If you’ve never had to deal with this before, then here is a basic guide of some things you should be prepared for.
There are many types of cargo that you could come across in your trucking career. In particular, you might need to transport refrigerated freight. As you probably know, there are a lot more things to consider when it comes to getting refrigerated freight to your destination in shape. If you’ve never had to deal with this before, then here is a basic guide of some things you should be prepared for.
Get a Temperature Probe
One of the most valuable pieces of equipment you can invest in for refrigerated freight is a simple temperature probe. They aren’t too expensive, and they are completely worth it for you to make sure that your freight stays at the right temperature. The best practice is to check it at least each time you make a stop. Also, a temperature probe is good for verifying the temperature of your freight before it even goes into the truck. When using a temperature probe, you can check the product itself or the temperature of the vent door or drain hole if the freight is sealed.
Don’t Break the Seal
Often, certain types of refrigerated freight like food will have a safety seal on the outside to prove that it hasn’t been tampered with. Make sure that you don’t break this seal. When you first load your shipment, one thing you should always check is that all the seals are intact. This gives you insurance that you don’t deliver a defective product without knowing and get in trouble for it. As mentioned above, you don’t need to break the seal to check the temperature.
Follow a Checklist
Lastly, when transporting refrigerated freight, you need to be careful that all of the right precautions are taken care of. The best way to do this is to create a list of things to check before you leave. Your list should include a thorough inspection of the refrigeration equipment, as well as the particular customer’s instructions for the freight. It’s good to verify the customer’s instructions and any other questions you have before you leave the loading dock. If you notice any discrepancies, then you should have them in writing. Again, this is about accountability to protect yourself. Refrigerated freight is one of the riskiest types of cargo, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle if you follow the right steps to prepare.
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Tags: business basics, freight basics, trucking basics, trucking lifestyle