Winter is rough on freight for many reasons. Snowstorms and ice can create dangerous travel conditions that delay trucks in the best case scenarios and can bring the supply chain to a screeching halt in the worst.
However, while most people are worried about the tractor-trailer jackknifing in the middle of the highway, most people aren’t considering the condition of the freight itself. Winter weather conditions can damage even the hardiest of freight. However, as most shippers are moving raw materials around, it raises the question: How do I keep my freight from freezing?
Know Your Product
Did you know that freeze-dried goods like coffee and flour are vulnerable to spoilage due to low temperatures? Before you do anything else, it is vitally important to understand what temperature ranges are okay for your freight. Different goods require different temperatures, so what is perfect for one item might be too cold for another.
After all, it doesn’t make sense to spend the extra on specialized equipment for your freight if only certain items will survive the trip.
If you haven’t done so before, now is the time to take stock of your products and get a better understanding of what temperature is safe for your items to travel at. Not every product is rated for the same temperature, and some goods might need to be kept warmer than others. It’s important to make sure that you’re not mixing these types of items on your pallets. After all, it doesn’t make sense to spend the extra on specialized equipment for your freight if only certain items will survive the trip.
Plan Your Route And Keep An Eye On The Weather
As the cold season runs from November to April, it’s important to plan accordingly. Understanding where your freight is going and what route it will take to get there is important. While California might be fairly warm when the rest of the country is freezing, the Midwest and Upper Northwest states can see temperatures fall to double digits, below zero.
Keep an eye out for any impending weather events that not only can that affect the temperature, but it can also delay your shipment.
Keep an eye out for any impending weather events that not only can that affect the temperature, but it can also delay your shipment. Both of which we are looking to avoid.
Finding the Right Equipment
The best method to protect your freight from freezing is to utilize the right equipment for the job. Load it onto a temperature-controlled unit, such as a reefer truck or in a heated dry van trailer. A reefer unit is a trailer equipped with a refrigeration unit that controls the trailers’ internal temperature. While these units are typically used to keep goods cold during the summer months, they can also work in reverse, keeping freight at the right temperature even when it’s freezing outside.
Some drivers have the option of parking their trailers in a heated warehouse. This is a great option to take advantage of, especially if the shipment will arrive over the weekend when the loading dock might not be manned until the following business day.
Another option is for the driver to idle their truck. The engine’s small vibrations can actually prevent freight from freezing and can be useful in shorter hauls. This option can also be augmented by using thermal blankets and pallet covers, which can help keep most of the chill off freight during transit. The level of protection necessary will depend on what type of freight is being transported.
Detail the Bill of Lading
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive goods, it’s important to document that on your bill of lading. Many carriers offer a protect from freeze (PFF) option, which can be agreed upon once a carrier accepts a load. If the shipper decides how they want their goods to be protected from the cold, this should be detailed in the BOL. A good rule to follow is the more detail provided, the fewer chances there are of damage to the product.
Additionally, issuing a PFF means that a claim can be filed when the freight arrives at its destination frozen. Otherwise, the shipper is liable to pay the damages to the freight.
Don’t let your freight give you the cold shoulder this winter. Take time to consider how you’re shipping it, where it’s going, and what kind of protection you’ll need to keep it in proper condition.
