How do I inspect a cold-chain company’s reefer vans and pre-cooling routines?

Begin with the vans. Look at door seals, floors, walls and the strip curtains inside, since small leaks cost cold air every stop. Check the refrigeration unit’s service file, hours, repairs and age. Ask a refrigeration mechanic to test each one and tell you which units they would replace first.

Then watch the routine. Ask to see a pre-cool before a morning load. How long does the van run empty, what is the target, who checks it and where is it written? Notice whether the driver takes a reading before loading or only trusts the dash. If shortcuts are common on busy mornings, ask the dispatcher how often that happens.

Finally, look at how the vans are used. Ask how long doors stay open at a stop, how loads are packed and how drivers deal with multiple drops. Ask what happens to a van overnight and where it parks in hot weather. Check with your accountant how the vans are carried in the books and with your lender what condition they want to see.

Key takeaways

• Hire a refrigeration mechanic to test every unit, not just the oldest.
• Watch a real pre-cool, and see where the reading is recorded.
• Check door seals, floors and curtains for small leaks of cold air.
• Ask how drivers handle many drops and open doors.