Refrigerated shipping plays a crucial role in transporting perishable goods over long distances. Whether it’s fresh produce, climate-sensitive goods, or sensitive chemicals, maintaining the right temperature throughout the journey is vital to ensure product quality and safety. However, this process is not without its challenges.
Below, we will discuss some common hurdles faced in refrigerated shipping and discuss practical solutions to overcome them.
Temperature fluctuations
One of the primary challenges in refrigerated shipping is maintaining a consistent temperature. External factors such as weather conditions, improper container insulation, and equipment malfunctions can lead to temperature fluctuations, potentially compromising the quality of the goods.
To overcome this challenge, it is crucial to invest in high-quality refrigerated shipping containers that have efficient insulation and temperature control systems. OSG provides reefer containers that can maintain the temperature of your refrigerated goods or shipment, even in harsh weather conditions. Our reefer containers can control temperatures up to 30°C if needed.
Equipment breakdowns
Refrigeration units can experience unexpected breakdowns, leading to a loss of temperature control. This can be detrimental to the perishable goods being transported. To mitigate this challenge, it is essential to perform regular inspections and preventive maintenance on refrigeration units. Ensuring that the containers are equipped with backup power sources can also help maintain temperature stability during unforeseen power outages.
Power supply limitations
Refrigerated containers rely on a stable power supply to function properly. However, some shipping routes may have limited or inconsistent electricity access, especially in remote areas. To overcome this challenge, alternative power sources like diesel generators or advanced battery technologies can provide reliable backup power. Additionally, exploring shipping routes with better infrastructure and power availability can help minimize the risk of power supply disruptions.
Compliance with container leasing terms and conditions
Leasing shipping containers requires compliance with specific terms and conditions established by the shipping container company, encompassing various aspects of the leasing process.
This includes adhering to guidelines for the return of the container, taking responsibility for any damage or loss incurred during the lease, meeting recurring rental payment terms, following procedures for lease extension, covering incidental costs, using the container appropriately, acknowledging the lessor’s ownership, providing a deposit if required, understanding early termination penalties, agreeing to indemnify the lessor, and accepting applicable laws and arbitration for dispute resolution.
Meeting these terms and conditions can be complex and time-consuming. To overcome this challenge, the lessee should keep themselves updated with these terms and conditions, including regulatory compliance. In doing so, you can ensure a successful and safe transportation of goods while maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the shipping container company.
Conclusion
Although refrigerated containers bring about many benefits, they could also pose unique challenges that require careful attention and proactive measures. By adopting practical solutions and staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices, businesses can navigate the complexities of refrigerated shipping with confidence and deliver high-quality perishable goods to customers worldwide.
Consider reaching out to OSG for your shipping container needs. Our experts can provide various container solutions, and advice, from reefer shipping container needs to container haulage services. Contact us today for more information.
