Refrigerated Containers

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There are two forms of temperature control in reefers; frozen mode and chilled mode. The air flow differs in each mode. In chilled cargo the air flows directly through the cargo removing heat and gases and the cartons used has ventilation and temperature control is achieved through the return air. In frozen cargo the air flows around the cargo so there should be no gaps between the cargo wall and the cargo itself and temperature control is achieved through supply air.

Reefer Procedures – Guidelines to follow for reefers

- Reefers are inspected to make sure they are clean, no odors and that the system is in perfect working condition.

- The cargo is pre- cooled to the temperature required for the transport

- Packaging

- Must be stowed in a way to ensure protection of the cargo

- Must be able to withstand handling in different environments

- Must be able to tolerate humidity and allow good air ventilation

- Reefers experts monitor the containers to ensure they are functioning correctly;

- When entering and leaving ship yard

- When being loaded on train or truck

- When parked in port terminal

- During the journey on board ship; the personnel on board monitors the containers via electronic microprocessors and data loggers

- On delivery, the experts check containers to make sure everything is working properly up to the destination.

International Conventions and Protocols

- Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) 1972

The CSC is an international agreement and its main objective is to ensure a high level of safety for human life; this is achieved by denoting common international safety requirements for the structural design and ongoing inspection and maintenance of cargo containers. (Container Owners Association, 2015)

CSC operates to ensure that containers can operate worldwide under a single set of regulations. The CSC performs international standards in two areas; Design type approval and safety inspections. Design type approval ensures that containers are built with a design to meet ISO (International Standardization Organization) dimension and strength requirement. Safety requirements ensure that containers are maintained in safe conditions during their operating lives. The CSC therefore works to ensure that new containers are correctly built and also they remain in good working condition to ensure safety and in situations like reefers to make certain that cargo is not damaged due to incorrect designs.

The CSC operates in partnership basically with the ISO which is also an important organization for reefers as they set the basic design standards for the containers to make certain everything works properly. Designs meeting all CSC and ISO requirements are assigned a CSC number which appears on the safety approval plate (CSC plate) of every container built to that design.

- Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) - MO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs).

The aim of the CTU code is to give advice on the safe packing of cargo transport units (CTUs) to those responsible for the packing and securing of the cargo and by those whose task it is to train people to pack such units. The aim is also to outline theoretical details for packing and securing as well as to give practical measures to ensure the safe packing of cargo onto or into CTUs. (IMO 2014) The CTU codes also provide information for all those involved in the supply chain up to unpacking the CTU. This code basically gives directions on how to handle the cargo units and is important to refrigerated containers as the unpacking process is uniform.

Safety – if cargo is improperly packed and not secured and the use of unsuitable CTUs and overloading CTUs may endanger person during handling and transport. Insufficient control of humidity may cause severe damages to and collapse of the cargo and cause also the loss of the stability of the CTU.

Security - All personnel involved in the packing, security, sealing, handling, transport and processing of cargo are made aware of the need for vigilance and the diligent application of practical procedures to enhance security, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. (IMO 2014)

Conclusion

To the answer the question, the main impact reefers have on the supply chain is that it makes it more convenient. It is now possible for countries to have access to goods not indigenous to said country for ex. People of the Caribbean have access to Christmas trees without them loosing color. It allows the exchange of things such as pharmaceuticals, flowers, meat, fruits and all these items are received fresh. Refrigerated containers help to account for the 60% (about 60%) of world trade that is taken up by containers. Reefers are continuing to get more energy efficient which also impacts the supply chain as it increases in technological value for the supply chain or shipping industry. It also impacts the supply chain economically as well as environmentally; economic as it relates to bringing in more money to countries being able to ship certain commodities. Reefers are a good contribution to the supply chain and will continue impact the supply chain in a positive light.

References

Manaadiar, H, March 11, 2015, what is a reefer container and how does it work? Article Retrieved from http://shippingandfreightresource.com/what-is-a-reefer-container and-how-does-it-work/

Container Owners Association, April 2015, Convention for Safe Containers, Retrieved from http://containerownersassociation.org/downloads/418/CSC%20Presentation%205April15 .pdf

Yang, Z, (2011), the Practice and Regulations of Container Intermodal Transport, Retrieved from http://www.carecprogram.org/uploads/events/2011/CFCFA-Logistics-Training Mongolia/Practice-and-Regulations-of-Container-Intermodal-Transport.pdf

CMA GCM Group, N/A, Reefer Cargo Guide, Retrieved from https://www.anl.com.au/static/eCommerce/Attachments/Reefer_Cargo_Guide.pdf

World Shipping Council, 2016, Refrigerated Containers, Retrieved from http://www.worldshipping.org/about-the-industry/containers/refrigerated-containers