Container Reefer (short for refrigerated Container) refers to goods that require temperature-controlled transportation to maintain their quality and integrity throughout the supply chain. This shipping method is essential for transporting perishable and sensitive items over long distances.
Types of Reefer Systems and Container
Container Reefer can be transported using different systems, including:
- Reefer Containers: Standardized intermodal containers equipped with refrigeration units, used in maritime shipping, rail, and trucking.
- Reefer Ships: Specialized vessels designed with refrigerated holds or capacity to power many individual reefer containers.
- Reefer Trucks/Vans: Insulated trucks or trailers with independent refrigeration units used for overland transport.
Common types of Container reefer include:
- Food Products: Fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products.
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies: Medications, vaccines, and blood products that degrade at warm temperatures.
- Chemical Products: Certain chemicals that require specific temperature ranges to prevent degradation.
- Horticulture: Flowers, bulbs, and plants.
Key Features of Reefer Transport
- Temperature Control: Systems maintain a specific temperature range, typically between -25°C and +25°C, depending on the cargo requirements. Some specialized units, like “super freezers,” can reach temperatures as low as -60°C for items such as certain types of fish or specific pharmaceuticals.
- Humidity and Ventilation: Advanced reefer systems can also manage humidity levels and air flow to control processes like the ripening of fruits, extending shelf life and preserving quality.
- Power Source: While reefer units have their own machinery, they require an external power supply. On ships and at terminals, they plug into electrical power points; during road transport, they are typically powered by diesel generators (gensets) on the trailers.
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of temperature and humidity is essential throughout the journey to ensure cargo integrity and compliance with regulations.
Reefer logistics are more complex than standard dry freight shipping due to these added requirements, but they enable the global trade of perishable goods, supporting industries from agriculture to biotechnology.
