Reefer Question

I'm assuming you're interviewing at a private carrier? Honestly, I think trying to act like you know the ins and outs of the smaller reefer units when you don't might come off poorly, especially later in during the "orientation" process. I doubt they expect you to have experience with these units. I think your best course of action is to be honest with them that you have not operated these before and that you learn quickly and are eager for the experience, and let them orient you in their way. They can't be too difficult to learn the basic operation and besides they probably have their own "procedures and policies" that relate to the reefer units.

cycle-sentry (start-stop) or continuous run modes (probably a company policy setting depending on product and time of year)

learn the basics of navigating the menu at the control box and selecting the temp setting typically starts the unit and takes care of the rest

there is typically an on-off switch easily accessible at the control box, too.

 

One of the biggest things with reefers is being sure that it is set to the correct temperature. If you are picking up a load and aren't told what the temperature is be sure to ask the shipper. If they don't know get in touch with your dispatch and get it sorted before you sign the bills and take off. Things like ice cream can't just be "frozen." The receivers want them kept at or under/above set temps. Some shippers go so far as to place recording devices in the load to monitor if it ever goes out of range. Always check your refer fuel when you fuel the truck. Add starting the refer to your pre-trip checks if it isn't already running. Most likely the company you are going to work for will teach you the specifics about how to operate them and basic maintenance like how to check the oil and get one to start again after it has run out of fuel. Good luck driver!

 

Its almost like setting the ac at your house lol set temp watch lights hammer down..

 

Yeah but most places want the trailer pre-cooled so you should be at the setting they want the shipment at before you even get to the shipper..

 

I used to hear stories from the guards telling me to be sure to precool to -10. I said I know what I'm picking up and it's been precooling for 2 hours

Then they tell me stories about drivers coming in with trailers at 110* expecting to load up as soon as they arrive. They technically got a late arrival due to the trailer not being ready. Then I get bumped up in line.

 

The rumbling and the vibration of the reefer right behind ya Takes a little getting used to trying to sleep. Nothing to do on how a reefer runs but thought you might like some insight.

 

Drop the trailer and pull forward a foot

 

Oh man. When I stoped draggin the reefer I missed that vibration.