Refrigerated & Temperature-Controlled Cargo Inspections
Independent Refrigerated Cargo Inspections
The safety of temperature-controlled cargo has always been subject to many problems that would have no effect on dry freight. Problems such as frozen freight that has thawed during transit or chilled cargo that has become frozen in transit. Sometimes temperature abuse is more imagined than real when consignees use infrared temperature guns that display the higher temperatures of the packaging instead of probing the products to determine the actual product temperature. Refusal of shipments due to actual or suspected out-of-range temperatures present special problems for carriers in storing the cargo and determining if the cargo is actually damaged.
Our Inspection Process
At your request, Recovery Service Group LLC will arrange for an independent inspector to attend the reported location of the cargo to document the condition of the shipment. The inspector will meet with the appropriate parties on site, examine the refrigerated equipment where accessible, document the operating settings and any available temperature information, and record all relevant observations to assist with the transportation or insurance claim.
Inspection Activities
Where appropriate, we will inspect the cargo and obtain representative temperature readings using a calibrated digital temperature probe, with the probe inserted directly into the product for not less than five minutes. We will also examine the position and condition of the air chute, verify that the cargo is properly elevated on skids or pallets, and confirm that it is not stacked above the designated load line, allowing chilled or heated air to circulate freely throughout the semi-trailer or ocean container.
If the recorded temperatures are found to be within the required range, those observations will be documented in our inspection report. Where requested, we will also document the consignee's acceptance or refusal of the shipment and any relevant observations made at the time of inspection.
Our inspection may include:
• Inspection of cargo condition
• Inspection of packaging and pallets
• Reefer trailer or refrigerated container observations
• Temperature readings, where available
• Loading configuration
• Airflow observations
• Photographic documentation
• Seal verification, where applicable
• Independent factual reporting
Rapid Response Refrigerated Cargo Inspections
If you are faced with a refrigerated or temperature-controlled cargo loss, Recovery Service Group LLC can promptly dispatch an experienced independent inspector to document the condition of the shipment, packaging, trailer, and any visible evidence relating to the reported loss. Our objective is to provide timely, factual documentation to assist our clients with transportation and insurance claims.
To request a refrigerated cargo inspection anywhere in the United States or Canada, contact Recovery Service Group LLC at 725-255-3707 or submit an inspection request through our website.
