, check the power. When the power goes out, the unit stops cooling, and quickly things get warmer.
If you need to, use backup power, especially at ports or airports. Every time you stop, check the power lines. Everything works because of a steady flow of electricity.
5. Maintain and Inspect Reefer Units Regularly
Take care of the reefer like you would your car. Check the seals, clean the filters, and look at the fans. Small things break down over time if you don’t take care of them.
Do a full check before every trip. Check for leaks, problem messages, or strange sounds. Bugs can be found early with an effortless test. Maintenance is important to keep things cool and stress-free.
6. Know the Product’s Specific Temperature Needs
Different things don’t like the same cold. Know what you’re sending and what temperature it needs. There are different places where you should put fruits, meats, and drugs. Some need humidity or wind rates to stay the same.
Talk to the seller and make sure you understand how to store the goods. Set up the reefer based on what the product really needs, not what you think it needs. That keeps things fresh from beginning to end.
Be Proactive to Cargo Needs
If you want to manage reefer containers well, you need to plan ahead and not just resolve problems as they come up. By planning ahead, closely monitoring temperatures, and understanding the needs of each package, you can prevent costly delays and spoilage.
