Setting the Temp

Refrigerated trailer temperature settings are critical to understand in order to ensure the success of any perishable shipment. All refrigerated trailer units have a “Set Point” that sets the temperature inside the trailer, and this number is shown on the reefers Set Point digital display. Drivers have to physically set the temperature of their refrigerated trailer, and must also select the “mode” that the reefer unit will operate in: continuous or cycle-sentry. Understanding the two different reefer trailer temperature setting options (continuous vs. cycle-sentry), along with what needs to be done to ensure that a produce load will maintain temperature while in transit is key.

Now, let’s explore the difference between the two refrigerated trailer temperature mode settings:

Continuous Setting:
This setting MUST be used for ALL produce loads; they need continuous air flow to handle the heat of product respiration. Continuous air flow means that there is a consistent temperature throughout the trailer for the duration of transport. Temperature recorders can indicate if a trailer has been set to continuous or cycle-sentry. Below, an example of a temperature recorder printout that indicates a shipment has run on continuous:

Cycle-Sentry Setting:
This setting should only be used for frozen loads (i.e. loads that are intended to ship cooler than 24F). Frozen loads can handle more significant temperature variances without causing damage to the product. The cycle sentry setting is a START-STOP setting, so air flow for the refrigeration unit is not constant. When the temperature inside the refrigerated trailer drops between 0.5 and 1F below the Set Point, the unit will turn off. The unit then waits until the temperature inside the trailer warms up 5F above the set point temperature, and will then turn itself back on. For this, reason, produce loads should NEVER be run on cycle!!!! Running a produce load on cycle-sentry greatly increases your exposure to claims and additional charges!!!

Temperature recorders can also indicate if a shipment has been run on cycle-sentry. Below is an example of a temperature recorder printout in this setting:


Some other points to remember:
• Make sure to check the fluids in the refrigeration unit to make sure it will operate as designed.
• Keep the refrigerated trailer on its regular maintenance schedule to ensure all settings are accurate and will work as designed. Preventative maintenance is the best kind!!!
• Pre-cool the trailer to ensure all residual heat inside the trailer walls, floor and ceiling is eliminated prior to loading. This is especially important during these summer months!!!


Have anything else to add? Please share!!!

References:
4 Steps to a Successful Shipment. Sensitech Cold Chain Visibility. Powerpoint Presentation. Received on 11/08/2009, Accessed for document on 21/07/2011.

Notification: Full interstate closures on I-90

The Washington State Department Of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that beginning on June 14th, rock blasting activities and full interstate closures will occur on the I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass.

HYAK - WSDOT and contractor crews will begin the first of a series of controlled blasts on Interstate 90 this week near the Keechelus Lake Snowshed (located at Milepost 58), forcing up to one hour closures of I-90 in both directions. This will also lead to delays in travel times, and possibly pickup and delivery times for truck drivers as well.

The interstate closures and restrictions will occur from now until October, and crews will be blasting, loading, and hauling away approximately one million tons of rock from the slopes adjacent to the I-90. This work is all part of the $571 million Hyak to Keechelus Dam Project that calls for widening the interstate from four lanes to six lanes. This, along with other planned improvements are aimed to increase the reliability of the I-90 for all motorists.

Check the WSDOT site at http://www.wsdot.wa.go/Traffic/passes/snoqualmie daily for updates on exact closure locations, times, and delays. For example, today the site notes that: "Milepost 52 to Milepost 58 through Thursday traffic is restricted to one lane each direction 24 hours a day and loads exceeding 14 feet wide are prohibited. Rolling slowdowns will be used intermittently through the work zone, travelers may experience some added travel time."

Feel free to also call UWC in order to get up to date information on this topic!!!