Refrigerated and Climate-Controlled Cargo

We work with top university researchers and equipment manufacturers to develop the most advanced reefer technology and post-harvest handling processes for perishables.

APL goes a step beyond the standard transportation of commodities for those who require refrigeration and special handling. After all, APL is recognized as the industry's refrigerated and climate-controlled cargo (reefer) specialist.

This section provides guidelines for handling and transporting perishables, and is intended for growers, packers, shippers, brokers, truckers, receivers, and our own employees who have an important role to play in preserving the quality of perishable commodities.

From the fields to the marketplace, each of us has a vital role to play in getting products to the market (and ultimately to the consumer) safely, efficiently, and with minimum loss of product quality. By working together, we can reach our common goal of bringing quality products to consumers all over the world.

It is estimated that one-quarter of the world's produce is never eaten because of inefficient transportation systems between the grower and the consumer. All of us who are involved in transporting and distributing perishables have a role in reducing these losses.

To reduce losses, we must:

• Understand the biological and environmental factors involved in product deterioration.
• Employ post-harvest technologies and procedures that will maintain optimum product quality.

This section provides information that will help achieve both these goals.

Commodities shipped in reefers

A wide variety of commodities is shipped under refrigeration, including:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Fresh and frozen meats, poultry, and seafood
• Dairy products and eggs
• Frozen prepared foods
• Fresh juices and frozen concentrates
• Confectionery products
• Chemicals and biological products
• Live plants and flowers

Each of these products is highly perishable and requires special handling to ensure that it arrives in optimum condition at its destination. Special handling can include proper post-harvest handling procedures, sanitation, pre-cooling, packaging, stowage, temperature management, air exchange, product compatibility, modified and controlled atmosphere.

The following pages discuss each area in greater detail as they apply to the various commodity groups shipped under refrigeration. Recommended handling procedures are also provided to assure quality customer service and consumer satisfaction.

APL provides this information as a service to our customers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, APL cannot accept responsibility for the material contained herein since it is designed to be of general applicability and does not consider the specific requirements and circumstances of individual customers.

The information contained in this Reefer section is proprietary to APL Co. Pte Ltd and the information contained herein should not be disseminated or distributed either in whole or in part without prior written consent or approval from APL Co. Pte Ltd.

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