The Reefer Cargo Handling course aimed to extend the knowledge of this unique and increasingly important sector of the shipping industry. The course explores the important factors that influence the transport of perishable goods and provides the learner with an appreciation of the; who, what, where, why and how of refrigerated cargoes.

With assistance of industry professionals the Reefer Cargo Handling course has been design to provide practical and relevant information to all supply chain participants.

About this course

“Reefer Cargo Handling” has been developed to provide a broad understanding of the handling and ocean transportation of goods under refrigeration.

The wider range of content in the Reefer Cargo Handling course is aimed at providing a learning opportunity that SAL believes to be unique as the following list of subjects and topics that make up the course demonstrates.

Reefer Trade and Transport

This subject serves as an explanation of the context of seaborne trade of refrigerated cargo. It is particularly important for outlining factors which can impact on trade volumes and the valuable contribution made by refrigeration in ocean transportation mostly in reefer containers but also in reefer ships.

Topics

• Demand and Supply of Perishable Products
• Trade in Refrigerated Products
• Ocean Transport Options
• The Reefer Container
• Special Requirements

The Cold Chain

Separating the cold chain into identifiable stages for a reefer container shipment enables an explanation to be made of each stage from harvest and container preparation and packing, transportation and delivery at the destination. Each stage identifies individual responsibilities.

Topics

• Planning the Movement
• Cargo Preparation
• The Reefer Container
• Transportation to the Terminal
• From Shore to Ship to Shore

Commercial Considerations

Some of these considerations are standard across most shipments in the Liner Trade. However, some aspects of the Bill of Lading in regard to carrying temperature are emphasised as well as clauses affecting the carriage of reefer cargo. The relatively high value of perishable commodities and the resultant high costs associated with any cargo damage claims is discussed.

Topics

• The Bill of Lading
• Carrier Liability

More about this course

Audience

This is an open course; it will be useful for anyone working either in shipping or in an organisation that has a connection with the movement of goods by sea.

Course objectives

The Reefer Cargo Handling course broadly aims to enable participants to be able to:

• Outline the size and nature of global trade in perishable products
• Explain the role of refrigeration in ocean transportation
• Discuss the application of logistics management in maintaining the integrity of the Cold Chain
• Identify individual responsibilities for the safe movement by sea of goods under refrigeration
• Identify Bill of Lading functions and clauses specific to reefer cargo
• Outline key elements of carrier and exporter/importer cargo liability.