It’s the middle of summer and 97° here in Virginia and throughout the country. The summer demand for refrigerated fresh products under tight deadlines is at its peak. Allen Lund Company specializes in moving this type of product, successfully transporting thousands of produce loads a year. But, what happens when your load is rejected? This is one of the most frustrating challenges in refrigerated transportation. Rejected loads can lead to insurance claims, contract loss, and a damaged reputation.
How can we prevent avoidable cases of rejected loads and the claims associated with them?
Vet the carriers and drivers moving the loads. Allen Lund Company’s database employs a rigorous vetting process. There is a wealth of resources available when choosing a carrier to represent you.
- Verify that the chosen carrier has reefer breakdown AND spoilage coverage on their policy.
- Seek product exclusions from the carrier’s insurance company.
- Refer to internal notes regarding the carrier’s communication practices, past performance, and on-time percentage. A late perishable load rarely works out well.
- Consider known history the carrier has moving refrigerated product.
- Ask the potential carrier/driver the right questions. Verify that they are experienced in moving temperature-sensitive products.
- Trust but verify. You will come across the good, the bad, and the ugly. Take it all into account when considering whether to do business with a carrier.
In addition to ensuring that you entrust your load with the right carrier, it is also important to prevent hot loads before they get on the truck as well as avoid equipment failure and human error. On Tuesday, August 4 in Keeping it Fresh article, we will continue to discuss the best ways to avoid these problems and guarantee your refrigerated load makes it to the final destination unharmed.
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Jennifer Brearley began working for the Allen Lund Company in February of 2019 as a transportation broker. She joined the company with five years of domestic and international shipping experience. Brearley attended Western Governors University and received a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies.