Anyone who has dealt with international refs knows that there are a lot of small nuances that can go wrong. Refrigerated logistics is always more than just “loading and unloading”. The driver’s responsibility, the technical condition of the refrigerator, control over documents and communication at all stages are important here. What important nuances are often underestimated?
- One of the biggest problems is long queues at the border. Meanwhile, no one is canceling the heat regime. Even if the unit is working properly, during idle time, the refinery burns fuel (sometimes 10-15 liters per day only at idle). In addition, due to the constant opening/closing of documents and sealing, there is a risk of temperature spikes. This is especially critical for flowers, berries, milk, and frozen fish. If left for several days, the cargo may deteriorate.
- Different standards of temperature control in different countries. For example, in Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania, a thermograph is mandatory. In Italy or Bulgaria, a driver can say, “Everything is fine,” and even without a record. And then the customer asks for a full temperature log, and disputes begin. Therefore, it is better to agree on the format of control at the stage of signing the application.
- Problems with the return of seals. In international transportation, each customs office puts its own seal. It happens that when crossing several borders, there may be 2-3 seals. If the driver loses at least one, a fine or problems with customs officers are guaranteed. Therefore, professional carriers: keep a register of seals; require photo fixation of seals; check the presence of all seals at each stage of clearance.
- Overloading or weight control. On international highways, there are often truck weight checks. And here is a nuance: refs are usually heavier than regular tents. And if the customer has loaded the truck to the brim with diesel in the tank, you can easily “catch a fine” for being overweight.
In some countries (especially the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany), this costs a lot of money. - Mismatch of documents and actual cargo. There is often a situation when the documents say, for example, that the cheese is packaged in 1 kg, but in reality there are packages of 1.2 kg or even a mix. At the border during the inspection, this may be grounds for a fine, delay or return of the cargo. Recommendation: before shipping, be sure to check the cargo specifications with the actual goods.
- Many people order transportation without actually checking the terms of CMR insurance. And there are nuances there: limitation of coverage for temperature failures; limits on the value of cargo per kilogram; exclusion of certain commodity groups (for example, fresh raspberries or expensive fish). In an emergency, the insurance company may simply refuse to compensate.
