Refrigerated trailers are mainly used for transporting some perishable products, and their temperature is usually 5℃~-20℃. No matter whether you transport any products, or require different temperature requirements, common are single-temperature zones and multi-temperature zones, multi-temperature zones to meet different needs of goods. At the same time you need to comply with FDA regulations and also have to comply with the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) implemented in 2017. By understanding this article, you can understand how many degrees Celsius you should need for a refrigerated trailer to make shipping easier. Failure to meet the required low temperatures can result in loss of revenue and cargo.
Temperature requirements for refrigerated goods
The use of refrigerated trailers for the transport of goods is very common, and the law is well established. Some of the products that are commonly transported in refrigerated trailers are meat, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and flowers. They all have different temperature requirements.
Low-temperature transport can inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, but low temperature can not kill bacteria, if the temperature of the refrigerated trailer loses the role of heat absorption and insulation. It will make the goods continuously breed more bacteria, which will be harmful to human health and will also make the shelf life of the goods shorter. Before each job, you need to check the refrigeration thermostat to make sure it is not faulty.
Meat, fish and other derivatives
Meat and other derivatives have the highest temperature requirements. This is because it is easy to produce a lot of bacteria due to temperature changes.
Meat is transported either chilled or frozen, depending on the purpose of the transport. During transport, it is usually in the frozen form. Refrigerated transport will be used in community deliveries to make it easier for customers to thaw meat.
The use of multi-temperature refrigerated vehicles allows for the transport of a wider variety of meats, which can increase usage and revenue.
Raw Meats (Pork, Beef, Lamb):
Cryopreservation: 32°F – 36°F (0°C – 2°C)
Keep frozen: 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
If the temperature is higher than 5°C, bacterial multiplication and growth will be accelerated, thus making it more susceptible to spoilage and bacterial growth.
Poultry (chicken, duck, turkey, etc.):
Store at low temperatures: 32°F – 34°F (0°C – 1°C)
Seafood:
Temperature requirements:
Raw Fish: 32°F – 36°F (0°C – 2°C)
Frozen Fish: 0°F (-18°C) or lower
Soft Seafood: 32°F – 38°F (0°C – 3°C)
Temperature Sensitivity:
Fish and seafood are very perishable, especially raw fish. If the temperature exceeds 39°F (4°C), it may spoil quickly. Bacteria and pathogens in seafood can multiply rapidly.
Dairy.
Temperature Requirements:
Storage Temperature: 34°F – 38°F (1°C – 3°C)
Temperature Sensitivity:
Sensitive to temperature changes, prolonged periods above 40°F (4.4°C) can lead to microbial growth and affect food quality.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals have very high-temperature requirements. Vaccines, insulin, antibiotics, and hormones all have very high-temperature requirements.
Temperature Requirements: Shipping Temperature: 36°F – 46°F (2°C – 8°C)
Pharmaceuticals are particularly sensitive to temperature and can be rendered ineffective by temperature fluctuations.
Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables:
Vegetables are very sensitive to temperature and we need to extend their shelf life and keep them fresh
Leafy greens (e.g. lettuce, spinach, kale, etc.).
Temperature requirements: 32°F – 36°F (0°C – 2°C)
Root vegetables (e.g. carrots, potatoes, beets, etc.).
Temperature Requirements:
Carrots, Beets: 32°F – 36°F (0°C – 2°C)
Potatoes: 45°F – 50°F (7°C – 10°C)
Squash Vegetables (e.g. cucumbers, courgette, etc.).
Temperature Requirements: 50°F – 54°F (10°C – 12°C)
Temperature Sensitivity:
Cucumbers are very sensitive to low temperatures, below 50°F (10°C) will result in softening of texture and loss of moisture.
Fruit:
Fruits need to retain not only moisture but also freshness. Prevent flavour changes and spoilage.
Frozen fruit: -1°C – 0°C
Tropical fruit: 13°C – 14.5°C
Melon fruits such as watermelon and cantaloupe: – 10°C – 15.5°C
Temperature requirement: 10°C – 15°C
Flowers
High temperatures can lead to premature flowering and water loss if flowers are kept at high temperatures. Most flowers should be transported refrigerated at temperatures between 0°C and 4°C.
What is the purpose of refrigerated food?
The main purpose of refrigeration is to prolong the shelf life of the food and also to preserve the taste and appearance of the food.
Refrigeration inhibits the growth of bacteria and prevents spoiled food from causing disease in humans. This is the importance of refrigerated trailers.
What happens if the trailer is not at the correct temperature?
Incorrect temperature inside the trailer will not only make the food unhealthy, it will multiply bacteria and become the cradle of microorganisms.
It can also cause the food to lose its value or its original appearance. Products like flowers, for example, can be rendered useless and unappreciated.
At the same time in the normal operation of the vehicle, to maintain the insulation performance of the vehicle, if it is too old, you need to replace the truck body or trailer body. At the same time in the process of transport, you need to reduce the number of times to open and close the door. It is also necessary to keep the refrigeration unit running continuously.
What kind of food can’t be transported by refrigerated trailer?
Refrigeration does not always extend the shelf life and food value of food.
Lettuce and spinach: will discolour and soften at low temperatures and need to be transported at room temperature.
Dairy products: cannot be transported frozen and can cause clumping and freezing, or even separation.
Raw eggs: cannot be stored in the freezer, which can lead to cracked shells and increase the likelihood of bacterial infection.
