Hello this is Chris Spence, Operations Manager of our Refrigerated Division. I would like to share some brief information on the importance of running an electronic pre-trip on the reefer unit, prior to taking a unit to a customer to load freight.
What are the benefits of performing an electronic pre-trip on a reefer unit?
- Proactively checks the reefers operating systems and alerts Driver/reefer team to potential mechanical issues on unit – may discover issues that the Driver’s physical pre-trip check cannot detect.
- Mitigates cost of delays for both Driver and Bison, and reduces on-road breakdown calls if issues are caught before loading freight.
- Mitigates the risk of having high cost damaged goods claims caused by a faulty unit.
Steps for running a pre-trip on a reefer: (Please see image below of display on a TK unit)
- Step # 1: Run the reefer unit for 5 minutes prior to running an electronic pre-trip. This is important in order for the unit to achieve proper fluid temps, and pressures in the system. The electronic pre-trip will not be as effective if it is completed on a unit that has just been turned on.
- Step # 2: Wait for system to run the electronic pre-trip, it will take about 10 minutes for the unit to check the systems.
- Step # 3: If the reefer fails the electronic pre-trip, please get in touch with your fleet, and/or maintenance teams for further direction. If it passes, proceed with your trip.
The whole process will take about 15-20 minutes to complete. We advise Drivers to start the unit immediately after physically inspecting the reefer and checking fluids, belts, etc., Proceed with the rest of your vehicle pre-trip inspection. After 15 minutes, set the unit to electronic pre-trip mode. Use the rest of the time to complete your vehicle pre-trip, This will help you avoid costly delays in the event a mechanical issue is proactively caught. If an issue is identified, our Driver support team will arrange an efficient plan for repair.
