Pulp Thermometers are Here!!!

The second shipment of UWC pulp temperature thermometers have arrived at TC Trans in Blaine, WA!

A pulp temperature thermometer is one of the most necessary items in a driver’s toolkit, along with a pen, notepad, and camera equipped mobile phone. A pulp temperature thermometer is a mandatory tool for all produce loads; All UWC loads MUST be pulped at pickup and delivery!

Pulp at Pickups

As per our Carrier Loading Guidelines, UWC instructs each and every driver to, at the point of loading, pulp the product that they are picking up and record the temperature on the bill of lading (BOL). If access to the loading dock is not allowed, drivers must record “shipper load and count” on the BOL. The reason for noting either one of these events on the BOL is that it can help protect the carrier if any issues arise upon delivery. It is critical that if the pulp temperatures at pickup are any different than what is written on the BOL and/or on the UWC Load sheet, the driver MUST contact UWC immediately, prior to leaving the shed. We can then take the appropriate action and advise all interested parties.

Pulp at Deliveries

The same instructions go for the delivery stage – drivers must record product pulp temperatures on the bill of lading at the time of delivery. If drivers do not have access to the unloading dock, “receiver unload and count” must be written on the BOL. This will further help protect drivers; our primary goal is to prevent exposure to claims and other additional costs.

Pick Yours Up Today!!

Our pocket temperature thermometers feature a 15 second response time and a magnifying lens, and can be used from -40°F to 160°F. They have a +/- 2 °F accuracy, and come with a pocket clip. They also feature an accompanying sleeve for protection. Make sure to wipe your thermometer with a clean moist cloth after each use, and protect it by keeping it in the sleeve.

So, pick up your UWC pulp thermometer at TC Trans today. They are FREE*!!!! And while there, don’t forget to also pick up copies of our Carrier Loading Guidelines and Product Temperature Guidelines Brochures!!!!

* Limit 1 pocket temperature thermometer per driver

Get a Load of This!!! Tips to help you get you on the Road

Temperature, Equipment, and Loading Procedures & Guidelines are topics that we revisit regularly here. One of the reasons why is that we recognize that these factors are critical to the successful delivery of any shipment, and we strive to constantly share our wealth of knowledge with our followers!!!

Today, let’s review some essential loading tips. More information on loading can be found in our Carrier Loading Guidelines, available for download off our website, and in hard-copy at TC Trans in Blaine, WA!!!

There are many points that must be checked before and during loading to make sure that the integrity of the refrigerated trailer is maintained. For example, high temperature in a refrigerated trailer can allow bacteria normally present in food items to increase to dangerous numbers.

Below, a checklist with some notable features that should be checked prior to loading (all noted in our Loading Guidelines):

  Trailer container cooled to the recommended temperature?
  Refrigeration unit operated correctly, and as designed?
  Load thoroughly pre-cooled?
  Load locks/bracing used to secure load? (check out our previous posts on this topic!)
  Heating unit operates as designed?
  Trailer aired to remove residual odors?
  Temperature recorder working?
  Air delivery chute intact?
  Door seal undamaged?
  Side door sealed tight?
  Door, wall, or ceiling all undamaged?
  Floor clean and undamaged?
  Floor drains open and clean?
  Front air bulkhead installed?
  Inside height/width adequate for load?
  Door height adequate for load?

There are some other helpful tips to keep in mind when loading:

-  If the loading area is unrefrigerated, turn off the refrigeration unit while loading. Warm air drawn in during loading can cause the evaporator to frost, and will result in the refrigeration unit not being able to operate as designed.

- Avoid loading tightly against flat side walls by using pallets, racks, and dunnage. Room for air circulation must be provided under, around, and through the load.

- Do not block air circulation at the rear door.

Have any other tips you want to share? Please leave us a comment!

Now a part of the less than 1% club, UWC is TIA $100,000 Performance Certified!!!! Click here to read more!

References:
The Packer. The Guide 2011: Produce Availability & Merchandising Guide. Vol CXVIII. No. 54.

Pulp!!!

Pulp – not just great in orange juice – also an essential part of hauling any refrigerated produce load!

Pulp at Pickups
A pulp temperature thermometer is a mandatory tool for all produce loads. As per our Carrier Loading Guidelines, UWC instructs each and every driver to, at the point of loading, pulp the product that they are picking up and record the temperature on the bill of lading (BOL). If access to the loading dock is not allowed, drivers must record “shipper load and count” on the BOL. The reason for noting either one of these events on the BOL is that it can help protect the carrier if any issues arise upon delivery. It is critical that if the pulp temperatures at pickup are any different than what is written on the BOL and/or on the UWC Load sheet, the driver MUST contact UWC immediately, prior to leaving the shed. We can then take the appropriate action and advise all interested parties.

Pulp at Deliveries
The same instructions are given for the delivery stage – drivers must record product pulp temperatures on the bill of lading at the time of delivery. In addition, if drivers do not have access to the unloading dock, “receiver unload and count” must be written on the BOL. This will further help protect drivers; our primary goal is to prevent exposure to claims and other additional costs. Adhering to the pulp procedures outlined above, along with the rest of the procedures outlined in UWC’s Carrier Loading Guidelines brochure, will increase your level of success for the safe and timely delivery of goods!

Pulp all the Time!!!
Did you know??? UWC pulp temperature thermometers are available for FREE at TC Trans!

If you don’t have one, pick one up today!!! If you are using one of our thermometers, what are your opinions of them??

How To.. Pre-Load Equipment Check

Today, we look at an excerpt from UWC’s Carrier Loading Guidelines. UWC introduced the first version of the Guidelines back in 2007 (wow, time flies when you're driving the road ahead!); they were designed to assist drivers in the proper procedures for the pre-loading, loading, in transit, and delivery stages of transporting goods. They reference many points that are established USDA and DOT standards for the protection of perishable foods during transport.

The first section that the guideline walks through is the Pre–Load Equipment Check stage. This stage is critical in preparing the driver and the refrigerated trailer. Below is the Pre-Load Equipment Checklist:

 Mandatory tools: pulp temperature thermometer (electronic recommended), pen, notepad, and cell phone (camera function recommended).

 Trailer length, height width, and empty weight adequate for the specifications of the load.

 Load locks or other devices available to secure load – 3 to 6 must be used.

 The refrigeration unit’s temperature control unit (thermostat) and temperature monitoring devices (thermometers) and all related electronics must be calibrated and accurate.

 Refrigeration air delivery chutes must be installed and attached properly, intact, and free of any restrictions, rips, or tears.

 Trailer’s insulation throughout the walls, ceilings, doors, and floors must be intact so that the trailer door seals in good condition and door seals tightly when closed.

 Walls free of cracks or holes.

 Inside of trailer: floor grooves and drains clear of obstacles, clean and odor free to ensure proper air flow out of the refrigeration unit, around the load, and back to the unit.

 Check fluids and test run the refrigeration unit by pre-cooling the trailer to ensure all residual heat inside the trailer walls, floor and ceiling is eliminated.

The objective with our Guidelines is to protect you. And we are confident that adhering to guide will increase your level of success for the safe and timely delivery of goods, and prevent your exposure to claims and other additional costs. Visit our website and download a copy of the full Guidelines Brochure, or visit our driver information board TC Trans in Blaine WA and pick one up today!!

How have our Carrier Loading Guidelines helped you? Has it changed your operations in any way? Any suggestions on how to make them better in our next version?

Carrier Loading Tip - Do the Math and Show Your Work

When it comes to loading, one of the best ways to protect yourself as a driver is to observe the loading of your trailer, for not only for product quality and condition, but also for quantity.

Here are some tips on how to keep track of what is being loaded in your trailer:

- If you are not sure of how many pallets/cases are supposed to be loaded on your trailer, call UWC immediately and we will provide you with this information. Remember, you can always reach us, toll free 24/7: 1.877.273.7400!!

- Carry a small notepad with you, that will help you keep track of the # of pallets/cases that are going on the trailer (this is the do your math part!).

- Compare the Bill of Lading with the UWC load sheet, and with what is actually being loaded on the trailer – any discrepancies - either with product description or count - must be communicated to UWC and written on the BOL (this is the show your work part!). Writing any issues/discrepancies down on the BOL is one of the best ways to protect yourself against any issues that may arise upon delivery.

- If you do not have access to the loading dock, you must write “SHIPPER LOAD AND COUNT” on your BOL. The same goes here for delivery – if there is no access to the receiving dock, record “RECIEVER UNLOAD AND COUNT” – this helps indicate that the work done at these points was by someone other than yourself. These are key!!!

We all know how hard it is to make your case when all you have as proof is your words; documentation is key in this industry!!! These tips will surely help you on your way to successful loading practices; for more, take a look at UWC’s Carrier Loading Guidelines. Do you have any more counting tips or experiences to share?

How it Works - Refrigerated Trailers

Reefer units are often misunderstood, and this misunderstanding can lead to misguided performance expectations. Today, we will outline some facts that will help us better understand how reefer units work and clarify their operation.

One of the most important elements to keep in mind when thinking about reefers is that they are designed to maintain temperature of the product inside them, not cool. Although it may happen if given enough time, reefers are not designed to for example, bring a field load from upwards to 100°F ambient temperature down to 45°F storage temperature. Reefers are solely designed to remove any increased heat, keep temperature of products stable, and control humidity by condensing moisture in the air.

Common ways that heat enters reefer trailers is through the walls (trailers are insulated to prevent this). Heat can also flow around gaps in door openings, through cracked door seals, through trailer floors, or out of the ceiling. A steel bolt or a structural member will act as a conductor if it passes from outside the trailer to inside. Most newer reefer trailers have internal structures for rub-rails and E-tracks that are separated and insulated from the outside walls. If you ever have to make repairs or add accessories to your trailer, remember to never drill bolt holes through the walls. This will maintain the thermal integrity of your reefer unit.

The product that is loaded into the reefer is another source of heat. Some products respirate (create heat) at a faster rate than others. For more on this, check out our publication, Interactions between Refrigerated Trailers and Products.

To accomplish the items that are mentioned at the beginning of this post (remove increased heat, keep product temperatures stable, and control humidity), reefers require 4 components:

- Thermal integrity in the trailer to prevent the inflow of additional heat
- Sufficient BTU capacity to remove the expected amount of heat
- Sufficient airflow
- Sufficient air velocity to move the air through the trailer, over and through the load.


Regular scheduled reefer maintenance and proper loading and stacking procedures will assist in succeeding the 4 above components. We know what the typical occurrences are: loads are often too warm when they are loaded, drivers don’t shut their reefers off before opening doors, and debris often blocks airflow. These occurrences often greatly increase the potential for temperature issues upon delivery.

Reinforcing proper loading procedures (including PULPING product upon pickup) can eliminate and significantly reduce the potential for temperature related issues upon delivery. For more comprehensive loading directions, check out our Carrier Loading Guidelines!!

Do you have anything to share regarding reefer units? What are your experiences?

Stay tuned for a future “scientific” examination of how reefer units work!!!!

References:

Understanding reefers – how hard can it be?. http://www.landlinemag.com/Archives/2001/Mar2001/Your_Equipment/reefers.html. Accessed on Feb. 2, 2011.