A Perfect Storm flooding reefer terminals (and it's not water)
With the ever-increasing demand for year-round fresh fruits and vegetables, refrigerated containers full of perishable produce are hitting US ports at staggering rates. The need for ports to accept these reefers is demanding. But will this flood of reefers swamp terminal operators?
Why are refrigerated containers stuck in port?
In some cases, container ships arrive into port with more reefer to off-load than initially forecast, putting an incredible strain on the port operator to round up enough reefer receptacles for a load of containers.
Under normal times this may not be a problem. But these are not normal times.
Increased refrigerated container traffic combined with multiple ships arriving back-to-back allows little time for some port operators to move reefer off the terminal before the next ship arrives. Compounding these challenges is the decreased availability of truckers due to COVID. Without truckers to haul this cargo, everything sits - preventing terminal operators from moving reefer out of the port quickly.
But unlike dry containers that can be stacked and positioned just about anywhere in the yard, refrigerated containers require a constant supply of electricity to keep the perishable goods within temperature specs. Every reefer unloaded onto the terminal needs to quickly find an available electrical connection. The financial risk of cargo spoilage is real and is a challenging responsibility for port operators.
Here's a solution.
Ideally, moving these perishable loads out of the port as quickly as possible is the best solution. But when that's not an option, diesel-powered generators, called Power Packs, offer port operators the flexibility to ramp up reefer capacity quickly to handle sudden increases in container throughput. Power Packs uniquely accommodate thirty to fifty or more reefer cord connections. And because they are diesel-powered, they can be positioned anywhere space is available.
- Through short term rentals, terminal operators can quickly add capacity during traditional spikes in reefer throughput.
- Longer rental terms can help operators mitigate the disruptions from lengthy port construction projects.
- Custom designed power packs configured to meet an operators' unique requirements can be purchased for a permanent reefer power solution.
To weather the flood of reefer hitting your dock, Power Pool Plus maintains a fleet of power packs and their highly versatile cousin, PortaPacksTM, to help manage and keep the refrigerated containers safe while under the terminal operator's care.
How many reefer plugs do you need?
Ted Shelson
VP Marketing
Power Pool Plus
5 Solid Cases for Renting Your Next Power Pack
Renting Power Packs for your reefer operation not only makes financial sense but when compared to renting other power generation solutions, Power Packs remain the best choice.
And because so much is a stake with every refrigerated container under your care, here are five reasons why your rental choice should be a Power Pack and not just any standby generator.
- Operational vs. Capital Expense – Renting power packs allows a more flexible approach to managing finances. Rather than budgeting a considerable expense all at once, rentals can provide a more economical method for handling day to day operations.
- Seasonal spikes in reefer throughput – Short term increases in refrigerated container throughput can create challenges for even the most prepared reefer operator. Power packs afford peace-of-mind during peak seasons, making large ship calls, day or night, more manageable.
- Port construction projects – When your reefer yards get disrupted during port construction projects, rental power packs assist port operators by creating temporary diesel-powered reefer yards in areas of the port where electrical infrastructure may not exist.
- More than a standby generator – Compared to rolling up a standard generator set from your local rental company, consider the unique design that power packs offer. Built with the reefer operator in mind, power packs feature integrated receptacles mounted on the enclosure, ease of service, and a footprint that fits neatly into the world of container handling. Renting a power pack is the more logical choice for reefer operators.
- Most importantly, Flexibility – Instant reefer yard - anyplace, at any time. Without the restriction of fixed electrical outlets, the reefer operator with diesel power packs at his disposal can set up a reefer yard anywhere space allows, big or small, in a short time. Renting power packs allows any port to enter the world of reefer cargo quickly.
Power Pool Plus offers the right rental equipment that's backed by a committed team of service specialists. We understand the critical nature that power pack generators play in the business of handling refrigerated containers.
Learn about our Power Pack rental products
Ted Shelson
VP Marketing
Power Pool Plus