MAY 2016
KEEP ON TRUCKING And The Issues That Go With It
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SIE Enjoys A Great Meeting
May 2016 Vol. 199 │ No. 6 ISSN #0034-3137
EDITORIAL STAFF
Table of
CONTENTS
Mary Y. Cronley Editor/Publisher refrigerationmag@gmail.com (404) 819-5446
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Joe Cronley Senior Staff Writer cronley.joe@gmail.com (404) 295-5712 Markurious Marketing Group Art Direction info@markurious.com (678) 439-6534
ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTIONS, ACCOUNTS Mary Y. Cronley Editor/Publisher refrigerationmag@gmail.com (404) 819-5446
Established as ICE in 1906, Refrigeration Magazine™ is published thirteen times a year, including the Annual Buyer's Guide.
23 13 FEATURES
6
INDUSTRY EVENTS
SIE enjoys successful meeting
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13
LEAD FEATURE - TRUCKING
Annual Subscriptions: US: $49/year or $79/two years International: $79/year
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Thousands of truck drivers tell us how to attract and retain drivers
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MAINTENANCE TIPS
25
CONVENTION CALENDAR
Copyright © 2016 by REFRIGERATION Magazine™. All rights reserved.
Merchandiser Maintenance
8 ideas to find and keep drivers
DEPARTMENTS spICE The Last Mile AD INDEX A list of our advertisers
Single Copies: $6/copy
ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS IN MERCHANDISERS The Case for R-290
Raymond South honored as Hall of Famer
13 Postmaster: Send notice by form 3579 to: Refrigeration Magazine 260 Lakeview Ridge East Roswell, GA 30076
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CLASSIFIED ADS Classified advertisements by region
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FIND OUT MORE AT refrigeration-magazine.com OR CONNECT WITH US AT facebook.com/refrigeration-magazine
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 3
spICE
The Last Mile In the Internet business, the slowest part is called the “last mile.” A company can lay fiber optic cable down main street, install state of the art transmission points, and create a network fast enough to handle a stock market. If your house is too far from the main line, though, you may not get the best hookup. Your kids will complain that with all ten of their devices going at the same time, they had to wait ten seconds to watch their bestie’s Vine. That is intolerable. The “last mile” is that part between the super high speed line and the point where service is actually needed. It’s the part the customer has to pay for directly, has to get their yard dug up or building wired, and it’s the last bit to get finished. You have a “last mile” too. You may have a brand new plant this year, all shiny stainless steel, a first-in-first-out bottom feed bin system, a row of state of the art form fill and seal packaging machines and an automatic palletizer. Your freezer room is squeaky clean, and your software makes sure loadouts match customers every time. Your customer will probably never see that plant that you invested so heavily in. After the regional buyer checks to see that you have a food quality plan in place, you may never have a conversation about it. If it’s 5:30 on Friday afternoon and your driver snaps at a store manager, though, you will hear about it. Your driver, and the vehicle with your name on it, is your “last mile.” They are what represents the entirety of your company to the store level people. Now is the time to make sure your “last mile” is as solid as your plant and equipment. Well-maintained, clean trucks (outside and in) will present your best self. Uniformed drivers whose appearance is enforced will be listened to differently than slobs. Consider customer service skills in your hiring practices, and do some customer service training for your drivers. You don’t have to hire a trainer or consultant. Spend a couple of hours on YouTube and pick two or three simple videos you think they’ll watch. Quiz them on it. Come up with some standard responses for your most likely store level issues: breakage, merchandiser condition, out of stocks, whatever are your real world issues. This is the only time you will get, and this is the cheapest way you have to improve your brand to the people who see it every day. In this business, the last thing trucking is about is the truck. What it’s really about is how that driver treats the people who deal with your end consumer. Now’s the time to make sure that “last mile,” the distance from your back door to the inside of the store, is as carefully and cleanly executed as the product you make. Happy Reading!
Mary Yopp Cronley
Editor, Refrigeration Magazine
4 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
"Now is the time to make sure your 'last mile' is as solid as your plant and equipment. Well-maintained, clean trucks (outside and in) will present your best self."
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 5
Workplace Safety Industry Events
SIE ENJOYS
SUCCESSFUL MEETING W
ith a great crowd, sunny, warm and breezy weather, and an educational program on tap, Southern Ice Exchange celebrated its 127th year as an association with a convention, March 30 – April 2 at the Westin Cape Coral, Fla. Sean Odom, Ice Plant Inc., was elected President, succeeding Gary Bloodworth, Tennessee Valley Ice. Other officers are listed on page 9. Tommy Sedler, Home City Ice and current IPIA Chairman, updated the group on the IPIA’s work for the ice industry, including PIQCS (Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards) and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act). Tommy said his philosophy is to ‘work hard for what you deserve,’ and his track record as a successful family business entrepreneur is testimony to this. More on Tommy’s longtime involvement within the industry will be forthcoming in Refrigeration Magazine (RM). Gary Bloodworth led several important Round Table topic discussions, including why there is so much driver turnover. It was brought up that CDL truck drivers are hard to find. Some of the reasons for that, and an overview on CDL training (or lack thereof) is written about elsewhere in this month’s issue. Scott Steward is a commercial truck driver. Six years ago, he says he went to a Lee’s Summit company and within two
days and a mere four hours behind the wheel was able to get a commercial license to drive a semi. He now says that route to get his commercial driver’s license or CDL was a mistake. "It’s not safe, it’s not safe at all,” said Steward. "You’ve got a lot of inexperienced drivers out there that don’t know how to handle something that large.” A new rule proposal would set a federal standard for behind-the-wheel training for commercial truck drivers. A new rule proposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would require a minimum of 30 hours behind the wheel training to get a Class A commercial driver’s license to drive the big rigs. That time includes a minimum of 10 hours operating the truck on a practice driving range. Suppliers Leer and Polar Temp led a keen and informative forum on merchandisers and the EPA changes. Polar Temp and Leer have taken the initiative in meeting the challenges of 404 being phased out, and taking the lead on getting in front of the challenges as it pertains to merchandisers. Brian Dallman, engineer with Polar Temp brought up the Emerson’s E360 Forum from which he’d just returned, and learned the Freon regulations for inside the merchandisers. The average age of service technicians is now 54 years old, so there’s a great need for educating, training, and creating career opportunities in the refrigeration industry for younger generations. Karl Katuin, engineer with Leer, gave us all a class and lesson on Alternative Refrigerant Terminology. He said, “513A seems to be the most efficient replacement. But there is very little training for handling refrigerants.”
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 7
Workplace Safety Industry Events He also spoke on the life expectancy of the foam-in merchandisers. “Look for bags half melted at the bottom of the box to tell you how it’s holding up,” he said. More on this important topic will be found elsewhere in this issue, and in addition, Leer and Polar Temp will be providing a regular column on keeping up with merchandiser adaptation to EPA and DOE (Dept. of Energy) challenges. Merchandiser maintenance was also on the agenda. Topics covered on this were: Cosmetic fixes; costs to refurbish newer versus ‘seasoned’ boxes; adding texture or prints to hide dents and flaws; taking off compressors and scrapping the parts; diamond plating down low where the big dents are; taking the doors off, cutting them to fit the bottom
to make a new ‘floor’; converting inside merchandisers to outside merchandisers; evaluating the cost of refurbishing on a spreadsheet to keep as part of your company’s balance sheet; and tips for moving merchandisers. Andy Harman, Harman Ice, led a Town Hall meeting on Insurance – flood, health, worker’s comp, depreciation, debt reduction and rent, cost of distribution, and the challenges of hourly to salaried employees. The comment was made that there’s very little motivation with the hourly labor force, and a much higher motivation and return on the commissioned employees. He also discussed new versus used trucks. When he asked, “How many of you have new trucks?” most of those in attendance raised their hands.
Obviously the cost is higher, initially, with new trucks, but you would save on maintenance, there’s less downtime and loss income. But again, insurance is higher, fuel costs could be an issue and your “route density” needs to be measured. One in attendance said his happiest and most productive drivers are, of course, the ones who ‘get to’ drive the new trucks. RM will be elaborating on the good topics covered at the SIE and all the regional conventions in future magazine issues. One well-deserved honor came to Raymond South, Keith Manufacturing, as he was presented the SIE Hall of Fame Award. Raymond is loved immensely in the ice industry, and has worked his career for the betterment of it. Congratulations, Raymond!
sie hall of fame recipient RAYMOND SOUTH CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH KEITH In addition to being inducted into the SIE Hall of Fame, Raymond South celebrates another milestone this spring. This May marks 20 years with KEITH Mfg. Co., where he has spent time getting to know friends and customers alike in the ice industry. When KEITH first entered the ice market with its WALKING FLOOR® storage and conveying bins, Raymond was tapped by then sales manager, Mark Beason, to help build a customer base. The goal was to sell this new piece of equipment to an industry unfamiliar with the technology. “Mark and I took this machine and started pushing it,” said Raymond. “With the help of Automatic Ice Systems, we were able to sell the first bin to Arctic Ice of St. Louis, Missouri.” That was 19 years ago and Raymond hasn’t looked back. His service in the ice industry reaches beyond sales. Raymond has served as chair of the International Packaged Ice Association’s membership committee, as well as sat on the boards or served as a supplier representative for several of the regional ice associations. Raymond’s been a southern gentleman from the start. He grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and then attended South Georgia College on a football scholarship where he played under renowned coach Bobby Bowden. From there, Raymond attended Auburn’s School of Textiles, which led him to a career in industrial sales. Today, Raymond resides in Alabama with his lovely wife Kathryn. 8 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
SIE ELECTED OFFICERS Sean Odom, Ice Plant Inc. ................................................. President (succeeding Gary Bloodworth, Tennessee Valley Ice) David Bryant, The Ice Man.........................................Vice President Dawn Ladd, Southern Ice Exchange...............Secretary/Treasurer Charlotte Maginnis, Leer ........................... Supplier Representative BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jody Botner, Corbin Ice; Phillip Brasher, Modern Ice; Patty Franklin, Polar Temp; Howard Mackie, Zippy Ice
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 9
Workplace Safety Industry IndustryUpdate Events
10 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
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May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 11
Workplace Safety Family Industry Business Events
ice storage & metering systems The Ultimate Babysitter When you go home for the night, the last thing you want to do is worry about what is going on at the ice plant. Used as a surge bin, the KEITH® Ice Storage & optimizing run time for the ice machine and by storing ice for processing during work hours. Bins are built to last using the best FDA approved food grade materials and are driven by reliable WALKING FLOOR® technology. Low Maintenance • Higher Quality Ice • No Ice Buildup True FIFO Rotation • Horizontal Metering • Vertical Comb Built to Last • Superior by Design ®
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KEITH can handle it. 2016 KEITH Mfg. Co. All Rights Reserved.
12 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
r's N ote
Lead Feature
i
Ed
THOUSANDS OF TRUCK DRIVERS TELL US HOW TO
to
Most of the CDL driving jobs are for over the road truckers, and you may be directly competing with these companies for drivers. Packaged ice has one overwhelming advantage over these jobs, though. In survey after survey, drivers cite their number one complaint about their jobs as not enough home time. You can offer something that almost no over the road company can: being home every single night. A successful hiring strategy should emphasize this fact.
Attract and Retain Drivers
by Liz Wallace, Driving Ambition, a CDL Staffing Company
How do I attract drivers?
David Bullins, NRS’ east coast recruitment officer for truck driver jobs, said, “It used to be that regional and long-haul drivers were making better money, but now with the new hours of service they are required to have more downtime.”
As a truck driver what most attracts you to a job?
“That downtime ultimately means less money so drivers are now making the push to become local drivers instead. Since drivers cannot run like they used to home-time has now become a higher priority,” said Bullins.
In a survey recently published by National Retail Systems Inc., it's no surprise that 79 percent of the thousands of drivers polled nationwide agreed that salary was most important when choosing a job. But that's not all...
SALARY
79%
HOME TIME
67%
BENEFITS
52%
NEW EQUIPMENT
47%
LOCATION
36%
TYPE OF RUN
32%
COMPANY REPUTATION
31%
SIGN-ON BONUS
13%
TRAINING
11%
NOT SURE
2%
“Companies are spending thousands if not millions of dollars per year towards advertising truck driver jobs instead of addressing some of the root causes of the truck driver shortage,” says Chris Saville, NRS marketing director.
Where do drivers go to find truck driving jobs? Referral 11%
Newspaper/ Magazine 4% Other 3% Hiring Fair 1% Flyers 1%
Focus on retention. Respondents said that low pay, lack of respect and not enough home time are reasons why drivers leave the industry.
Internet 79%
Truck Stop 1%
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 13
Lead Feature
FROM DRIVER PAY TO PREDICTIVE ANALYTIC TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR COMPANY'S ONLINE PRESENCE, WE COVER MANY OF THE ISSUES FACING COMPANIES IN OUR THREE-PART SERIES ON DRIVER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.
ICE 14 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
henever there's a panel discussion about driver turnover and the coming driver shortage, low pay is always pointed to as a culprit. Yet when it comes to making drivers happy, pay often takes a backseat to the bigger picture. Driver pay does not seem to be as important a factor in drivers wanting to stick around as does the “total work environment.” That includes not only pay, but also benefits, work/life balance, professional development and more. And for all of that, the impetus comes from the top. “The number one thing that seems to make a difference is having an actively engaged executive team,” says Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge, a driver training company that
1. PAY SMARTER Everyone agrees driver pay isn't what it should be, so progressive fleets are developing more sophisticated pay packages that reward drivers for behaviors that improve the company's bottom line. “There's got to be more to it than just so much a mile,” says Keith Tuttle, owner of Motor Carrier Service Inc. of Toledo, Ohio, which has been in the Truckload Carriers Association's top 20 list of “Best Fleets to Drive For” three years in a row and has a turnover rate of about 30%. “There's a direct correlation between the guys that we consider our most professional, most dependable drivers — the guys that get the best fuel mileage, the guys that do their pretrips, the guys we never have maintenance issues with, the guys
that leave early and anticipate they may have a problem on the road — and how much they take home every week,” he says. As a result, the top 25% of MCS drivers take home more than $63,000 a year. MCS is an over the road company, and their pay rates will differ greatly from a local fleet. Sometimes more pay isn't as important as more predictable pay. Ryder Dedicated says its ability to offer more predictable pay levels is part of its appeal to drivers. “Some of our locations have a tough time when they're close to the oil and gas activities that have higher wages, but we've also seen about half the drivers want to come back within a few months,” notes Ryder Dedicated Vice President Steve Martin. “While the pay might sound great, it's not always there on a consistent basis.”
publishes an annual “Best Fleets to Drive For” report based on driver feedback.
2. ASK DRIVERS WHAT THEY WANT
That doesn't mean just having a vague “open door policy,” either. Meet drivers during orientation, show up at their driver meetings, get to know as many as possible by name, and foster a culture that respects drivers. Following are nine ideas gleaned from CarriersEdge and several fleets that enjoy low turnover on some of the best ways to find and keep drivers.
Before you embark on a revamp of your bonus system, take the time to find out what drivers really want. They might surprise you. MCS, for instance, has a driver liaison team elected by other drivers. “We talk to them about new routes, new runs that are coming up. They help us devise incentive plans, and how they should be paid for bonus plans,” Tuttle says, among other things.
“You'd be surprised at the number of companies we talk to that don't do any active asking of their drivers, whether it's a formal or informal way,” says Murrell. “Those companies that do are the ones that have much higher driver satisfaction rates.” If you survey drivers and act on their suggestions, drivers will begin to feel very quickly that their voices are being heard.
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 15
Lead Feature 3. USE THE INTERNET Make the most of online recruiting tools, including your own website and social media efforts. Evaluators for the Best Fleets to Drive For contest look at a nominated fleet's online presence before they even set up an interview or do driver surveys. “We can start looking at that online presence and get a flavor of what the company is all about,” says Murrell. “Is their Facebook just a constant stream of ads, or is it really a community? What kind of pictures are posted, and what kind of discussions are happening? Is it a one-way thing, or is there open discussion between the drivers and the company? I think it's interesting how much you can learn about a company by spending five minutes with their Facebook page.” Paramount Freight System, Jeffersonville, Ohio, has had good success using Facebook to recruit owneroperators, including using contests and driver referrals. This could work particularly well for packaged ice, as your social media presence is part of your customer relationship. Drivers are key to this relationship, so if your social media includes them and shows them as part of the team, it can make you a more attractive employer.
4. don't sugarcoat the job If you foster unrealistic expectations among new hires, they aren't going to stick around long, and you're back to square one — plus you'll have former drivers spreading bad word-of-mouth about your company. Your interview process should include realistic expectations of number of stops, length of workday, your company’s seasonality, and what a driver can expect to make. Especially as high season looms, drivers quitting can start a domino chain falling through your whole company. Giving them the tough news up front can lower that likelihood.
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5. ASK DRIVERS WHAT THEY WANT Orientation needs to be about more than making sure new drivers are familiar with procedures, rules and regulations. It's your chance to show new hires that they're going to be treated with respect at your company and for them to get face-toface with the people they will be dealing with on a regular basis. At Paramount, managers have lunch with a new driver as part of orientation to get to know them on a personal level. At MCS, they meet everyone they'll be dealing with, including spending half a day with the maintenance manager. And don't let that introductory period end after orientation. Most turnover happens during the first 60 to 90 days. That's why some fleets are pairing up new drivers with experienced mentors for that initial period. Many packaged ice producers include riding as a helper as part of the training process, but make sure that you pay a new hire who’s already a CDL driver enough to keep them through this period. At Paramount Fleet Services, every new driver has a buddy who can help with the paperwork process, who knows the managers and can help the newbie understand the ins and outs of everything to do with the company. “It gives the new driver another voice other than operations, and gives both the new driver and mentor a sense of belonging,” says Trent Dye, PFS director.
6. FOSTER DRIVER HEALTH More and more fleets are offering programs to help drivers become healthier, gym memberships, healthy eating and weight-loss programs, health screenings and the like. While there are many reasons for this, some fleets believe this evidence of caring about the driver helps boost retention.
7. TAKE CARE OF PROBLEMS PROMPTLY “We have a saying around here: Don't go out of here on Monday morning with an unresolved issue,” says Tuttle at Motor Carrier Service. “It's like a pimple on your backside — by Wednesday or Thursday, it's a boil.” At Jet Express, Kevin Burch says new drivers are told in orientation, “If you don't like what you see or if there's a problem with your truck, you need to communicate that back to us because management can't read your mind. You are an important part of the company, don't quit before saying something.” Murrell at CarriersEdge notes that you may discover some problems that need to be addressed when you do driver surveys, and he compares dealing with some of these to cutting out a cancer. “Nothing can make a driver leave faster than a bad decision that isn't rectified, a cancer that isn't being removed,” he says. “If there's a problem that isn't getting solved, the driver's going to be thinking about that day after day and feel there's no resolution at the company.”
8. don't try to do it all There are lots of good ideas out there for ways to improve the driver environment. But don't take the approach of throwing lots of different programs up against the wall to see what sticks. In the “Best Fleets to Drive For” program, CarriersEdge discovered many companies have a large number of good driver programs — but drivers don't know about them. Murrell recommends you target a small number of programs that fit with your company's culture and mission.
“Something we found out really makes a difference is figuring out what the company is all about,” he says. “There are some companies that may have a wellness program or a bonus program they're very committed to, and they tend to do a lot better than fleets that try to be everything to everyone. You try to do too many things, and you end up not doing anything."
Using predictive analytics for recruiting and retention Fleets are finding they can use the data they collect on driver performance in their retention efforts. It can be used to measure driver performance on fuel economy, safe driving or other metrics, with top drivers getting incentives or bonuses. And a few large fleets are going beyond that with predictive modeling. This type of data analytics lets fleets not only identify the drivers most likely to have an accident before it occurs, but also those drivers most likely to leave. “In the last six to 12 months, I think retention has become more important than safety,” says Chris Orban, FleetRisk Advisors, which offers predictive analytics. “Of course they really work hand in hand,” since hiring and retaining the right drivers will improve safety. Predictive modeling can help identify a driver who is
having problems so managers can have a conversation with that driver and address the problem. Orban explains that the models use data on drivers who have left the company in the past and tries to find key indicators. “We want to know everything about the driver. We want to know their route, the hours they work, their total pay, their net, if they have a change in federal tax withholding.” Wait a minute. Federal tax withholding? Such changes may indicate a major life change such as a marriage, a divorce, a death in the family, a new child or a dependent leaving the household. “Will this lead to problems with the driver? I don't know, but now you can talk with that driver to find out if there is a problem,” Orban says.
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 19
20 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
Hot Topics
The Case for R-290
Reviewing the pros and cons for wider adoption of this low-GWP, natural refrigerant alternative
T
he viability of propane (R-290) as a refrigerant is a recurring topic of debate in the commercial refrigeration and air conditioning industries. In light of the EPA’s recent refrigerant delisting ruling, it’s a discussion that’s likely to return to the forefront. While the United States has been especially hesitant to adopt R-290, it has gained wider acceptance in Europe, where environmental concerns and stricter regulations are driving the adoption of more eco-friendly alternatives. R-290’s true properties and characteristics are largely unknown to those outside the industry, leading to common misconceptions among the public. The purpose of this article is to present an unbiased evaluation of R-290 and establish a factual baseline of understanding.
A Long History in Refrigeration R-290 is a hydrocarbon that was introduced into the refrigeration industry in the early 1900s. Like other natural refrigerants, it was used through the 1930s until it was replaced by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Since the 2000s, R-290 has been regaining popularity in a wide range of applications. With its increase in capacity and low global warming potential (GWP), R-290 has emerged as an alternative to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like R-404A and HFC-134a. Global regulatory actions to ban high-GWP refrigerants have placed renewed emphasis on R-290 and other natural refrigerants. It was officially approved in a recent EPA SNAP ruling, and has been identified as a viable HFC alternative in the E.U.’s F Gas regulations. And, with R-404A and HFC-134a officially delisted by the EPA in many commercial refrigeration applications, natural refrigerants — including R-290 — are primed for a broader resurgence.
Advantages and Applications Because of its long history in refrigeration, R-290’s performance efficiencies and thermodynamic properties have been well vetted. In terms of pressure, low back pressure, discharge temperature, volumetric capacity, capacity loss and coefficient of performance (COP), R-290 is very similar to R-22 (even outperforming it in certain characteristics). At Emerson Climate Technologies’ test labs, we’ve found R-290 capable of high-performing, efficient operation. Compared to the refrigerants it will likely be called upon to
replace — like the recently delisted R-404A and HFC-134a — R-290 yields more capacity with lower wattage consumption (see Table 1). We’ve developed a full line of Copeland hermetic compressors to be compatible with R-290. In terms of achieving regulatory compliance, R-290 is very appealing. First, its global warming potential (GWP = 3) is well below the global threshold of 150 GWP, which places it in an elite class of refrigerants from the standpoint of minimal environmental impact. And, its high-efficiency characteristics also qualify it as a candidate for meeting the Department of Energy’s (DOE) energy reduction rules that take effect in 2017. Because of its small charge limit of 150g, R-290 is typically used in smaller commercial applications, such as: beverage coolers, frozen drink machines, ice machines, small icecream freezers and small reach-in units. As such, select national foodservice chains recently began installing ice machines designed with R-290. The applications of R-290 in large food retail applications are more limited. Even in cases where it has been used with special permission to allow for 300g of charge, more compressors are needed to generate the capacity required to meet the refrigeration load. Most supermarkets currently May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 21
consider this a deterrent for installing an R-290-based refrigeration system. It’s also important to note that R-290 is not to be considered a “drop-in” refrigerant. As with the majority of refrigerants, equipment and components must be specifically designed for use with R-290 — it requires a different compressor that will not always directly match the capacity or cost of existing HFC models.
Challenges and Misperceptions While the upside of R-290 may not be readily apparent to the industry outsider, the negative perceptions surrounding it are fairly well-entrenched. It’s a common perception shared by the industry and governing bodies. The apprehension stems from the fact that R-290 is classified as an A3 refrigerant — meaning it’s considered extremely flammable. Unfortunately, this negative perception may be somewhat unfounded. Most confuse propane, the domestic “cooking gas” commonly used in backyards for grilling, with propane the refrigerant. They are not the same compound, the former being a class 4 fire hazard. Anyone who’s used a match to start a gas grill understands that inherent risk. Misunderstandings like these may very well be feeding into the misperception of R-290. The 150g charge limit for R-290 in commercial refrigeration amounts to little more than half a cup of liquid. Larger charges up to 300g have been used in the U.S., but these applications require special approval and certification. In the U.S., specifying an R-290-based refrigeration application can be challenging. End user projects are subject to state and municipal governments for fire and building code approval. Failure to gain the requisite approval, particularly in multiple locations throughout the country, is often a roadblock for R-290 adoption. Compared to traditional A1-based equipment, specifying R-290-based equipment typically requires an incremental investment in the business infrastructure where the equipment is installed. Building and fire code approvals are also required at OEM production facilities as well, with expenses that typically exceed $100,000. But for environmentally forward-leaning companies, R-290 and other natural refrigerants are becoming an increasingly attractive option. Finally, there are safe-handling considerations for R-290 applications. Both technicians and carriers along every step of the refrigerant supply chain will require proper training and certification.
22 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
Careful Risk-Reward Analysis Is Needed R-290 has tremendous potential in commercial refrigeration. It is eco-friendly, highly efficient and high-performing. It could effectively eliminate EPA compliance concerns for the foreseeable future. But, despite its potential, R-290 has yet to achieve mass appeal. Public perceptions and an absence of an industry-wide safety infrastructure continue to curb its wider adoption. While the EPA’s recent refrigerant delisting may have cleared the way for wider R-290 adoption, there’s no telling if a new class of acceptable alternatives could push R-290 out of the picture again. New mildly flammable A2Ls such as HFO-1234yf offer similar performance and environmental characteristics. HDR-110 shows similar promise but will likely need some equipment system level adjustments. These continue to be tested and are not EPA SNAP approved at this time. It remains to be seen if the industry and the public will embrace R-290 as a viable natural alternative, or if the analysis taking place throughout the industry is leaning in its favor. No doubt, there are numerous business models and cases with specific benefit being developed; R-290’s ability to satisfy these criteria will determine its level of adoption.
R-290 at-a-Glance R-290 has obvious application benefits and wellknown drawbacks. Its many benefits include: • Hydrocarbon-based, non-synthetic substance • EPA-approved in commercial refrigeration applications • Very low environmental impacts; GWP = 3, ODP = 0 • Relatively affordable • High-efficiency, high-performance, reliable • Safe when proper protocols and procedures are followed R-290 suffers from some drawbacks as well: • Class A3 refrigerant that is flammable • Globally mandated low charge limits of 150g restrict the application range • Difficulty getting approved in fire and building codes • Requires special handling requirements/ certifications • Lack of trained and certified field technicians
Maintenance Tips
Merchandiser Maintenance
The season is upon us. Make sure your units are ready by following this check-list. This a basic list. Contact RM with your specific (and/or favorite) merchandiser maintenance tip!
Ensure there is proper air circulation for the condensing unit, the evaporator and the inter unit air circulation system (air ducts and floor racks).
Defrost cold wall units as necessary.
Clean condensing unit coil one to two times a year depending on how clean are the unit's surroundings.
Check power source - the unit needs the right amount of electrical amps.
Check the electrical cord and plug for damage.
Check that evaporator fans are working and sound as if they are running properly.
Check door, door opening and all the hardware (gaskets, handles, hinges, hinge spring kit, etc). Check door opening for damage from banging bags of ice.
Make sure all safety and promotional decals are intact and legible.
Check to make sure unit is cycling properly. The unit should go through a defrost cycle once every four hours and not run continuously.
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 23
Workplace Safety SIE Convention
MORE PICS FROM
SIE CONVENTION THE
24 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
Calendar
Great Lakes Ice Association Annual Convention April 23 – 25 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Milwaukee, WI greatlakesice.org
NOVEMBER
APRIL
2016 Industry Convention Calendar IPIA 99th Annual Convention November 8 – 11 Hyatt Hill Country San Antonio, Texas packagedice.org
Do you know of an event not listed? Let us know at refrigerationmag@gmail.com.
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 25
Ad index/Classified ads Ad Index
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
American Ice Equipment Exchange, aieexchange.com............................ 25 & 27 Classified Ads..........................................................................................................26-30 Ice Systems & Supplies Inc. (ISSI), issionline.com............................................ 20 & 26 Ing-Tech Corporation (ITC), itcpack.com....................................................... 23 & 30 Keet Consulting Services, LLC (KCS), kcsgis.com...................................................... 9 KEITH Walking Floor, keithwalkingfloor.com............................................................. 12 Matthiesen, matthiesenequipment.com................................................................. 11
Rates are $1.00 per word, with a minimum charge. Any blind ads, with an assigned box number c/o publisher, add $10.00. Deadline for upcoming issue is the 1st of the previous month.
Modern Ice, modernice.com........................................................................... 28 & 31 Polar Temp, polartemp.com....................................................................................... 2 Polar Temp Block Maker, polartemp.com............................................................... 32 Polar Temp Express, polartemp.com...................................................................16-17 Sisco, siscoproductsinc.com........................................................................................ 5
For advertising and listing information, contact Mary at (404) 819-5446 or refrigerationmag@gmail.com.
SOUTHEAST SANCHEZ REFRIGERATION EQUIP
USED EQUIPMENT FOR SALE • Turbo Tig 33 Ice Maker, 98 model
• Mycom N6WB Compressors w/125 HP motors skid mounted w/oil separators (used with Vogt P34AL ice makers) • Turbo CB38 Rake • Screw Conveyor Drive Packages for 9" and 12" conveyors (great condition) • Hammer RBC with conveyor • Stainless 9" and 12" screw conveyors • 21' Hytrol belt conveyor • Turbo CB87 with plastic chain and sprockets and stainless steel flights • Morris 18 ton Tube Cube Maker, R22, 2006 model complete with evap condensor 1" ice • Vogt 218, rebuilt in 2005, complete with cooling tower
"NEW" KAMCO PARTS Ice Systems & Supplies Rock Hill, SC Toll free (800) 662-1273 or (803) 324-8791
26 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
sanchezref@bellsouth.net Cell: 954-648-2459 Office: 386-597-6381 (1) P-24A self-contain 1995 1-1/4’’ tubes water cool (1) Set heavy duty machine moving skates (1) Ammonia alarm, factory rebuilt (1) 2013 Hamer 540 used for 40# bags for 6 months only, like new (1) Matthiesen VLS auto- bagger S/S complete also used 6 months, like new (1) Oil separator for P-118 (1) Hytrol 20 folding conveyor (1) Fiberglass cooling tower for P-118 (1) S/S Valve Bagger for 40 or 50# bags self-seal Includes 100,000 plastic bags
For pics call Ralph at 954-648-2459
Classified ads
SOUTHEAST (continued)
USED EQUIPMENT FOR SALE • New Jersey Bag Closer Parts • Cat Walk Platform for P34 Vogt • Hamer 2001 Rebuilt 525 Form, Fill, & Seal Machines • Rebuilt Hamer 125 Bag Closers with Stands • Hamer 125 Bag Closers with Stands • Hamer 14G Ring Closer, To Include Stand and Conveyor • Hamer 310 Form, Fill, & Seal • Kamco 14 Ton Moving Floor Ice Bin • Orbital Bin • Belt Conveyor, Hytrol 10’ • Belt Conveyor, Hytrol 11’ • Leer BL-39 Ice Block Maker
• Clinebell B-56’s, 11lb Block Makers • Clinebell CB300 300lb Block Makers • Indy 7x16 Auto-Defrost Ice Transport Unit. Includes Trailer • Matthiesen VL510 Top Load Galv. Bagger • Matthiesen Bagger Take-Off System • Matthiesen VLS, Bottom Load Bagger • Vogt P24 7/8, W/C • Vogt P24AL’s 7/8 Ice Makers (2) with Refrigeration • Vogt 18XT Mid Tube, 10 Ton Ice Maker
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Vogt 118 5 Ton Ice Maker 7/8, W/C Vogt 118 5 Ton Ice Maker 7/8, A/C Vogt 4000 4000lb 7/8 A/C Ice Maker Morris 70 Ton Nugget Ice Maker Morris 70 Ton Flake Ice Maker 7lb Wicketed “mis-print” Ice Bags 16lb Wicketed “misprint” Ice Bags 5lb Wicketed Ice Bags Magliner Ramp 28” x 13’ 4” Baltimore Aircoil CXV-184 Vilter VSM-601 Single Screw Compressor Type B Multi-System Control Panel Infra-Pak Stretch Wrappers Turbo Ice Sizer Large Inventory of Hard To Get Parts
AND MUCH MORE!
If you have discontinued ice bags or used equipment you would like to sell PLEASE CALL. SEE OUR USED EQUIPMENT WEB PAGE AT WWW.AIEEXCHANGE.COM. Call for surplus ice! Polar Temp Equipment Mike Landino - Toll free - 1-877-376-0367 E-mail (NEW ADDRESS): mlandino@polartemp.com Don’t forget to call if you have a quality piece of used equipment for sale.
HARD TO FIND PARTS? Impossible to Get? CALL FRANK! If he doesn't have it and he can't get it, it can't be found! Compressors, Vilters, Eclips, MRI 90, York, Y & G Series HDI Compressors, Frick, York, Vilter ALSO large selection of Parts for Compressors, Block Plants.
We buy all types of used ice making & refrigeration equipment.
COMER REFRIGERATION
(386) 328-1687 | (386) 325-0909 (fax) crsrefrigeration@aol.com
COMPLETE 5-TON ICE PLANT FOR SALE Casco 5-ton, 7/8" tube, R-22, 5F60 Carlyle open drive compressor, reconditioned in 2015. New valves and oil separator. Includes evaporator/condenser, 5-ton moving floor bin, 13ft incline galvanized auger, Perfection Ice Scoring Machine and Hamer 125. Many parts and manuals included. Also available, Vogt 3000, water cooled, comes with water tower; several stainless steel augers.
Call Richard
(276) 783-2397
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 27
Classified ads
MIDWEST
SEEKING REFRIGERATION PERSON Knowledge of Turbo ice makers, freezers. Ownership in company is possible. Must be able to do all types of work pertaining to an ice business. Must have a class E license.
WANTED Used trailer to haul frozen foods– small only up to 12'
Email: info@WellsFamilyFarms.com
Clinton, Missouri
Phone #660-885-9000
FOR SALE • Frick screw (150 hp) with all control board starter etc
SNO CAP SALES, INC.
• Micom Recip N6 with controls and 40 Hp
St. Louis, MO | (636) 225-6011
• Ice crane for 24 block harvest • 12 cylinder Vilter recip no control or starter
Carving Blocks For Sale
• Block crusher (300lb), ice blower
Clinebell quality, boxed and palletized. We are centrally
• Vertical screw (old) various block equipment
located and ship nationwide. The Choice is Crystal CLEAR.
Contact Union Central Cold Storage Inc: farader@aol.com or (213) 489-4205
Equipment For Sale
S60 Block Maker Glass Doors for Merchandisers
FOR SALE
ICE FOR SALE
Model C-5 ICE Universal Vibrating Screen 3’x5’ Screen with 7/8” Screen Openings
A Family Owned Ice Company Tube Ice 7, 10, 20, 22 lb Bags Over a million bags in stock Shipped or Picked up
Call Jimmy: (920) 231-7784
FOR SALE
PIQCS Plus Accredited
Small ice plant business in central Illinois. Good customer base with lots of growth potential. Owner wants to retire. Call Paul for more information.
(217) 374-6500 (office) or (217) 473-2615
Arctic Ice Inc Call Steve Camenzind
(314) 989-9090
NORTHEAST
USED EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 1-800-543-1581
www.modernice.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Suction Accumulator - Chil-Con Model # AA24084, 24” x 7’ high, with boil out coil – Like new condition $6,000.00 Receiver 12’ x 30” with warming loop used with Vogt ice maker- Like new condition - $6,000.00 Toshiba 125 HP Motor, Premium Efficiency
Ice Makers • Vogt Ice Maker - P24A • Morris Ice Maker • Vogt Ice Maker - P118 • Turbo Ice Maker – CAR120 • Turbo Ice Maker – CF40SCER • Vogt Ice Maker – P418 • Vogt Ice Maker – HE30 • Kold Draft Ice Maker
Contact Kyle at Long Island Ice & Fuel Corp.
(631) 727-3010 or (516) 790-6842 28 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
Check our most recent inventory online at www.modernice.com!
Packaging • Matthiesen Heat Seal Bagger • Matthiesen Baler (3 Available) •H amer Form, Fill, and Seal Machine - 310 Handling • Matthiesen Shaker Belt with Stand • Shaker •1 2” Stainless Steel Auger (Several Lengths) •1 2” Stainless Steel Shroud Trough Cover
Classified ads
NORTHEAST (continued) VOGT ICE FOR SALE 5, 7, 16 & 40 lb. bags. Water is lab tested for purity. Delivery or pick-up. Six generations of quality.
FOR SALE
• Morris 10 ton mini cuber • M9000 R22 1 inch tube • 4 one ton galv gravity bins • SS auger 12"x12' no g/b or motor • SS auger screw only 12"x12' • 10'x9" galv auger complete w/ g/b • 9'x9" galv auger complete w/ g/b • 16'x9" galv vertical auger tunnel and screw only
• Misc augers and hoppers galv • 5 Hoshizakl 2000 lb 3 ph w/c cubers • Mycom 4 cyl ammonia compressor and oil separator to match • Bohn air cooled condenser • 4 Star block makers 10-12 lb blocks with cans. • Hamer 310
Call Gary at (203) 376-8567
Long Island Ice & Fuel Corp.
Call (631) 727-3010
ICE FOR SALE
WANTED
Leer all-in-one racks.
Vogt Mini tube ice, 8, 20 & 40 lb. bags. All ice is screened, palletized & stretch wrapped.
Contact Anderson Ice Co.
at 570-752-3291
We deliver or you pick up. Our water is treated with ozone for sterilization. No Chlorine Added!
Martin's Ice Company
Phone (717) 733-7968 or fax (717) 733-1981 PA Merchandiser Parts for all brands at competitive prices.
(877) 984-5945
FOR SALE • 140 ft. York herring bone • 4 ton bridge crane • Two Tuffy upenders • Perfection block scorers • Tip tables • 14 can filler Plus other equipment
Call Gary Evans, Clayville Ice Co., Inc.
(315) 839-5405
ICE CARVING TOOLS Plastic liners for clear block makers $1.18/ea Reusable drip pans – from $6.50/ea Over 500 items in stock for Ice Carvers
www.IceSculptingTools.com
ITC EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 1-800-599-4744 • www.itcpack.com ICE MAKERS
PACKAGING
• TURBO CF40 ICE MAKER
• H AMER 125 –NEW, USED AND REBUILT
• VOGT P24A ICE MAKERS (3) • VOGT P34A ICE MAKER • VOGT P34AL W/ HIGH SIDE
•H AMER 125 W/ STAND & CONVEYOR
• VOGT 9000
• HAMER RING CLOSERS
REFRIGERATION
•H AMER RING CLOSER W/ CONVEYOR
• 20 HP KRACK CONDENSER • LIQUID OVERFEED VALVE PACKAGE • 6.5 BOHN W/ EVAP CONDENSER
•H AMER 310 W/ 125 CLOSER •H AMER 535 (RECONDITIONED)
RAKE BINS
•P ALLET DISPENSER
• TURBO CB59 RAKE BIN
• S LIP SHEET DISPENSER
BLOCK MAKERS
• S S SHAKER W/ STAND
• B-56 W/ 4 HP CONDENSERS • LEER BL39 W/ REMOTE CONDENSER • TURBO BP-360 BLOCK PRESS
SCREW AND BELT CONVEYORS
SUPPLIES
• LEER ICE MERCHANDISERS • BAGS AND WIRE • PARTS AND REPAIR
or (440) 717-1940
More Northeast classifieds on the next page »
• 10’, 20’, 30’ – 9” SS SCREW CONVEYORS W/ MOTOR & GEARBOXES •H YTROL BELT CONVEYORS 10’ & 16’ •P ORTABLE FOLDING INCLINE CONVEYOR •P OWER 90 BELT CONVEYOR
May 2016 │ REFRIGERATION Magazine 29
Classified ads
NORTHEAST (continued) FOR SALE
WANT TO BUY
Arctic Temp 8000 SM 4-Ton ice machine. Very low hours, barely used. Looking for $18,000.
Hamer 535 or 540 FFS Bagger; with or without all of the bells and whistles
Manny Raza
(732) 684-4464
Call Gregg at (614) 272-8404
SOUTHWEST FOR SALE
USED MERCHANDISERS WANTED
(1) Vogt P118 Reconditioned. Runs on R404 Freon.
Contact: Ice King, Ryan Maasen
(1) Mini Tube Vogt, air-cooled 404 Freon
at (480)
423-5464
(1) Mid Tube Vogt, air-cooled 404 Freon (1) Rebuilt CB P118 Call Charlie Bolton (Houston, TX)
(713) 643-0573
WANTED Vogt 6000 and Vogt 9000 Call Charlie Bolton, Houston, TX
EQUIPMENT WANTED VOGT´S P24s and P34s used in any conditions only MID or LARGE ice. Ice RAKE 30 tons or less used
CONTACT US BEFORE YOU SELL!
LPiceEquipment@gmail.com
ICE EQUIPMENT
(809) 350-8297
PACIFIC ICE BUSINESS FOR SALE Successful ice manufacturing and distribution business for sale. Established in 1983, located in Eastern Wash. Owner is retiring. Enjoy life and semi-retirement in this profitable business. Sale includes buildings, land, equipment, vehicles, and rental property. Miscellaneous ice merchandisers for sale Glass and solid door.
Contact Refrigerationmag@gmail.com for more information 30 REFRIGERATION Magazine │May 2016
(713) 643-0573 FOR SALE
2005 12 Ton Kamco Bin in good condition, $5000. Contact Greg LeBlanc at Orange County Ice, Bridge City, TX
(409) 920-0037
ICE MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY BUSINESS FOR SALE HAWAII • Strong existing customer base • $200K Annual Sales • Vogt Ice Machines • 3-Ton Stainless Steel Auger • Feed Ice Bin • 2,500lb Storage (Walk-in Freezer) • Isuzu MPR Refrigerated Box Truck • Turn-Key
Call (808) 384-7033 for more information. $80K
Modern works with packaged ice clients who face increasing costs and require financing solutions and technical and engineering assistance to decrease downtime and increase their profits.
Modern helps those clients with sales and terms programs, the best equipment and automation solutions, our Freeze Force technical support team, and by utilizing the best buying practices and inventory controls. Contact us to review your critical concerns – we are the company to partner with to create solutions for your business!
CALL US TODAY at
1-800-543-1581
Learn more about Modern at
WWW.MODERNICE.COM