Reefer Survey

It is common knowledge that perishable products are very costly, particularly seafood. In ascertaining the cause of damage, the question centres largely on whether the reefer machinery equipment was faulty or whether there were evidence of pre-shipment problems or whether the shippers themselves were at fault (improper stowage and/or packing). The importance of ascertaining the proximate cause of loss/damage cannot be sufficiently emphasised.

The conduct of survey on reefer cargo requires technical knowledge of machinery and equipment as well as sound knowledge and understanding of the propensities of the shipment in question. A good surveyor has to attend to the survey and be armed with various paraphernalia in order to determine the accuracy of the findings. At CJA, our surveyors are well equipped with temperature thermometer, hand-held drill, Refractormeter (Brix indicator), Penetrometer (Firmness), Iodine Testing (Maturity), etc in order to carry out such surveys. The understanding of Partlow Chart temperature recording, USDA probe within the container, Microprocessor Temperature Data Log is a MUST in order to provide the principal with accurate findings into the proximate cause of loss/damage. Samples of reefer cargo may even have to be taken for a laboratory test to determine fitness for human consumption and quality. All these add up to one thing – ensuring at all times that our Principal’s interest has not been prejudiced by unqualified and ill-equipped surveyors.

Please download the issue on Pre-cooling of reefer containers.
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