Key Actions for Loading Containers for Cold Sterilisation Shipments
- Only fruit approved by DALRRD to be placed in forced air cooling tunnels.
- Repair any damage to pallet bases and cartons before placing them in the tunnels.
- Fruit to be forced air cooled to below target temperature (measured on the inside of the tunnel between pallets rows).
- Transfer pallets from pre-coolers through a cooled airlock (preferably below 10°C) to the waiting container as quickly as possible.
- No pre-staging in the airlock.
- Ensure the docking station properly seals the container at the airlock.
- Pre-cool empty container for at least 30 minutes using the genset. (This also verifies the genset’s functionality. At the same time check the container’s temperature settings.)
- Complete container loading within 40 minutes (preferably under 30 minutes), including PPECB’s placement of the temperature probes.
- After loading all pallets, seal the floor opening at the door-end and pallet gaps with corrugated sheets.
- Close doors, attach the prescribed door seal, and record the seal and container numbers.
- Keep the container continuously cooled until offloading at the terminal.