Reefer monitoring protects your interests and your wallet

One effective way to boost profits is by cutting down costs. However, one of the most difficult costs for reefer terminal operators is the expense incurred when claims are filed against the terminal due to damaged cargo.

Improper temperature settings contribute to almost 23% of all cargo loss incidents. Additionally, another 30% of all losses occur due to miscommunication of operational instructions. Sometimes, the failure is out of your control. Problems like these often occur before or after the cargo is in your hands. Yet, the reefer operator can do plenty to protect their interests and avoid unjustified claims.

Here are a few worth considering.

1) Understand the condition of the reefers in your care from the time they enter your terminal until they leave.

In other words, know what you are working with. At this point, you have little information about how this container was handled before you received it. So, the best you can do is ensure that the booking set points and the current temperatures meet the shipper’s requirements.

2) Stay vigilant for any changes in reefer condition and address them quickly to avoid issues.

Frequently and consistently check the conditions of each reefer. If there is a mechanical failure, or the temperatures unexpectedly rise or fall out of spec, you can react and correct the problem as quickly as possible.

3) Document all events meticulously for future reference.

Keep accurate records of every event – readings intervals, events, and alarms. This information may be requested should the container reach its destination spoiled. The efforts you made in #1 and #2 above and the quality of the documents you can provide may be the difference between you and a hefty insurance claim.

However, relying on manual inspections is not feasible and is prone to errors in accuracy and consistency.

There is a simpler, more efficient way for you to …

• Have an overall view of your entire yard and the conditions of each reefer at a glance.
• Receive instant notifications when things go wrong.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and time-stamped reports to showcase your efforts at handling a customer’s refrigerated cargo.

Your best defense? – An automated system for monitoring all the reefers in your yard.

• Ensure a 24/7/365 reporting schedule
• Receive immediate notifications of alarms
• Verify current temperatures vs booking set points
• Get detailed location information and status updates
• and maintain digital, time-stamped record-keeping

Ready to learn more about Automated Reefer Monitoring? Get started here for some ideas.

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