When it comes to the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods, there are a lot of variables that may impact the temperature ranges of the load inside the reefer such as different weather conditions or varying day and night temperatures.
To ensure that the refrigerated freight arrive fresh upon delivery safe, the driver needs to be aware of using the correct temperature settings on his reefer trailer.
Set point and temperature settings
All reefer units have a ‘Set Point’.
For example, if you have a set point of 33°F, it will show up on the reefer's display and the Set Point will stay constant maintaining the inside temperature at the set point level.
Cycle-sentry (start-stop) and continuous are the terms used to describe each of a reefer’s temperature control settings.
Cycle-sentry (start-stop) temperature setting
Cycle temperature settings should only be used for the transportation of frozen loads.
These loads can be shipped at a temperature colder than 24 F because they can handle more significant temperature variances without damaging the product.
In the case of the cycle-sentry setting, the refrigeration unit turns off when the ambient temperature inside the reefer reaches a temperature level higher by 5 grades than the SetPoint.
For example, if the SetPoint set by the customer is 22F then the SetPoint stays constant. However, if the ambient temperature inside the reefer drops by 5F or 1F lower than the Set Point, the refrigerated unit turns off. It then waits until the temperature warms up 5F past the Set Point and then turns itself back on.
Continuous temperature setting
A continuous reefer temperature control is a non-stop operation of the refrigerator unit.
This temperature setting tells the refrigerated trailer to maintain the temperature ambiance inside the trailer at a constant level as set by the set point.
This temperature setting is mostly used to haul produce items because these require a steady cold airflow to keep them fresh.
Normally, the customer notifies the trucking company about the required temperature that needs to be maintained inside the reefer trailer.
After setting the required temperature, it should be displayed control unit.
The cost of commodities moved by a reefer fluctuates based on the consistency with which each reefer’s cooling unit is used.
The cost of the temperature settings
Temperature truly matters when it comes to the cost of using reefers.
The amount of effort a reefer's cooling unit exerts to maintain the shipment's temperature has a direct impact on the final price that the customer pays to move the freight.
Each of the above temperature settings dictates the frequency with which the cooling unit must be used to maintain the desired temperatures.
As a reefer’s cooling unit is used more, the cost associated with these shipments rises to match.
