Something from an experienced reefer driver.

To go more into detail about pulping the load, make sure your thermometer is calibrated. Also just like flatbedding, don't be scared to over secure a load. I just did a whole load of clemintines and I load locked the holy hell out of them and had the shipper put in dunnage bags too. Those stupid flimsy balsawood boxes they pack them are about worthless and a whole pallet will shift with the slightest breeze.

 

Long jumper cables aren't a bad idea ti have....

 

Amen to that. Not only can you jump start your truck with it, you can do vice versa in case the reefer battery is dead.

KH

 

A weak battery will make one read funny. Every now and then I would check them while at home. A glass of ice water should read 32 degrees or you can go the other way and boiling water reads 212 degrees. But I'd say them batteries last several years. I can remember only changing one. The last time I bought pulp thermometers was 2007 and they still work good. I have a laser thermometer for checking box temp too. I got it just because it amazes me.

 

it will read 212 at sea level. In Denver it will read 100 degs or so.. Becareful where you test it with boiling water. Which unfortunitely is the more accurate of the two tests..

They cost more but the Thermopen line from Thermoworks is the food industry (Chefs and such) standard. 3 Seconds and you have your temp. Plus Thermoworks sells IR thermometers that are extremely accurate and not badly priced. My thermopen cost me $89.00 and it has saved me more that once since I bought it.

 

It's about 185 degrees in denver. 5.4 degrees for every 1000 feet of elevation.

 

I knew that, but it's still not 212 degs. If you don't know about the elevation change you'll be calibrating a thermometer WRONG.

 

Not to sure what you haul that you would want to be accurate at boiling. Ice water will get you very close. Most of the cheap pulp thermometers aren't that accurate.

 

I never knew that. You learn something everyday.

Now I know why they have them funky altitude cooking directions on boxes.

 

Sometimes you remember strange things from 40+ years ago in highschool. Just don't ask about something an hour ago.