Reefer tip of the day............

[PartTimeDweller]

Thought if their were some Newbies either thinking of or just starting to pull a refrigerated trailer, maybe we could post some tips here.

1) When picking up a temperature controlled load, make sure that the proper temperature setting is written somewhere on the bill of lading. If it is not, do not sign for the load until it is.

If the temp isn't marked on the bills, then it is your word against the shippers if there is a discrepancy. And we all know who loses in that scenario.

[Big_Dave]

Very good tip PTD. Hopefully it saves someone a claim down the road.

Yeah, I found that one out the hard way........ :yikes:

[PartTimeDweller]

Oop's, wasn't logged in, :doh: That was me, honest

[cgi_reddog]

also, it's a good investment to get a pulp thermometer (preferably digital) and check the temp of what your loading to make sure it's right when your loading it.
also look at the freight your loading for signs pf spoilage(you wouldn't believe the crap some of these shippers try to pawn off on ya :yikes: )

[truckerdale]

something I was told when you got a straight load of onions .. DO keep the chill unit running .. seems that if you don't they can create a gas that can cause serious damage ....

also about thermometers .. I use 3 of them .. top left , center, bottom right placed where I can read it through the inspection door .. you can keep a good eye on the differences top to bottom ...

[allikat]

A lot of reefer runners I know have one of those infra-red thermometers. Can you say "check the load at the front from the doors"??? :D
Nice piece of kit.

[sweet_whiskey]

Make sure you do a pretrip on the reefer. Do the pretrip prior to picking up a loaded trailer or a emtpy trailer. Do the pretrip periodically.

Watch for oil leaks and sprays along the catwalk and the back of the truck. I noticed one and called breakdown and had them sent to Tropicana.

I had no idea Reefer had it's own forum. I'm so excited, I'm the ultimate loving reefer girl.

P.S.

I noticed on a guys trailer, he had controls on the inside. I think that was a split control setting for a split load temp. It was rather cool looking.

[magicman]

Let's see, if I can remember back to my reefer days.....Oh yeah, I know one !!!

When picking up strawberries, check them closely for a beard. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Seriously, if they have whiskers, DO NOT accept the load. The consignee will not and you're stuck with 40,000 lbs of strawberries in need of a shave. Dominic's in the Chicago area is hell on these fuzzy fruits.

I delivered a load there from Driscoll i Watsonville, CA one time and they turned 25 other loads away that day They accepted mine. Granted, I had the ONLY load from Driscoll, but I CHECKED the load every way possible. I checked temps, checked ripeness, checked for fuzz and made sure they were bagged and gassed just before they went on the trailer.

God I miss fresh fruit right from the shipper...BUT THAT'S ALL I MISS :harhar: :harhar: :harhar:

[sweet_whiskey]

This morning I got loaded I decided to climb up in my trailer to double check the load. Even though I am highly allergic to heights, I decided something didn't look right.

Climbing up there I noticed the loaders double stacked the load. Hmmm, ok the load is only 29k with the pallet weight. No problem I thought, then I looked around at the other pallets. The pallets on top were heavier then the pallets on the bottom.

What is the main problem here?

Main problem is, the pallets on top of the floor pallets will weigh it down and cause the boxes to crush and fall apart. This will result in ruining all the products on the floor. Then it will be "your" fault for not notifying the shippers and your company.

Make sure you look at your load. Never assume your load is accurate and that the loaders "know" what they are doing (they seldome do).

I was informed the other day by DOT that all loads "have to be" secured. Whether it is a drop and hook or a live load. Place those load locks in that trailer!

[clutchcargo]

another tip..........one day, at reefer camp, when I went to get my trailer, and one of the wheels was missing, then I used the spare, but it was flat,so I drove to the truck stop 3o miles away, and ..............I quit.

[tommy]

Whats your POINT??

[clutchcargo]

check the tires ! is the point

[tommy]

check the tires ! is the point

why did you quit???

[clutchcargo]

you never quit.......

[reefer_man]

you folks have alot good tips.

it may be a good idea to have your dealer check out the unit, to prevent
middle of the night break downs

[clutchcargo]

only the best !