As refrigerated goods travel across the globe in reefer containers, have you ever stopped to consider the hidden dynamics inside these temperature-controlled environments? Even a slight temperature shift can put an entire shipment at risk, and that’s exactly why temperature mapping exists.
Think of temperature mapping as a comprehensive health check for a reefer container – rather than simply verifying the setpoints, it reveals how the container actually performs under real transport conditions.
What Is Temperature Mapping – And Why Does It Matter?
Reefer containers quietly power the global cold chain. They safely transport fresh produce, medicines, and other sensitive products across long distances, all while maintaining carefully controlled environments.
However, exposure to temperatures outside the cargo’s specific range, even for a short time, can harm refrigerated goods, sometimes resulting in spoilage, loss, or safety hazards.
While most reefers operate within a range of -30°C to +30°C to suit various cargo needs, temperature variations can occur in different parts of the container, sometimes in unpredictable ways.
How Does Temperature Mapping Work?
Imagine temperature mapping as a detailed weather report for your cargo.
The process involves placing multiple sensors in various locations inside the container to capture real temperature patterns over a period of time. This enables carriers to look beyond just the setpoint, and gain insight into how the temperature is distributed under real operating conditions, including identifying hot and cold spots.
ZIM’s Reefers Are Temperature Mapping Certified!
Our industry-leading, youngest refrigerated fleet is now proudly Temperature Mapping certified by Cambridge Refrigeration Technology Ltd.
What Does This Mean for Shippers?
Shippers across the cold-chain industry are increasingly demanding validated, temperature-controlled transport and documented monitoring in refrigerated containers.
Temperature mapping certification proves that a refrigerated fleet does more than just monitor temperatures. For many, it brings even greater transparency to the cold chain, verifying that the reefer containers have been officially qualified to maintain the necessary temperature ranges for regulated products, a standard increasingly demanded across the industry.
With ZIM’s refrigerated fleet now temperature mapping certified, shippers gain even greater visibility over their cargo. And, just like our journey with ZIMonitorTM, this achievement began with a conversation with our customers.
Curious about our temperature mapping certification? Have questions, suggestions, or ideas to share?
Reach out to your local representative or contact me.
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