Precautions to be taken when shipping perishable cargo in reefer containers
Perishable cargo may be defined as goods that can deteriorate over a given period of time if not stored or transported under ideal circumstances or if exposed to adverse temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions..
Examples of perishable cargo are Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Dairy etc..
Perishable cargoes are shipped in Reefer Containers (refrigerated containers) which are specialised containers that have been made for the purpose of carriage of perishable cargo..
But reefer containers could also pose a big problem in terms of cargo damages and cargo claims due to various factors.. This places greater attention on the correct and proper packing, handling and monitoring of both the perishable cargo and the reefer container..
As per TT Club, the majority of insurance claims they have received for perishable cargo have been found to be due to 3 main issues..
Carriage of perishables in Reefer Container
Article that outlines the carriage of perishables in reefer containers, the methods of transportation, the types of reefer commodities and many other useful information relating to reefer container..
Liability due to incorrect temperature setting
In this article I will examine a reader’s question as below, regarding Reefer containers, PTI and liability due to incorrect temperature setting..
We booked a shipment with a shipping line and we asked the containers temp should be +10, however the PTI was made -10 which damaged our goods.
Now the question is are we responsible as shippers or our transporters to check the temperature in the container before stuffing? or to verify the PTI report? knowing that our Bill of Lading read +10 as we requested.
What is a reefer container and how does it work..??
A REEFER CONTAINER is a short form for REFRIGERATED CONTAINER.
Simply put, reefer containers are big fridges that are used to transport temperature controlled cargoes such as fruits, meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, dairy and also also other non-food products such as flowers, pharmaceuticals and film..
How does a reefer container work..??
Reefer container Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI)
This article poses some questions from a reader about PTI..
How long is a PTI valid for a Reefer unit..??
If PTI period has expired can unit be released without RE-PTI
Is PRE-COOL an alternate to PTI ?
Who will be responsible for shipment without PTI
Answers inside..