In the fast-paced world of produce shipping, maintaining the cold chain and properly documenting temperature control from origin to destination are crucial to prevent disputes. A recent transportation case handled by the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) highlights the importance of these practices.
A shipper sold blueberries to a buyer on a Free on Board (FOB) basis. The Bill of Lading (BoL) indicated the product was loaded at temperatures ranging from 32°F to 34°F, and the reefer was to be set at 34°F in continuous mode. Upon arrival, the blueberries were found to have warm pulp temperatures and were in poor condition. A federal inspection was performed, which corroborated that the product failed to meet DRC’s Good Arrival Guidelines.
To evaluate the case, DRC’s Trading Assistance staff requested the following information: the BOL, loading checklist, loading pattern, the temperature recorder readout, reefer unit download, record of pulp temperatures upon arrival and the federal inspection report.
Here’s what was discovered:
1. BoL: The BoL indicated a required transit temperature of 33°F, and the actual pulp temperature at loading was 34°F. It also showed the driver signed the BOL without any notations and no indication that the driver took pulp temperatures during or after loading.
2. Loading Checklist: A loading checklist was provided and signed by the driver, documenting pulp temperatures between 32°F and 34°F.
3. Temperature Recorder Readout: This document indicated that the product was subject to warmer-than-desirable temperatures during transit.
4. Reefer Unit Download: Although the reefer unit was set correctly, the readings between the Supply Air Column (SAT) and the Return Air Column (RAT) suggested the reefer unit was having problems maintaining the desired set temperature. The SAT readings ranged from 28°F to 38°F, while RAT readings were consistently around 36°F. This discrepancy suggested that the reefer was acting appropriately, but it was not able to maintain the desired temperature. A factor that could have contributed to this situation was the Outside Ambient Temperature (AAT), which during the first two transit days showed weather conditions reached temperatures above 100°F.
5. Federal Inspection: The inspection was promptly conducted with a report indicating that the pulp temperatures were above normal. This also indicated that the blueberries were received in poor condition, with defects associated with the product having been exposed to warmer temperatures than desired. It also reported that the air chute was intact.
While the carrier argued that the product was loaded warm, no evidence was provided to support this claim. The DRC determined that this was most likely a transportation claim based on the evidence showing that the carrier was unable to maintain the desired set temperature during transit.
This case highlights the importance of keeping proper temperature records at shipping point, during transit, and upon arrival. Shippers, carriers, and receivers all share the responsibility for maintaining a proper cold chain from origin to destination.
Clear communication and diligent record-keeping can prevent disputes and protect the integrity of all parties involved, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
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