The Essential Role of Reefer Containers
When it comes to transporting temperature-sensitive goods over long distances, few solutions are as vital as reefer containers. Whether you’re a small business owner needing to ship perishable produce or a construction manager seeking efficient storage for temperature-controlled materials, understanding how reefer containers work and their benefits can make a significant difference in your operations.
A reefer container is a specialized shipping unit designed to keep its cargo at a constant, controlled temperature. Here’s a quick overview of what makes reefer containers indispensable:
- Temperature Control: Maintains precise interior climates ranging from -30°C to +30°C.
- Versatility: Suitable for shipping meats, cheeses, chocolates, pharmaceuticals, and more.
- Durability: Constructed to meet ISO standards, ensuring reliability and safety.
I’m Steve Hyndman, Vice President of Aztec Container. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen first-hand how reefer containers revolutionize logistics for businesses worldwide.
What is a Reefer Container?
A reefer container is a specialized shipping unit designed to keep its cargo at a constant, controlled temperature. These containers are vital for transporting perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, and even pharmaceuticals.
Temperature Control
Reefer containers are equipped with advanced refrigeration units that can maintain temperatures between -30°C and +30°C. Some special types, known as super freezers, can even go as low as -70°C. This precise temperature control is crucial for ensuring that sensitive goods remain fresh and safe during transit.
How They Work
The refrigeration process in a reefer container involves several key components:
- Refrigeration Unit: This is the heart of the reefer container, responsible for generating the chilled airflow needed to maintain the desired temperature.
- Airflow System: Cold air is distributed along the T-shaped floor of the container, ensuring even cooling throughout. The air ascends and returns on top of the load, maintaining a consistent temperature.
- Ventilation: Essential for removing heat, gases, and ethylene produced by fruits and vegetables, preventing spoilage.
- Humidity Control: Different cargoes require different humidity levels. Standard units maintain between 60% and 85% relative humidity (RH).
- Drainage System: Built-in drains remove excess water to prevent accumulation.
Essential Features
Reefer containers come with a range of features that make them indispensable:
- Microprocessors: These devices continuously monitor and record data such as air temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. This information can be accessed remotely to ensure optimal conditions.
- Gensets: These are backup power units that ensure the refrigeration system remains operational even when the container is disconnected from a primary power source.
Real-World Impact
According to Drewry, reefer traffic in ocean shipping is expected to grow at a 3.7% annual rate to reach 156 million tonnes by 2024. This growth highlights the increasing importance of reefer containers in global trade.
“People are always gonna make sure that families have healthy stuff on the table,” says Philip Gray, head of reefer shipping research at Drewry.
In summary, reefer containers are crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of perishable goods during transit. They offer precise temperature control, reliable ventilation, and efficient humidity management, making them a cornerstone of modern logistics.
Next, we’ll dig into the specifics of how reefer containers work, including the different cooling systems and their benefits.
How Reefer Containers Work
Reefer containers are essential for transporting perishable goods over long distances. Here’s a look at how they work and the different cooling systems they use.
Air Cooling System
The most common cooling method in reefer containers is air cooling. The refrigeration unit distributes chilled air through the floor, which has T-shaped decking. This design allows a constant flow of cool air to circulate around the cargo, maintaining a stable temperature.
Key Points:
– T-flooring: Grooved floors that improve airflow.
– Airflow: Chilled air circulates evenly to maintain temperature.
– Temperature Maintenance: Keeps cargo at a pre-set temperature.
Water Cooling System
Some reefers use a water cooling system to remove heat. This system is particularly useful when containers are stored below deck on a vessel with inadequate ventilation. However, due to the higher costs, the use of water cooling systems is declining.
Key Points:
– Ventilation: Removes heat generated by the refrigeration unit.
– Heat Removal: Effective but more expensive than air cooling.
– Declining Popularity: High costs make it less common.
Cryogenic Cooling System
For short journeys, cryogenic cooling is an efficient option. This system uses frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice) or liquid nitrogen to keep the container cool. The frozen gas slowly evaporates, maintaining the temperature until the gas runs out.
Key Points:
– Frozen Carbon Dioxide: Commonly used for short trips.
– Liquid Nitrogen: Another option for cryogenic cooling.
– Short Journeys: Effective for up to 17 days in railcars and about 100 hours in air freight.
Redundant Refrigeration System
For valuable or hazardous cargo, redundant refrigeration systems provide extra reliability. These systems have both primary and backup refrigeration units. If the primary unit fails, the backup unit automatically kicks in. Often, these containers are equipped with diesel generators for an additional layer of security.
Key Points:
– Backup Units: Ensures continuous operation.
– Diesel Generators: Provide reliable power.
– Hazardous Cargo: Meets International Maritime Organization’s regulations for dangerous goods.
Reefer containers are designed to keep perishable goods at their optimal temperature with various advanced cooling systems. Next, we’ll explore the benefits of using reefer containers, from transporting fresh produce to storing pharmaceuticals.
Benefits of Using Reefer Containers
Transporting Perishable Goods
Reefer containers are essential for transporting perishable items like fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy. These containers keep goods at a consistent temperature, ensuring they remain fresh throughout the journey.
Key Benefits:
– Fresh Produce: Keeps fruits and vegetables crisp and fresh.
– Meat and Fish: Maintains the required low temperatures to prevent spoilage.
– Dairy Products: Ensures milk, cheese, and other dairy items stay cold and safe for consumption.
In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, reefer containers played a crucial role in maintaining the global food supply chain. They ensured that even during lockdowns, fresh produce and other perishable goods reached consumers without compromising quality.
Shipping Pharmaceuticals
Reefer containers are also vital for shipping pharmaceuticals, including medicines and vaccines. These items need precise temperature control to remain effective, and reefer containers provide just that.
Key Benefits:
– Medicines: Ensures drugs are stored at the right temperature to maintain their efficacy.
– Vaccines: Critical for transporting vaccines, especially those requiring ultra-cold storage.
– Regular Inspections: These containers undergo frequent checks to ensure they meet all safety regulations.
During the COVID-19 crisis, reefer containers were instrumental in distributing vaccines worldwide. Their ability to maintain the necessary cold chain logistics ensured that vaccines arrived safely at their destinations.
Event and Festival Storage
Reefer containers are not just for long-haul shipping; they’re also perfect for temporary storage at events and festivals. Whether you need to keep food and beverages cold or provide extra cooling during an event, these containers are incredibly versatile.
Key Benefits:
– Food and Beverages: Keeps items fresh and ready for consumption during events.
– Temporary Cooling: Ideal for temporary storage needs, such as during a festival or a large gathering.
– Easy Setup: Quick to deploy and set up, making them ideal for short-term use.
For instance, at large food festivals, reefer containers can store large quantities of perishable items, ensuring everything stays fresh and safe for attendees. They are also used in disaster relief efforts to store and distribute essential items like food and medicine.
By using reefer containers, businesses and organizations can ensure the safe and efficient transport and storage of perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and event supplies. This makes them an invaluable asset in various industries.
Next, we’ll dig into the dimensions and specifications of different types of reefer containers, including the standard 20ft and 40ft options.
Reefer Container Dimensions and Specifications
20ft Reefer Container
A 20ft reefer container is built to ISO standards, ensuring uniformity and compatibility across global shipping networks. These containers are perfect for smaller shipments and tight spaces.
Internal Dimensions:
– Length: 17.9 ft (5.44 m)
– Width: 7.5 ft (2.29 m)
– Height: 7.5 ft (2.27 m)
Capacity:
– Cubic Capacity: 999 cu ft (28.3 m³)
– Tare Weight: 3,080 kg (6,790 lbs)
– Payload Capacity: 27,400 kg (60,417 lbs)
This size is ideal for businesses that need to transport smaller quantities of temperature-sensitive goods like fruits, vegetables, or pharmaceuticals.
40ft Reefer Container
A 40ft reefer container offers more space for larger shipments. These containers are also built to ISO standards and are widely used for international shipping.
Internal Dimensions:
– Length: 37.9 ft (11.56 m)
– Width: 7.5 ft (2.28 m)
– Height: 7.4 ft (2.25 m)
Capacity:
– Cubic Capacity: 2,093.3 cu ft (59.3 m³)
– Tare Weight: 4,800 kg (10,584 lbs)
– Payload Capacity: 27,700 kg (61,079 lbs)
This container size is perfect for transporting larger quantities of perishable goods, such as meat or dairy products.
40ft High Cube Reefer Container
The 40ft High Cube (HC) reefer container provides extra height for taller or bulkier items. Like the other sizes, it adheres to ISO standards.
Internal Dimensions:
– Length: 38.0 ft (11.59 m)
– Width: 7.5 ft (2.285 m)
– Height: 7.9 ft (2.40 m)
Capacity:
– Cubic Capacity: 2,366 cu ft (67.0 m³)
– Tare Weight: 4,600 kg (9,880 lbs)
– Payload Capacity: 29,500 kg (65,036 lbs)
The additional height of High Cube containers makes them ideal for items that require more vertical space, such as certain types of machinery or stacked goods.
By understanding these dimensions and specifications, you can choose the right reefer container for your specific needs, ensuring efficient and safe transport of your temperature-sensitive goods.
Next, we’ll explore the concept of Non-Operating Reefer Containers (NOR) and their unique advantages.
Non-Operating Reefer Containers (NOR)
Non-operating reefer containers (NOR) are refrigerated containers with the refrigeration unit turned off. This makes them function like standard dry containers. Why would anyone do this? Simple: to make the most out of container repositioning and save costs.
Definition
When a reefer container is used as a NOR, it carries dry cargo instead of temperature-sensitive goods. The refrigeration unit is deactivated, allowing the container to function as a regular dry container. This conversion is straightforward but offers several logistical advantages.
Dry Cargo
While reefer containers are designed to transport perishable goods, they can also carry dry cargo when used as NORs. This versatility makes them valuable for shipping various items like:
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Textiles
- Machinery
However, keep in mind that not all dry cargo is suitable for transport in a reefer due to the reduced internal space taken up by the refrigeration unit.
Repositioning
One of the main reasons for using NORs is to reposition containers efficiently. Almost every third container globally is shipped empty, which is wasteful and expensive. By using reefers as NORs, companies can fill these otherwise empty containers with cargo, making the most of their shipping routes.
Cost Efficiency
Using NORs can be a cost-effective strategy. Here’s why:
- Reduced Empty Runs: By filling empty reefers with dry cargo, companies save on the costs of shipping empty containers.
- Price Incentives: Shipping lines often offer price incentives for using NORs because it helps balance their container inventory.
- Flexibility: Businesses get more flexibility in their logistics planning, as they can use the same container for different types of cargo.
For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, reefer containers played a crucial role in shipping essential items like pharmaceuticals and vaccines. As the demand for these items fluctuated, the ability to use reefers as NORs provided much-needed logistical flexibility.
Understanding the concept of NORs and their benefits can help you make smarter decisions in your shipping and logistics operations. Whether you’re transporting perishable goods or dry cargo, reefer containers offer versatile and cost-effective solutions.
Next, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about reefer containers to clear up any remaining doubts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reefer Containers
What is the difference between a reefer container and a normal container?
Reefer containers are specifically designed to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. They come with a built-in refrigeration unit that maintains a constant temperature, typically between -30°C and +30°C. This makes them ideal for perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and pharmaceuticals.
In contrast, normal containers (also known as dry containers) are used for non-perishable items that don’t require temperature control. These could be anything from electronics to clothing and furniture.
Temperature control is the key difference. While dry containers are more versatile for various dry commodities, reefer containers ensure the safety and quality of sensitive cargo by maintaining specific conditions.
How much do reefer containers cost?
The cost of reefer containers can vary widely based on several factors:
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New vs. Used: New reefer containers are generally more expensive, ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. Used containers can be more affordable, often falling between $5,000 and $8,000.
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Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the refrigeration unit functions correctly. This can add to the overall cost but is essential for reliable operation.
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Additional Features: Customizations like extra doors, windows, or specialized insulation can also affect the price.
While the initial investment can be high, the benefits of maintaining the quality of perishable goods often outweigh the costs.
What are the dimensions of a reefer container?
Reefer containers come in standard sizes that comply with ISO standards. Here are the common dimensions:
20ft Reefer Container
- Internal Length: 17.9 ft / 5.44 m
- Internal Width: 7.5 ft / 2.29 m
- Internal Height: 7.5 ft / 2.27 m
- Capacity: 999 cu ft / 28.3 m³
40ft Reefer Container
- Internal Length: 37.9 ft / 11.56 m
- Internal Width: 7.5 ft / 2.28 m
- Internal Height: 7.4 ft / 2.25 m
- Capacity: 2,093.3 cu ft / 59.3 m³
40ft High Cube Reefer Container
- Internal Length: 38.0 ft / 11.59 m
- Internal Width: 7.5 ft / 2.285 m
- Internal Height: 7.9 ft / 2.40 m
- Capacity: 2,366 cu ft / 67.0 m³
These dimensions ensure that reefer containers can be used globally, fitting into standard shipping frameworks while offering the necessary space and conditions for a variety of goods.
Understanding these differences and specifications can help you choose the right type of container for your needs. Whether it’s for transporting perishable items or using NORs for dry cargo, reefer containers provide a versatile and efficient solution.
Conclusion
Reefer containers are indispensable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. They offer a controlled environment that ensures the safety and freshness of products like fruits, vegetables, meats, and pharmaceuticals. Their versatility extends beyond just shipping; they are also ideal for event storage and even transporting dry cargo as Non-Operating Reefer (NOR) containers.
Benefits of using reefer containers include:
- Maintaining Freshness: Perfect for keeping perishable goods in prime condition.
- Versatility: Can be used for various types of cargo, including dry goods.
- Global Trade: Facilitate international shipping of sensitive items.
- Event Storage: Provide temporary cooling solutions for events and festivals.
At Aztec Container, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality reefer containers custom to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, we provide competitive prices without compromising on quality. Plus, our containers can be customized to fit your specific requirements, from adding extra doors and windows to installing shelving and insulation.
Why choose Aztec Container?
- Custom Solutions: We modify containers to meet your exact needs.
- Fast Delivery: We ensure quick and efficient delivery to your location.
- Competitive Prices: Our rates are among the best in the industry.
For more information and to browse our selection of refrigerated containers, visit our service page.
Thank you for considering Aztec Container for your reefer container needs. We look forward to serving you!