International trade in perishable cargo is a growth area for container carriers, now accounting for over 90% of world maritime reefer transport capacity and making inroads to airfreight as well. As ever, reward can be countered by risk.

While perishable cargo is high paying freight, it can also produce a high value claims. Shippers of such cargo - ranging from foodstuffs through to pharmaceuticals - will generally rely on specialist support throughout the supply chain process. If a booking is accepted correctly and the empty container is 'pre-tripped' properly and released to the shipper with the booked temperature/vent set correctly, the chance of the reefer breaking down in transit is low.

"While perishable cargo is high paying freight, it can also produce a high value claims"

The majority of perishable cargo claims occur due to confusion over Celsius and Fahrenheit setting, the temperature or vent is not set correctly and the container is not checked or plugged in throughout the supply chain. This article looks at some critical processes which - if done correctly - increase customer satisfaction and profitability or, conversely, lead to costly and time-consuming claims.