What Is A Reefer Container? Dimensions & Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered how your favorite exotic fruits stay fresh during their long journey from distant lands to your local supermarket? The answer lies in the magic of reefer containers. 

These specialized refrigerated containers are the unsung heroes of the shipping industry. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the dimensions and essential features of such type of containers, shedding light on their crucial role in the global trade of temperature-sensitive products.

What is a Reefer Container?

They are specialized shipping units designed to maintain a specific temperature range, usually between -25°C and +30°C. 

They function as giant refrigerators, ensuring that temperature-sensitive goods such as food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals remain in perfect condition during transport.

The Evolution of Refrigerated Shipping

The concept of refrigerated shipping dates back to the early 1800s, but they, as we know them today, became widespread only in the 1960s. 

Initially, ships had refrigerated holding bays, but these evolved into standalone, powered containers. 

These containers use insulation and cooling systems powered by diesel or electricity to keep their contents at the right temperature.

The Role of Reefer Containers in Global Trade

They are crucial in global trade, especially for countries that export or import perishable goods. They ensure that products like fresh produce, meat, and dairy can travel long distances without spoiling.

Reefer Containers in Disaster Management

In addition to their role in global trade, they are vital in disaster management. They provide a way to transport and store food and medicine in areas affected by natural disasters or other emergencies, ensuring that essential supplies remain usable.

Also Read: Understanding Ocean Transport: Maritime and Bulk Freight Shipping

Now that you've got the backstory let's peel back the layers of how these cold crates work their magic.

How a Reefer Container Works?

Maintaining Constant Temperature, Humidity, and Atmosphere

They are designed to keep the temperature, humidity, and atmosphere inside the container constant throughout the transit time. 

This ensures that the cargo, whether fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, or frozen goods, remains in optimal condition.

Temperature: Standard Temperature Ranges and Capabilities

Standard reefer containers can maintain temperatures between +25°C and -25°C, suitable for chilled and frozen cargo. Some containers, known as super freezers, can go even lower, maintaining temperatures to -70°C for susceptible goods.

Ventilation: Importance of Air Flow for Chilled and Frozen Goods

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining the quality of the cargo. Fresh air ventilation is required to remove heat and gases from chilled goods, such as fruits and vegetables. 

Air must flow around the cargo for frozen goods to keep it evenly cooled. The cargo should be stowed in blocks to ensure no significant gaps disrupt the airflow.

Humidity: Dehumidification Functions and Standard Humidity Levels

Reefer units have a dehumidification function to control the air's moisture level. The standard humidity levels are between 60% and 85% relative humidity (RH), although some newer units can reach 50%. This feature is essential for products that are sensitive to moisture.

Drains: Use of Drains to Release Excess Water and Prevent Entry of Water or Insects

Drains are installed in these containers to release any excess water that may accumulate inside. They also prevent water or insects from entering the container, ensuring the cargo remains dry and uncontaminated.

Reefer Machinery and Power

Reefer machinery requires an external electrical source to operate at a depot, terminal, on board a vessel, or through a genset. 

Inside the container, a microprocessor is an electronic temperature recorder, storing data such as air temperatures, defrost activity, and power on/off times. Cargo probes can also be used to record the temperature of specific shipments.

Precooling of Cargo to Set Point Temperature

It must precool the cargo to the set point temperature before loading it into this container. 

This is especially crucial for fresh fruits and vegetables, as reducing the temperature after harvest to the optimal transport temperature ensures good quality and the best possible shelf life.

Also Read: Ocean Freight Benchmarking Complete Guide

Ever wonder about the tech specs of these frosty freighters? Let's crunch the numbers.

Reefer Container Dimensions, Sizes, and Specifications

Understanding their dimensions, sizes, and specifications is crucial when considering such containers for temperature-sensitive goods. 

These containers are designed to meet the standard sizes the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets, ensuring compatibility with global shipping infrastructure.

Here are the specifications for the most commonly used container sizes:

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These dimensions and specifications are essential for shippers to understand when planning the transportation of their goods. 

The internal dimensions determine how much cargo can fit inside, while the tare weight and payload capacity affect the overall weight that can be transported. 

By selecting the right container size and type, shippers can ensure that their temperature-sensitive products are transported efficiently and safely.

Choosing the right container size is crucial for the cost-effective transportation of goods. Pazago's platform can help you optimize your shipping costs by providing access to comprehensive logistics services tailored to the needs of SME exporters and importers.

Also Read: Common Types of Containers for Shipping

Types of Reefer Containers for Shipping

1. Standard Refrigerated Container

The most common type is containers that come in 20-feet and 40-feet lengths. They can maintain temperatures from -30°C to +30°C, making them perfect for transporting perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and meat.

2. High-Cube Refrigerated Container

Similar to standard containers but taller, these have an extra foot of height and are available in 40-foot lengths. They also maintain a temperature range of -30°C to +30°C and are suitable for transporting bulky or tall items such as pallets of goods or large equipment.

3. Open Top Refrigerated Container

These containers have an open top for easy loading and unloading of cargo. They can maintain a temperature range of -25°C to +25°C and are ideal for transporting items that are difficult to load into standard containers, such as machinery or oversized cargo.

4. Flat Rack Refrigerated Container

These containers have collapsible sides and can be loaded from the top or sides. Available in 20-feet and 40-feet lengths, they can maintain a temperature range of -30°C to +30°C and are suitable for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped cargo, such as machinery or vehicles.

5. Insulated Container

Designed to maintain a consistent temperature range without needing a refrigeration unit, these containers are ideal for transporting goods that need to be kept at a specific temperature range, such as electronics or chemicals.

6. Dual-Temperature Container

These containers have two separate compartments with different temperature settings, allowing for transporting goods that require different temperature ranges, such as frozen foods and fresh produce, in the same container.

7. Controlled Atmosphere Container

These containers can control the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity inside the container to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. They are ideal for transporting fruits, vegetables, and other produce.

Managing and maintaining optimal conditions for refrigerated cargo can be challenging. Pazago offers specialized refrigerated cargo logistics solutions to help businesses efficiently ship perishable goods to any corner of the world.

With the varieties scoped out, you're probably curious about their real-world uses, right? Let's check out where these icy boxes shine the brightest.

Uses 

1. Food and Beverage Industry

It plays a crucial role in the food and beverage industry, ensuring that fresh produce, frozen foods, and beverages are transported at the right temperature to maintain their freshness and quality.

2. Pharmaceuticals

In the pharmaceutical industry, indispensable for transporting temperature-sensitive drugs and vaccines. They are designed to maintain specific temperature ranges to ensure that medications remain effective and safe for consumption.

3. Chemicals

Some chemicals and hazardous materials require temperature control during transportation. It provides the environment to safely transport these substances without risking their integrity.

4. Flowers and Plants

It helps preserve the beauty and freshness of flowers and plants during transportation. They provide the specific temperature and humidity levels required to keep these delicate items pristine.

5. Seafood

They are essential for the seafood industry. They ensure that fresh seafood, such as fish, shrimp, and lobster, is transported in a controlled environment to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.

6. Bakery and Confectionery

They are also used to transport bakery and confectionery products like cakes, pastries, and chocolates. These items must be kept at certain temperatures to prevent melting or spoilage, making it an ideal solution.

Maximizing the utility of them in various industries is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Utilizing a platform like Pazago can simplify trade management and logistics, allowing businesses to focus on expanding their volume and reach.

Now that we know what they do, let's examine what makes them tick.

Features and Benefits

Temperature and Humidity Control

• Key Feature: Built-in refrigeration systems maintain specific temperature ranges.
• Benefit: Ensures perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals remain fresh and safe.

GPS Tracking and Remote Monitoring

• Key Feature: Equipped with GPS tracking systems for real-time location tracking.
• Benefit: Allows shipping companies to monitor temperature and humidity levels, ensuring quick detection and resolution of refrigeration system issues.

Versatility in Cargo Transport

• Key Feature: It is suitable for various perishable goods, including meat, seafood, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals.
• Benefit: Provides a flexible solution for transporting various types of temperature-sensitive cargo.

Cost-Effectiveness

• Key Feature: Maintains consistent temperature range without additional refrigerated trucks or warehouses.
• Benefit: Reduces transportation costs while preserving the quality and safety of the cargo.

With the added complexity of tracking and maintaining it, using a platform that offers insight and control, like Pazago, can be invaluable for businesses ensuring their products arrive in perfect condition.

Curious about how to pack your goods into these mobile fridges? The devil is in the details, and we're diving in!

How to Stow Cargo in Reefer Shipping Containers?

1. Pre-cooling

• Key Step: Pre-cool the reefer container to the desired temperature before loading the cargo.
• Importance: Prevents sudden temperature changes that could harm the cargo.

2. Proper Loading

• Key Step: Load the cargo on pallets and fill any gaps with dunnage material to prevent shifting.
• Importance: Ensures proper airflow around the cargo and maintains temperature and humidity levels.

3. Proper Airflow

• Key Step: Avoid packing cargo too tightly to ensure airflow inside the container.
• Importance: Essential for maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels.

4. Continuous Monitoring

• Key Step: Monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside the container throughout the journey.
• Importance: Allows immediate action if any deviations occur, protecting the cargo from damage.

5. Cargo Securing

• Key Step: Secure the cargo using straps or other restraints to prevent shifting during transit.
• Importance: Heavy or bulky items must ensure safe transportation.

For companies looking to optimize their cargo loading for efficiency and safety, Pazago offers solutions that simplify these logistics, providing peace of mind and reducing operational burdens.

Stay tuned for the cool contrast from chilly cargo care to the lowdown on dry vs. reefer containers!

Difference Between Reefer Container and Dry Container

The key difference between a this and a dry container lies in their ability to control temperature:

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‍Also Read: What Is FCL Shipping? Definition, Container, Prices

Before we wrap this chilly chapter, let's detour to a nifty niche: non-operating. What's the scoop? Let's find out.

What Are Non-Operating Reefer Containers?

Non-operating, often abbreviated as NORs, is an innovative solution in the shipping industry. These are with their refrigeration units deactivated for the duration of the transit. 

The primary purpose of NORs is to maximize container space utilization on ships, especially when there is an imbalance in the distribution of this space.

Here's how they work

• Redistribution: NORs are used to redistribute it from areas with a surplus to areas with a shortage. This helps in optimizing the availability of reefers where they are needed most.
• Cargo Transport: NORs can still transport cargo even with the refrigeration unit turned off. They function as dry containers with slightly less loading space due to the refrigeration unit's presence.
• Cost-Effectiveness: There is often a price incentive to use NORs. Shippers may benefit from reduced rates since they provide less loading space than standard dry containers.

It's important to note that not all dry cargoes are suitable for transportation in NORs. The cargo must be compatible with the container's interior and the conditions during transit. 

Overall, non-operating reefer offers a practical way to manage container fleets and efficiently reduce empty container repositioning costs.

Maximizing reefer efficiency is key to optimizing shipping costs. Platforms like Pazago offer strategic solutions that boost efficiency and cost-effectiveness in utilizing NORs and managing global shipments.

Conclusion

Reefer Containers are vital in global trade. They revolutionize the transport of perishable goods like fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and seafood. They maintain precise temperature and humidity levels, ensuring product quality and safety. 

With features like GPS tracking and remote monitoring, It offers a controlled environment crucial for the cold chain. 

As the demand for temperature-controlled shipping solutions grows, having the right partner to navigate the complexities of global trade becomes indispensable. Pazago offers a suite of products designed to meet these challenges head-on, equipping SMEs with tools for success in the international market.