| Written by Mark Buzinkay
“If reefer monitoring isn't reliable, it compromises the entire logistics process. Real-time, dependable data allows you to react before minor issues become expensive disasters.”
Wagner Pereira, Support and Sales Engineer
Reefer Shipping Containers
Reefer shipping containers are a specialized type of container designed to transport perishable goods and temperature-sensitive materials. They typically feature insulation, refrigeration units, sometimes their own power unit (reefer genset), and alarm systems that allow them to maintain specific temperatures within the container during transit.
When it comes to shipping perishable goods, reefer containers are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels throughout transport. The technology used in these containers has advanced significantly over the years, with many manufacturers now offering highly efficient, cost-effective, and reliable solutions.
Modern reefer containers typically feature state-of-the-art cooling systems that can be adjusted according to individual needs and sensors for monitoring temperature and humidity levels. Some models even come equipped with alarms for alerting operators when certain conditions are reached. Additionally, a number of manufacturers now offer remote access capabilities so that alarm systems can be checked and maintained remotely.
When selecting a manufacturer for your reefer container needs, choosing one that offers quality products, customised solutions, and reliable customer service is important. Also, consider their shipping capabilities; do they have the capacity to meet your needs efficiently?
By taking the time to research and select a reputable manufacturer, you can ensure that you are getting a high-quality product with modern features designed for the temperature-controlled transport of perishable goods. Additionally, you will be able to rely on their customer service for any questions or issues related to reefer containers. With the right technology and manufacturer in place, you can trust that your goods will remain safe and secure during transport.
Reliable reefer shipping containers
Monitoring reefer shipping containers reliably is critical to ensuring the safe and secure transport of perishable goods. Refrigeration can be achieved using a variety of different technologies, ranging from traditional diesel-powered generator systems to modern, computerized temperature control systems. Monitoring these containers requires regular maintenance, careful observation, and reliable technology to maintain the proper temperature. Here are four tips to help you monitor reefer shipping containers reliably.
1. Invest in the right technology
Investing in the right technology for monitoring reefer shipping containers is essential to ensure the safe and secure transport of perishable goods. Look for technologies that have automated alarms or alert capabilities, adjustable thresholds, remote access capabilities, multiple sensors to measure both temperature and humidity levels, and any other necessary environmental factors such as pressure or CO2 levels. Additionally, consider investing in energy consumption monitoring, which allows you to monitor power needs across large reefer parks quickly and accurately. Energy monitoring systems can help identify any significant power consumption variances within your reefer yard, helping you spot potential problems before they become more serious or at least optimise costs addressing power peaks and needs.
By investing in the right technology for reefer management, you can rest assured that your perishable goods remain safe and secure during transport. With the right systems in place, regular maintenance checks and environmental monitoring can be conducted quickly and effectively, ensuring the reliable performance of your reefer containers.
2. Perform regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping reefer containers in good working condition. It helps to ensure that they are running as efficiently as possible and guarantees the safety of the goods stored inside. To perform regular maintenance on reefer containers, you should inspect the container for any signs of damage or wear and tear, including checking the cooling system for leaks or blockages, replacing any malfunctioning parts, testing all systems’ performance, and ensuring that all alarms are functioning properly. Additionally, check the temperature and humidity levels regularly to make sure they remain within their predetermined range. Regularly scheduled maintenance is just one part of a larger strategy to monitor refrigerated containers reliably; when done correctly, it can help keep your goods safe and secure during transport.
Finally, keeping up-to-date records of all maintenance performed on reefer containers can help to ensure that any potential problems are quickly identified and addressed before they become more serious. Investing in a system that records each service call can be very helpful when it comes to troubleshooting any issues or monitoring the performance of your reefer containers. By following these tips and performing regular maintenance on reefer containers, you can guarantee the safety and reliability of your perishable goods during transport.
3. Monitor environmentally
In addition to monitoring temperature and humidity levels inside the container, you should also monitor external environmental factors such as the outside ambient temperature. This will indicate how effective your refrigeration system is in maintaining its desired temperature range, which can then be adjusted accordingly if necessary. It will also indicate the need for accumulated power usage for your entire reefer shipping container fleet in your yard in the next hours.
Learn more about the development of sustainable ports.
4. Establish alarm systems
Establishing alarm systems for monitoring refrigerated containers is key to ensuring the safe and secure transport of perishable goods. Alarm systems alert you when certain temperature or humidity levels are reached, allowing corrective action to be taken quickly before serious damage occurs to the goods inside the container.
Look for technologies that have automated alarms or alert capabilities with adjustable thresholds so that they can be set according to specific needs. Additionally, ensure that these alarm systems are highly visible and audible to draw attention in an emergency situation. Finally, consider investing in remote access capabilities; this way, alarms can be checked and maintained even when not at the physical location.
By establishing reliable alarm systems for monitoring refrigerated containers, you can ensure that your perishable goods remain safe and secure during transport. With the right reefer container temperature monitoring system in place, you can rest assured that your goods are being monitored properly and kept at the right temperature. Look for technologies that have automated alarms or alert capabilities to ensure reliable performance.
FAQ
The risks of unreliable reefer monitoring
Failure to monitor reefers reliably poses significant risks to the cold chain process. The consequences can impact product quality, financial performance and company reputation.
Temperature-sensitive goods are very susceptible to damage if they exceed or fall below the prescribed temperature range. Inconsistent or delayed monitoring means that critical problems such as temperature fluctuations, power outages or equipment malfunctions can go unnoticed until it is too late. For some goods, just a few degrees over a relatively short period of time can cause spoilage. Such losses not only lead to direct financial damage but also cause waste and inefficiencies within the supply chain.
In addition to compensation claims from cargo owners, there is also the threat of fines for non-compliance with legal standards. Many industries, particularly the food and pharmaceutical sectors, have strict regulations for the transport of temperature-sensitive goods.
Apart from the quantifiable impacts, there is also the risk of damaging or destroying customer trust. If sensitive goods are handled carelessly or if problems occur repeatedly, this undermines trust and can lead to business losses, negative reviews or strained partnerships.
Demonstrating reliability is a top priority for everyone involved in the cold chain and is essential for business success.
Takeaway - Reliable Reefer Shipping Containers
Following these tips will help you reliably monitor your refrigerated containers, ensuring that the perishable goods stored inside remain in a safe and secure state for transport. With the right technology, regular maintenance checks, environmental monitoring, and alarm systems in place, you can rest assured that your goods are being monitored properly and kept at the right temperature.
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Note: This article was updated on the 3rd of October 2024
