Operating instructions

Page 6 Date: 1-12-06 Ed. 1, Rev. 0 Preparation: Terry Faherty Approval: Terry Faherty
III. LOADING AND OPERATIONS GUIDE
When an empty reefer trailer or container is picked up from Totem Ocean Trailer Express, its refrigeration unit and
generator set (when so equipped) have been fully serviced (pre-tripped) and are ready for operation. All refrigeration units
have two potential sources of power including the self-contained electric standby units.
While in transit, the generator provides (230 or 460 vac) power supplied by an electrical plug connected to the receptacle
on the generator. The TK SBIII-50 and Carrier Phoenix Ultra self-contained units operate on their diesel engines. All diesel-
powered equipment is provided with one full tank of fuel sufficient for 48 to 72 hours of operation. Additional fuel is at
customer’s expense.
While at the shipping facility, the unit can run on either its own diesel power or connected to user’s supplied power.
CAUTION: TOTE has mix-voltage requirements, either 230vac or 460vac, depending on equipment type.
TOTE also has a mix of top airflow and bottom airflow trailers. In both types, perishables requiring refrigeration must be
loaded to allow an airflow pattern with continuous lengthwise air channels between rows in every other layer. Diagramed
below is an example of a top airflow unit illustrating adequate product stacking pattern ensuring good air circulation throughout
the entire load.
In order to maintain a fresh appearance, prevent decay and extend the market life of most fresh fruits and vegetables, it
is necessary that the pulp temperature of the products vary not more than five degrees of the requested temperature setting
of the trailer. These sensitive chill commodities generate heat which must be removed while in transit. To accomplish this
requirement, the shipping unit must be pre-cooled prior to loading and the product must also be at or near the shipping
temperature. Pre-cooling is accomplished by setting the unit thermostat at the desired temperature and closing the doors for
20 minutes prior to loading.
Frozen foods should be stacked tightly together with spacing around the outside of the commodity to allow for airflow to
surround the load.
In the planning of refrigerated loads, do not load any product closer than nine inches from the top of the trailer. Also, the
cargo weight should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer.
NOTE: The trailer (or container) and commodity must be pre-cooled or frozen prior to loading. Transport units
are designed only to maintain commodity temperatures. The refrigeration unit should not be operating during
the loading process. Moisture in the air will cause ice to form on the evaporator coil and will restrict the cooling
capacity of the unit.