reefer claim

If it's a claim for frozen/degraded product turn it into your cargo insurance. Give them the reefer download and let them fight it out. It's either a legit claim or it isn't. You should never have let them keep the product without a USDA report.

 

I don't haul reefer so bear with me. How can they accept the whole load and then file a claim? Shouldn't they have refused that part of the load? They took the product and did not let you inspect it,, so how can they prove the frozen lettuce and temp recorder is even from your truck?

 

It's called received under protest. Product is still good,just not grade#1. Claim would be for the price difference between #1 and #2. Thats why you should have a USDA inspection done,they determine if the grade of the product has changed.

Insurance would have handled it if an inspector had been involved.

And yes you can still freeze part of a load even if the box temp is 35 degrees. Chute loose in the front,hanging down,ect. If the discharge air temp is 30 it will freeze wherever it blows on the product.

 

Accepting under protest allows the receiver to keep the product, meaning they will negotiate the price with the shipper later. It was not refused. Happens often when market price is falling.Would not hurt to look up the market price of the product for that day.Sometimes the trucker is not hurt in the deal. If the claim is for damaged product, a USDA inspection is usually required. Going to court is usually a waste of time and money.
The State has an inspector on the market there in Columbia, or did have. Trouble is, these inspectors are usually buddy- buddy with the receiving warehouse. Produce hauling ain't for the faint of heart. Like you have been told on here, never leave without everyone having been notified, and all being aware of the situation. It helps to look up the reputation of shipper / receiver / broker in the Produce Blue Book before doing business with them. Stay away from the bad guys.
This is what we have said before.You cannot just set the thermostat and go by that. All the mechanization on these fancy trailers give you a false sense of security. A pulp thermometer is a good tool to have.Good luck

 

The ideal temp for arugula is 35. What else did you haul with it? You mention it was at the rear.

Arugula shouldn't be hauled with ripening fruits because they release ethylene in the process. Ethylene will spoil arugula quickly.

 

receiver just trying to get the produce cheaper is all; all produce receivers do it; if they won't let u see the product & they signed for it but with protest, stay in the door assigned to u & call the broker, stay there til issue is resolved