Shipping products that require refrigeration such as food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals requires maintaining the correct temperature throughout the entire journey. A single break in the cold chain can ruin the cargo. In this guide, we explain how refrigerated cargo, or Reefer transportation, works.
What is a Reefer Container?
A Reefer (refrigerated) container is a container equipped with its own refrigeration system that maintains a controlled and consistent temperature inside. It is connected to a power source on the vessel, at the port, or on the truck to preserve the cargo throughout the entire ocean freight or ground.
What Products Require Refrigerated Transportation?
- Perishable food: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products.
- Flowers and plants.
- Pharmaceutical products and vaccines.
- Chemicals and other temperature sensitive products.
Temperature and the Cold Chain
Each product has an optimal temperature range: frozen goods are transported well below 0°C, while fruits and flowers require refrigerated temperatures above 0°C. The key is to maintain that temperature without interruptions, which is known as the cold chain.
Best Practices for Your Refrigerated Cargo
- Pre-cool the cargo before loading it (the Reefer maintains the temperature; it is not designed to cool cargo down rapidly).
- Define and document the exact temperature your product requires.
- Avoid opening the container unnecessarily to prevent breaking the cold chain.
- Work with a logistics provider that monitors the temperature throughout transit.
Reefer transportation is one of the options available through our ocean freight services. Learn more about container types and dimensions in our guide to 20 and 40 foot containers.
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