Temperature Controlled Transportation: Essential Questions for Every Shipment

At TRAFFIX, we recognize that success in temperature-controlled logistics hinges on meticulous planning and a comprehensive understanding of your specific requirements.  Our team of logistics specialists, each boasting a minimum of five years of experience, conducts a rigorous pre-shipment assessment, meticulously examining all aspects of your load.

This proactive approach ensures even the most nuanced details are identified and addressed, mitigating potential risks, and optimizing your shipment for a successful outcome. In this article, we will cover the essential questions that should be asked to ensure the success of each temperature-controlled shipment.

What is the running temperature?

It seems inconceivable, but many load tenders reach our team missing crucial running temperature requirements. When this occurs (and if it isn’t caught by your broker before dispatching a truck), carriers may arrive with reefers pre-cooled to the wrong setting.  This can lead to frustrating delays as shippers scramble to adjust the temperature to meet the specific requirements of the load.

Does the trailer need to be precooled?

Similar to running temperature, pre-cooling requirements are often absent from load tenders.  A proactive broker should meticulously review each tender and identify any missing information.  If pre-cooling parameters are absent, immediate contact with the shipper is essential to ensure the trailer arrives ready for loading.

Does the trailer require a washout before arrival?

Maintaining trailer cleanliness is paramount for transporting sensitive cargo like food, ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and other regulated goods.  Many shippers require washout procedures upon arrival, specifying dryness, absence of odors, and wash station proximity.  Oversights in these details can lead to delays or damage to the product being shipped. Drivers who arrive with trailers failing these requirements may need a second washout, potentially including drying time, which cuts into valuable transit time.

Does your shipment require seals?

Strict protocols govern seals for many regulated temperature-controlled shipments.  These often require shipper-applied seals to remain unbroken until receiver verification.  A seemingly minor misstep, like a driver breaking the seal for unloading, can result in a complete cargo loss.  Cross-border shipments add another layer of complexity.  Carriers must communicate seal tampering by customs officials for border inspections, including the broken seal number and any new seal applied by the customs agent.  Immediate notification to the broker with this information is crucial to ensure the load complies with any regulatory guidelines the freight is subject to.

These essential questions should be incorporated into your broker’s standard operating procedures. Doing so ensure you leverage both experience and a meticulous approach to guarantee flawless temperature-controlled shipments.

Contact Us today to learn how the TRAFFIX temperature-controlled team can help with your shipping needs!