Refrigerated Transport Monitoring – Temperature and Location
Importance of temperature monitoring for refrigerated transport
Ensuring that produce is kept at the required temperature during transit from warehouse to client is essential. Temperature fluctuations during transport can lead to spoiled product and decreased shelf life. Therefore ensuring the integrity of refrigerated cargo is of paramount importance. There is also the factor of food standards that must be adhered to, which can stipulate specific storage temperatures and an audited trail.
Temperature controlled transportation vessels ensure a constant and specific temperature and humidity is maintained, preserving the product and decreasing spoilage. There are certain industry best practices and standards that should be followed.
Pre Trip Preparation
Pre-trip preparation for refrigerated transportation can help to limit problems. Pre-cooling the trailer to the specified temperature minimizes temperature fluctuations when loading. As air is likely to escape during loading, the preload cooling setpoint is generally lower than required.
In Transit Protocol and Monitoring
During transit, multiple stops could be made for deliveries. Each time the temperature-controlled compartment of the refrigerated delivery vehicle is accessed warm air is drawn inside. By having the cooling system running during these times, it actually draws warm air in, increasing the temperature. It is a good practice to install door switches so that the cooling system can be controlled and turned off. Sensors, such as those provided by AKCP, give wireless data logging of the temperature of the compartment, include a dry contact switch for doors. This door contact will record each time the refrigerated trailer is accessed and can be used as a signal to shut off the cooling system.
Refrigerated Transport Monitoring
Wireless monitoring systems can be deployed in refrigerated transport to give realtime details on the vehicles location, temperature status and door status. This live tracking is consolidated in a centralized management software like AKCPro Server, that displays on a map all vehicle locations and environmental sensor status.
For those who do not require live updates, data logging wireless dual temperature and humidity sensors from AKCP are capable of logging data during transport and synchronizing that data once the vehicle is back at the warehouse. These data loggers have an internal memory that can record days worth of data. This is a lower-cost solution than live tracking, for those who only require an audited trail of temperature during delivery.
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