Reefer procedures
 

From the booking to the delivery of your cargo



CMA CGM’s reefer experts have drawn up a list of procedures from the moment a container booking is made right through to delivery at its final destination.

When the booking is made, we will need the following information:
  • Nature of the merchandise
  • Place of origin and final destination
  • Quantity, weight and dimensions of merchandise
  • Type of packaging being used (crate, drum, pallet, etc)
  • Temperature of transport required (specify °C or °F)
  • Fresh air exchange volume required (specify cf/m or cm/h)
  • Optional choice of modified atmosphere or controlled atmosphere
  • Dates when goods will be available from the packing point and the expected date of delivery to their destination
  • Specific requirements (for example, multi-temperature, cold treatment, etc.)
CMA CGM - Refrigerated Containers
Pre Trip Inspection (PTI) of the container
The PTI is a detailed inspection of the container and is meticulously carried out by our reefer experts to ensure that the container is:
  • clean
  • there are no odours
  • the system is in perfect condition
Pre-Cooling Cargo
All refrigerated goods should be pre-cooled to the temperature required during their transport by reefer before being loaded. Reefer containers are designed to maintain this temperature and not to lower it.
To avoid the problems associated with condensation, pre-cooling is only possible if there is a suitable cold store available for packing.

Packaging
The packaging must:
  • be designed, manufactured and stowed in a way that ensures optimal protection of the goods
  • be able to withstand repeated handling in diverse and varied environments without damage
  • be able to withstand the vertical pressures incurred when piling up crates
  • be able to tolerate humidity
  • allow good air circulation through the container to ensure optimum temperature control
Packing and stowage
Packing and stowage of the merchandise inside the container are done by the shipper Key points to note:
  • As all our reefers are bottom air delivery, the entire floor surface of the reefer must be covered by the cargo. If that is not possible, then material such as cardboard, etc, is used to cover the remainder.
     See diagram Airflow

  • For chilled cargo, the cartons should be stowed in a block, so that there is no space between them or between them and the walls of the container, in a way that the top and bottom vents are aligned allowing a free flow of air through the merchandise. The same recommendations apply to frozen goods to avoid any heat from outside coming into contact with the cargo.
     See diagram Stocking
During the journey
CMA CGM’s reefer experts monitor the containers at every stage of the journey to ensure they are functioning correctly:
  • on entering and leaving the container yard
  • when being loaded on to a train or truck
  • when parked in the port terminal
  • during the journey on board ship
Throughout the journey, CMA CGM personnel regularly monitor the reefer containers using an electronic microprocessor and data-loggers, which record all parameters. Even when the reefer is unplugged, the data-logger continues to record temperatures in the container:
  • Supply air temperature
  • Return air temperature
  • Ambient temperature
  • Cargo temperature (optional)
  • Humidity level
Other actions which could impact on the quality of the merchandise are also monitored and recorded:
  • Tuning operations
  • Modifying the parameters
  • Interventions
  • Breakdowns
  • Alarms
  • Connecting / disconnecting the containers
On delivery
CMA CGM’s reefer experts check the container’s temperature and ensure everything is working properly right up to the moment the goods are delivered to their final destination.



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