8. Container Selection
8.1. Exporter action
8.1.1. The produce to be carried should be specified when a container is ordered.
8.1.2. A container ordered for one commodity should not be used for another commodity without prior approval from the Shipping Company. As the intended use of the container is not usually known when the PTI is carried out, the Set Point may be left on a temperature to suit the carriage of Hard Frozen or Chiller cargo (eg. -18°C or 0°C). The Shipper must check the Set Point Temperature before the container unit is placed on power. As the operation of the reefer machinery is checked at the time of PTI, there is therefore no necessity for the shipper/packer to pre-cool the container to check its functionality or to run the equipment during the loading operation (see 9.2.5 and 9.2.6). It is important to note that refrigerated containers are designed to maintain delivery air temperatures and not to reduce the temperature of the cargo.
8.1.3. The desired produce temperature during transport, vent setting and any other special requirements should be specified at the time of booking to enable the shipping company to select a suitable container. It is suggested that the desired temperature be chosen from the recommendations in Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in preparing these recommendations Shipping Australia accepts no liability resulting from the interpretation or use of the information set out in Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1. The Shipper is in the best position to know the optimum temperature for the carriage of his product.
It may sometimes be necessary for statutory or other reasons to specify a maximum duration of time without refrigeration, either per event or in total for the journey.
The rate of Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) should be specified by the shipper in Cubic Meters per Hour (CMH). Specification of a percentage rate FAE is not acceptable as it only has a meaning if it relates to a specific model of refrigeration unit and size. For further information on Fresh Air Exchange conversions visit this website:
http://dhilreefer.blogspot.com/2009/11/fresh-air-ventelitions.html
http://dhilreefer.blogspot.com/2009/02/fresh-air-exchange-flow-rate-conversion_04.html
8.1.5. The carton size and package configuration used should be appropriate to suit the associated minimum container dimensions, to ensure optimum payload conditions can be achieved.
8.1.6. Verify that the correct set point temperature has been chosen (See Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1), especially if the unit is to be operated at the packing shed or in transit from the packing shed to the marine terminal (See 9.2.3). Set point temperature and Fresh Air Exchange rate and any other specific information must be shown in the electronic Pre-Receival Advice (PRA). The Shipper who arranges the movement of the container from the packing warehouse to the marine terminal, should ensure that that all those
involved in the transport chain (including the transport contractor) are made aware of the Set Point Temperature, in the event a unit has to be placed on power during transit, prior to delivery to the marine terminal.
8.2. Shipping company action
Whilst these procedures are covered by the PTI (section 3.2), shipping companies should ensure these processes have occurred.
8.2.1. All containers must be supplied clean, dry and free from persistent odours from previous cargoes, contaminants, residues, pests and fit for the purpose. The interior and exterior panelling must be free from any damage that would affect the cargo-worthiness of the container.
For information on relevant standards please refer to booklet entitled “Standards for Food Quality Shipping Containers” endorsed by AQIS.
This publication has been developed by Shipping Australia Limited as a general guide and reference for all those involved in the supply, preparation and inspection of shipping containers for the carriage of export food commodities. It is not intended to supersede or override any existing regulations but only to offer simple descriptions and explanations of current AQIS requirements and inspection practices. It covers the most common areas of concern, providing information about rules, conditions and circumstances, as well as giving reference points for further information. The updated PDF
version, and not the Pink Book should now be used as the general guide and reference for standards for food quality shipping containers. Companies that are operating Co-regulation Arrangements for empty (dry box) container inspections should ensure that their accredited inspectors have access to and
are using the updated PDF version (printed in colour) by the time of the next AQIS audit of their arrangement.
8.2.2. The container should be free of internal bowing that could prevent optimum payload conditions being achieved.
8.2.3. Integral containers must be fitted with ventilation ports to allow venting during the ocean passage of the container. It is suggested that Ventilation Settings with marked positions, should be set as per shipper’s requirements who would be guided by the recommendations in Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1 (Refer 8.1.3 & 8.1.4).
A container with an air circulation rate appropriate to the produce should be selected. Produce with high rates of respiration requires high air circulation. Produce sensitive to moisture loss requires low air circulation. Produce that has a short storage life at or below 0°C requires high air circulation. There
should be no obstructions in the floor ribs that would affect efficient air circulation. Ventilation can be internal with cold air being circulated to maintain the pre-set produce temperature or external, with fresh air being introduced from outside to remove carbon dioxide and other gases released by the produce.
8.2.5. Door gaskets and weather strips must be in good condition to form an effective seal (weather tight)
when doors are closed.
8.2.6.Doors and ventilators are in sound condition and in good operational order.
8.2.7. The temperature control unit should be appropriate to the desired produce temperature during transport. If produce is to be carried at or below 0°C then a unit with accurate control of the delivery air temperature must be chosen. If the unit operates with a return air controller, then the unit must be fitted with a correctly set delivery air safety thermostat. The refrigeration unit on integral containers or clip-ons should be pre-tripped with particular attention to the accuracy of the temperature controller and recorder and a sticker showing the date of service should be attached to the unit. (Refer to section 3.2 Pre-Trip Inspection).
8.2.8. The set point on the temperature control unit should be adjusted to the value appropriate to the type of control unit and the desired temperature of the produce during transport. Recommended values are shown in Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1 (refer to sections 8.1.3 & 8.1.4). On mechanical temperature controllers (Partlow Controller or separate dial setter) the setting can be
verified before placing the machinery on power. Electronic temperature controllers may require the machinery to be placed on power, unless the temperature controller is fitted with its own power source.
8.2.9. Simple operating instructions should accompany integral containers to enable the packing shed to connect the units to power if required.
Containers fitted with Partlow Recorders are normally released to the shippers with a clean blank Partlow chart. The shipper/packer should fill in the appropriate details on the chart (i.e. date, container number, vessel/voyage, cargo temperature set point, load port and destination). The chart should be placed on the recorder at the correct time and set to record. Note, in some cases the chart is marked and set by the releasing depot but the shipper/packer should verify the details are correct and match the ERA details. Partlow charts are of prime importance because they give a continuos record,
including time off power. As a matter of routine, new charts should be placed in a recorder during a voyage, if the 31-day period expires. The chart/charts should be removed and forwarded to the shipping line’s agent at the discharge terminal prior to release of the container to the custody of the consignee. Some shipping companies have adopted procedures to change the ‘Partlow Chart‘ at every interchange between links in the transport chain (receival at Container terminal, loaded on the vessel, discharged at terminal, when given delivery to trucker at discharge port). In such an instance, whoever places the chart on the recorder is responsible for filling out the relevant details on the chart.
Note: Partlow Charts in most containers record return air temperatures.
8.3. Data recorders
If the container is fitted with an electronic temperature recorder that has provision to store & retrieve temperature information the recording of relevant temperature information shall automatically occur whilst the container is operating on power or in many cases also whilst the container is off power if the datacorder has a power back up system. Any other relevant paperwork required should be completed in a timely and accurate manner as is the standard requirement with any export movements.
8.3.1. It is recommended that empty containers released for food quality cargo have seals fitted to the door locking handle to ensure that shippers receive containers in the same condition at the packing shed.
8.1. Exporter action
8.1.1. The produce to be carried should be specified when a container is ordered.
8.1.2. A container ordered for one commodity should not be used for another commodity without prior approval from the Shipping Company. As the intended use of the container is not usually known when the PTI is carried out, the Set Point may be left on a temperature to suit the carriage of Hard Frozen or Chiller cargo (eg. -18°C or 0°C). The Shipper must check the Set Point Temperature before the container unit is placed on power. As the operation of the reefer machinery is checked at the time of PTI, there is therefore no necessity for the shipper/packer to pre-cool the container to check its functionality or to run the equipment during the loading operation (see 9.2.5 and 9.2.6). It is important to note that refrigerated containers are designed to maintain delivery air temperatures and not to reduce the temperature of the cargo.
8.1.3. The desired produce temperature during transport, vent setting and any other special requirements should be specified at the time of booking to enable the shipping company to select a suitable container. It is suggested that the desired temperature be chosen from the recommendations in Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in preparing these recommendations Shipping Australia accepts no liability resulting from the interpretation or use of the information set out in Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1. The Shipper is in the best position to know the optimum temperature for the carriage of his product.
It may sometimes be necessary for statutory or other reasons to specify a maximum duration of time without refrigeration, either per event or in total for the journey.
The rate of Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) should be specified by the shipper in Cubic Meters per Hour (CMH). Specification of a percentage rate FAE is not acceptable as it only has a meaning if it relates to a specific model of refrigeration unit and size. For further information on Fresh Air Exchange conversions visit this website:
http://dhilreefer.blogspot.com/2009/11/fresh-air-ventelitions.html
http://dhilreefer.blogspot.com/2009/02/fresh-air-exchange-flow-rate-conversion_04.html
8.1.5. The carton size and package configuration used should be appropriate to suit the associated minimum container dimensions, to ensure optimum payload conditions can be achieved.
8.1.6. Verify that the correct set point temperature has been chosen (See Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1), especially if the unit is to be operated at the packing shed or in transit from the packing shed to the marine terminal (See 9.2.3). Set point temperature and Fresh Air Exchange rate and any other specific information must be shown in the electronic Pre-Receival Advice (PRA). The Shipper who arranges the movement of the container from the packing warehouse to the marine terminal, should ensure that that all those
involved in the transport chain (including the transport contractor) are made aware of the Set Point Temperature, in the event a unit has to be placed on power during transit, prior to delivery to the marine terminal.
8.2. Shipping company action
Whilst these procedures are covered by the PTI (section 3.2), shipping companies should ensure these processes have occurred.
8.2.1. All containers must be supplied clean, dry and free from persistent odours from previous cargoes, contaminants, residues, pests and fit for the purpose. The interior and exterior panelling must be free from any damage that would affect the cargo-worthiness of the container.
For information on relevant standards please refer to booklet entitled “Standards for Food Quality Shipping Containers” endorsed by AQIS.
This publication has been developed by Shipping Australia Limited as a general guide and reference for all those involved in the supply, preparation and inspection of shipping containers for the carriage of export food commodities. It is not intended to supersede or override any existing regulations but only to offer simple descriptions and explanations of current AQIS requirements and inspection practices. It covers the most common areas of concern, providing information about rules, conditions and circumstances, as well as giving reference points for further information. The updated PDF
version, and not the Pink Book should now be used as the general guide and reference for standards for food quality shipping containers. Companies that are operating Co-regulation Arrangements for empty (dry box) container inspections should ensure that their accredited inspectors have access to and
are using the updated PDF version (printed in colour) by the time of the next AQIS audit of their arrangement.
8.2.2. The container should be free of internal bowing that could prevent optimum payload conditions being achieved.
8.2.3. Integral containers must be fitted with ventilation ports to allow venting during the ocean passage of the container. It is suggested that Ventilation Settings with marked positions, should be set as per shipper’s requirements who would be guided by the recommendations in Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1 (Refer 8.1.3 & 8.1.4).
A container with an air circulation rate appropriate to the produce should be selected. Produce with high rates of respiration requires high air circulation. Produce sensitive to moisture loss requires low air circulation. Produce that has a short storage life at or below 0°C requires high air circulation. There
should be no obstructions in the floor ribs that would affect efficient air circulation. Ventilation can be internal with cold air being circulated to maintain the pre-set produce temperature or external, with fresh air being introduced from outside to remove carbon dioxide and other gases released by the produce.
8.2.5. Door gaskets and weather strips must be in good condition to form an effective seal (weather tight)
when doors are closed.
8.2.6.Doors and ventilators are in sound condition and in good operational order.
8.2.7. The temperature control unit should be appropriate to the desired produce temperature during transport. If produce is to be carried at or below 0°C then a unit with accurate control of the delivery air temperature must be chosen. If the unit operates with a return air controller, then the unit must be fitted with a correctly set delivery air safety thermostat. The refrigeration unit on integral containers or clip-ons should be pre-tripped with particular attention to the accuracy of the temperature controller and recorder and a sticker showing the date of service should be attached to the unit. (Refer to section 3.2 Pre-Trip Inspection).
8.2.8. The set point on the temperature control unit should be adjusted to the value appropriate to the type of control unit and the desired temperature of the produce during transport. Recommended values are shown in Tables 1 & 2 in Appendix 1 (refer to sections 8.1.3 & 8.1.4). On mechanical temperature controllers (Partlow Controller or separate dial setter) the setting can be
verified before placing the machinery on power. Electronic temperature controllers may require the machinery to be placed on power, unless the temperature controller is fitted with its own power source.
8.2.9. Simple operating instructions should accompany integral containers to enable the packing shed to connect the units to power if required.
Containers fitted with Partlow Recorders are normally released to the shippers with a clean blank Partlow chart. The shipper/packer should fill in the appropriate details on the chart (i.e. date, container number, vessel/voyage, cargo temperature set point, load port and destination). The chart should be placed on the recorder at the correct time and set to record. Note, in some cases the chart is marked and set by the releasing depot but the shipper/packer should verify the details are correct and match the ERA details. Partlow charts are of prime importance because they give a continuos record,
including time off power. As a matter of routine, new charts should be placed in a recorder during a voyage, if the 31-day period expires. The chart/charts should be removed and forwarded to the shipping line’s agent at the discharge terminal prior to release of the container to the custody of the consignee. Some shipping companies have adopted procedures to change the ‘Partlow Chart‘ at every interchange between links in the transport chain (receival at Container terminal, loaded on the vessel, discharged at terminal, when given delivery to trucker at discharge port). In such an instance, whoever places the chart on the recorder is responsible for filling out the relevant details on the chart.
Note: Partlow Charts in most containers record return air temperatures.
8.3. Data recorders
If the container is fitted with an electronic temperature recorder that has provision to store & retrieve temperature information the recording of relevant temperature information shall automatically occur whilst the container is operating on power or in many cases also whilst the container is off power if the datacorder has a power back up system. Any other relevant paperwork required should be completed in a timely and accurate manner as is the standard requirement with any export movements.
8.3.1. It is recommended that empty containers released for food quality cargo have seals fitted to the door locking handle to ensure that shippers receive containers in the same condition at the packing shed.