One of the reasons that passive pallet covers can be such a great investment is that they protect temperature-sensitive products from drastic temperature changes. With passive pallet protection, even when a product is removed from a reefer unit, there will only be a change in temperature of a few degrees, over hours or even days, keeping those products safely within their recommended temperature range.
But when are temperature-sensitive products at risk of being exposed to circumstances that could change their temperature? Here are a few of the instances when it could happen.
Shipping Climate
One big factor that can put temperature-sensitive cargo at risk is the various climates the products are shipped through. For example, if cargo is being transported by train, during the summer, if it’s not in a reefer unit, the cargo container sitting on a train may heat up. Conversely, winter shipping could mean a product drops below its recommended storage temperature.
Container Position
If a cargo container is loaded on a ship, it could be surrounded by other containers, or it could be exposed to sunlight throughout a journey. It’s even possible for temperatures to go up due to proximity to the engine room, or even fuel tanks. A cargo container without a reefer unit can raise its internal temperature by as much as 60℃ when exposed to direct sunlight.
Waiting On Tarmac
Another situation where products are vulnerable to wild shifts in temperature is the transfer or transloading period when awaiting a shift over to another vehicle. Shipping products by air is much faster, but only if planes arrive on time. If there’s a delay, the precautionary move to leave cargo on the tarmac for faster loading can result in cargo being exposed to sunlight, and thus potential damage from heat.
The Last Mile
Even when products are being delivered to their final retail or consumer destination, the risk isn’t over. Trucks, which usually have no environmental control systems for cargo, can fluctuate drastically in temperature. Products spending several hours in trucks along a delivery route are at risk of having their storage temperature affected if that truck has a long route on a hot, sunny day, for example.
Because of this, passive pallet covers can provide an extra layer of temperature protection, preserving the recommended temperature when reefer units are no longer available.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive products and want to know what kind of passive pallet cover will safely transport them to their destination, we can help. Contact us to explain your shipping needs and obtain a quote.
