Maintaining a Refrigerated Trailer

1. Maintain the Right Temperature

The first requirement is that the trailer used to transport food must maintain the temperature needed for transporting that product safely. By maintaining the correct temperature, the driver prevents food spoilage or contamination via bacteria or mold. This would damage the freight, as well as jeopardize the overall sanitation of the trailer. Completing a daily pre and post trip inspection will insure less vehicle issues that could affect product delivery. Any issues noticed on the pre or post inspection should be reported immediately.

2. Keep Your Diesel Tank Full

A refrigeration unit is powered by diesel fuel, so anticipate using more fuel than you would with a non-powered dry van trailer. In fact, at some loading docks, shippers will not load a reefer trailer on less than three-quarters of a tank of fuel. Be sure to always top off the tank before dropping the trailer on your yard. Even if it isn’t empty, this helps make sure the fuel level is ready for the next load.

3. Trailer Wash-Outs and Clean-Outs

Whenever your drivers complete hauls that involve food items, especially meat or livestock, they are required to clean their trailers. A clean-out or trailer wash-out can range from simply sweeping the trailer floor to a full-scale power washing at the nearest truck wash.

4. Prevent Contamination and Cross-Contact

Reefer trailer drivers must prevent contamination of raw food or cross-contact. This starts with maintaining a clean trailer but extends to cover safe food hauling practices. Another increasing concern that has to be prevented is cross-contamination of ingredients that are known food allergens, such as peanuts.

5. Provide Food Safety Training

To transport food safely, the FDA requires drivers and carriers to complete safety training. Food safety training helps ensure your fleet of drivers is equipped to operate your reefer trailers properly.