The process by which small ice crystals in frozen food merge into larger crystals over time, particularly during temperature fluctuations, causing progressive damage to cellular structure, texture degradation, and quality…
Reefer Vehicle
Industry terminology for refrigerated transport vehicles equipped with insulated cargo spaces and mechanical refrigeration systems. “Reefer” derives from “refrigerated” and encompasses trucks, trailers, vans, and shipping containers maintaining controlled temperatures…
Refrigerant
A working fluid that absorbs heat at low temperature (evaporator) and releases heat at high temperature (condenser) through phase changes between liquid and gas states, enabling the refrigeration cycle that…
Refrigerated Distribution Center
Temperature-controlled warehousing facility providing frozen and chilled product storage, order fulfillment, inventory management, and distribution services. Professional refrigerated distribution centers maintain distinct temperature zones for different product requirements (frozen -18°C…
Refrigerated Home Delivery
Consumer-friendly terminology emphasizing the doorstep convenience of professionally temperature-controlled residential delivery service, distinguishing mechanical refrigeration delivery from ice pack or ambient transport with insulated packaging. True refrigerated home delivery maintains…
REST API
Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface – a standardized method enabling different software systems to communicate and exchange data automatically without manual intervention. REST APIs power automated integration between eCommerce…
Return Air Sensing
How Return Air Sensing Works In typical refrigeration control: Cold air discharges from the evaporator into the refrigerated space Air circulates through (or over) the cargo, absorbing heat Warmed air…
Route Optimization
The systematic planning of delivery sequences, timing, and paths to minimize total cost while maintaining service quality, encompassing distance minimization, fuel efficiency, time window compliance, and—critically for cold chain operations—thermal…
Same-Day Delivery
Service standard where orders placed before cutoff time are delivered the same business day, requiring immediate route planning integration, available vehicle capacity, and refrigeration systems capable of maintaining temperatures across…
SANS 10049-2019
South African National Standard establishing prerequisite programs for food safety in transport and distribution operations, aligned with international standards including ISO/TS 22002-5. SANS 10049-2019 provides local framework for implementing food…