Reefer trucks are essential for delivering temperature-sensitive products safely, and refrigerated products no longer include only food. Properly maintaining a reefer unit is the key to delivering an undamaged product, whether it’s perishable food, sensitive electronic equipment, or medical supplies.
Carrying refrigerated cargo can be especially dangerous because if the trailer’s temperature gets too high or dips too low, entire loads could be ruined, or worse, could make people sick. Bacteria can grow on perishable items if the temperature gets above 45° F.
The point is, following safety protocols are extremely important when it comes to your reefer. These units are very complex; therefore, you need to know how to properly operate a refrigerated truck. Let’s discuss the ins and outs of reefer safety.
A Guide to Reefer Safety
Make sure to follow these do’s and don’ts when it comes to working safely with reefer trailers.
The Do’s of Operating a Reefer
- Do wash out your reefer after each load. Loads carrying meat can spread blood across the trailer floor and possibly contaminate your next load. Some warehouses will have a hose available to wash out the trailer.
- Do ask the shipper at what temperature the load should be kept. Variations of even one degree can spoil the shipment!
- Do arrive at the shipper with a full fuel tank. Some shippers may not let you haul a load with less than ¾ of a tank.
- Do pulp your load as it is being loaded. Given the sensitive nature of many reefer loads, you must keep an eye on temperature before, during, and after being loaded.
- Do observe your reefer being loaded. Make sure your load is of high quality and will arrive at your destination in the same state. Log any abnormalities on the bill of lading to reduce your liability while transporting.
- Do make sure the reefer is being defrosted several times per day. Moisture can damage certain products, costing you time and money.
The Don’ts of Operating a Reefer
- Don’t use a leaf blower or other blowing devices to clean out the reefer. Sharp objects, such as nails or shards of wood, can be blown onto the ground below and ruin someone else’s day.
- Don’t just rely on the temperature gauge. Pulp the air temperature during transit to ensure it remains consistent.
- Don’t run a start/stop cycle with sensitive loads. The extra cold air from the unit starting can ruin certain products, such as flowers and produce.
- Don’t let the reefer run out of fuel. Most cooling units run off a diesel generator, and losing power could be very costly.
- Don’t let ethylene gas ruin your load. Many green vegetables and floral products are sensitive to ethylene damage. Keep these items away from fruits, if possible.
