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

Calling All Drivers!!!

How Your Camera Phone Can Help You

These days, it is standard for most cellular phones to be equipped with a camera. This is definitely one of the most critical tools available for a driver. Below, we outline some key ways that a camera phone can be used to protect a driver, and reduce the occurrence of claims and additional charges.

• Photos of trailer condition inside, prior to pickup – take a photo of the inside of your trailer prior to product being loaded at a shipper; this provides evidence of the condition of the trailer. Be reminded that as per UWC’s Carrier Loading Guidelines, the following should be observed: 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. The best way to prove that this is the case is to take a photo!

• Photos of trailer once product has been loaded – whenever possible, take a photo of trailer with the back doors open once the product has been loaded. This will confirm the condition of the product prior to transit. This can greatly protect a driver if there are leaning pallets, crushed boxes, broken pallets, and any other product-related issues that may affect a clean BOL upon delivery. Any issues should be communicated to UWC immediately with photos sent as verification. UWC will then forward these photos to all interested parties, and advise on any actions required. It is recommended that a photo is taken at each pickup.

• In-Transit – Use your camera phone to document any accidents or required repairs while in transit.

• Photos at delivery – a camera phone is a useful tool upon delivery; it can be used to document and verify and actual product/cargo damages and any trailer damages that may occur at receiver’s warehouses.

• Tomato Loads – A color report is MANDATORY for all tomato loads hauled under UWC. Drivers will be required to provide daily color reports. A minimum of 3 boxes of all sizes must be reported on.

Need help on how to use your camera phone while on the road?? Call us and we can help find the best way for you to get photos to UWC!

Loading Guidelines: Spotlight On.... Pre-Cooling Trailers

Why is pre-cooling so important?

Pre-cooling is one of the most important steps in the pre-loading stage of produce. It is absolutely essential for a refrigerated trailer to be pre-cooled. This becomes especially important during the summer months when temperatures, especially in the southern United States, can reach in the 100s °F. Failing to pre-cool a trailer will result in residual heat in the trailer, walls, ceiling, doors, and floor, which can affect the temperature of the product that is loaded in the trailer, and essentially heat the load.

How it works

Trailers must be pre-cooled to their correct requested product running temperature. It takes up to 1 to 2 hours to pre-cool a trailer with the thermostat pre-set and the doors closed. This is critical to remember as pre-cooling trailers prior to arrival at pickup sheds will result in quicker loading times.

When preparing to pick up a load, the doors of the trailer must not be opened until the loading crews are ready to load it. Also, remember that just before the doors are opened to begin loading, the refrigeration unit must be turned off.

So remember, keep cool to ensure success at loading docks!

Do you have anything to add? Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments!