Product & condition
Describe the product, packaging, quantity and condition at the time of loading.
Reefer cargo guide
Plan the cold chain before loading.
Prepare product instructions, equipment settings and handover details for temperature-sensitive cargo.
01 / Product instructions
Begin with the cargo requirements.
The booking discussion should establish what the product needs and whether the proposed equipment and service can provide it.
Written settings
Obtain the product owner’s transport temperature and any ventilation or humidity instructions.
Packaging & stowage
Share package and pallet dimensions, stacking restrictions and the proposed loading pattern.
Monitoring & response
Agree the records required, available monitoring, escalation contacts and response instructions.
Settings are cargo-specific. Confirm them with the product owner and carrier; a generic product name is not enough to choose a temperature.
02 / Before loading
Protect the conditions you have planned.
Use the operator’s instructions for the actual equipment and cargo. Loading patterns and airflow requirements need to be reviewed together.
Prepare the product
Bring cargo to its specified transport condition before loading. Confirm the actual product condition rather than relying only on the equipment display.
Check the equipment
Confirm that the unit is clean and suitable, and that equipment checks and the agreed operating instructions have been addressed with the carrier.
Protect airflow
Use suitable packaging and a carrier-approved stowage arrangement. Keep required air paths clear and respect the load line and usable floor area.
Complete the loading checks
Confirm the agreed settings, close and secure the doors, and follow the carrier’s loading and restart procedure. Record the handover information.
Reference: Hapag-Lloyd — reefer cargo handling.
03 / Handover plan
Keep the instructions with the shipment.
| Topic | What to agree |
|---|---|
| Power & transfers | How power and temperature control will be managed during each stage and transfer. |
| Records | Which product, setting, seal and equipment records are captured, and who receives them. |
| Monitoring | What data is available, who reviews it and how an alert is escalated. |
| Delays or changes | Who can authorise a change and what instructions apply when the plan changes. |
| Receiving site | Appointment, unloading arrangements, suitable storage and a responsible receiving contact. |
Ask about the monitoring and response included in your specific booking. Do not assume every service provides continuous remote visibility.
04 / Common questions
Before booking a reefer.
Can the unit cool warm cargo to the required condition?
Prepare the product to its specified transport condition before loading. Ask the carrier and product owner to review any different operating requirement; do not plan on correcting unsuitable cargo condition in transit.
Do all refrigerated products use the same settings?
No. Agree temperature and any ventilation or humidity instructions for the particular product and packaging. Mixed cargo needs a compatibility review before booking.
Can I fill all the available space?
A reefer needs its specified air circulation and load clearances. Confirm the loading pattern, equipment limits and usable space before deciding the quantity.
What should I send with an enquiry?
Share the product, origin and destination, volume and weight, package details, readiness date, written handling instructions and any monitoring or delivery requirements.