A reefer container, also known as a refrigerated container, is an enclosed unit used for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo. Featuring built-in refrigeration systems, these containers maintain a specific temperature, ensuring the safe transportation of perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals around the world, either by boat, road or rail. Their use is integral in global trade, allowing for the reliable distribution of fresh produce and other temperature-sensitive products worldwide.
Whilst reefer containers continue to be popular, production of these refrigerated containers is expected to fall in 2024 according to a recent report.
Reefer containers come in various sizes, with the most common being 20-foot and 40-foot variants. The size and dimension of a reefer container directly impact its capacity, determining the volume and nature of goods it can transport. Beyond just the dimensions and physical characteristics, understanding how a reefer container functions, including its cooling mechanism and how it maintains a steady temperature, is pivotal in grasping its utility in shipping and commerce.
What Can Be Stored in a Reefer Container: How refrigerated containers keep perishable goods fresh
Reefer containers employ advanced refrigeration technology to maintain a steady, low temperature, which is vital for preserving perishable goods. The cooling system in a reefer container operates much like a household refrigerator. It uses a refrigerant, a substance that changes from a gas to a liquid and back again at low temperatures. This refrigerant circulates through a series of coils, absorbing heat from the inside of the container and expelling it outside, thereby maintaining the interior at the desired temperature.
Most reefer units are equipped with a sophisticated integrated controller that constantly monitors internal temperature and adjusts the cooling system accordingly. This ensures a consistent temperature, regardless of external conditions. Some modern reefers even have the ability to control the concentration of gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen, adding an additional layer of control for the transportation of highly sensitive goods.
It’s also worth noting that reefer containers are heavily insulated, which aids in maintaining the internal temperature. This insulation, combined with the efficient cooling system, ensures the freshness of the transported goods, making reefer containers an essential part of global trade.
Reefer Container Dimensions: Understanding the importance of dimensions and capacity ratings
Reefer containers come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right dimensions is crucial for efficient and cost-effective shipping of perishable goods. Typically, the most common sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot units, although other sizes are available to cater to specific needs.
In terms of capacity, it’s essential to understand that the volume of the container doesn’t translate directly into usable cargo space. The refrigeration unit and insulation walls take up a portion of the interior, reducing the overall cargo volume. Moreover, it’s not usually advisable to pack a reefer to its maximum capacity as doing so can hamper the proper circulation of cooled air, potentially leading to uneven cooling and compromising the quality of the goods.
It’s also important to consider the weight capacity of a reefer unit. Each container has a maximum gross weight rating which includes the weight of the container itself plus its cargo. Exceeding this weight can pose safety risks and can also be a violation of shipping regulations. Therefore, understanding size and capacity ratings is not just a matter of logistics but also of regulatory compliance and product quality.
Powering the Process: Electric vs diesel power for refrigeration systems
Refrigeration systems in reefer containers are typically powered by either electric or diesel generators, and the type of power source used has significant implications for the efficiency, cost, and environmental impact of your shipping operations.
Electric-powered refrigeration systems are generally more energy-efficient than their diesel counterparts. They generate less noise and emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. However, they require a continuous power supply, which can be a challenge in certain locations or situations. Moreover, compared to diesel units, electric systems may have a higher upfront cost but may offer savings in the long term through lower running costs.
On the other hand, diesel-powered refrigeration units offer the advantage of being self-contained and not reliant on an external power source. This makes them more flexible and reliable, especially in remote locations or during power outages. However, diesel systems tend to be noisier and produce more emissions than electric ones, contributing to environmental pollution. In terms of cost, diesel units can be cheaper upfront but may incur higher running costs due to fuel consumption.
Therefore, when choosing between electric and diesel power for your reefer container, it’s crucial to consider not only the immediate operational needs and costs but also the long-term environmental impact and potential savings.
How Reefer Containers Work: Temperature sensors and data logging help ensure safe transport
To guarantee the safety and quality of the products being transported, monitoring and control mechanisms are paramount within reefer containers. These systems typically incorporate temperature sensors and data logging capabilities.
Temperature sensors within the container allow for real-time monitoring of the internal environment, ensuring that the temperature remains within the optimal range for the goods being shipped. Any deviations from the set range trigger alarms, enabling prompt corrective action to be taken. This continuous vigilance mitigates the risk of spoilage due to abrupt temperature changes.
Data logging forms another critical component of these monitoring systems. These logs capture and store detailed information about temperature, humidity levels, and other pertinent variables throughout the journey. This data can be reviewed and analysed post-shipment to identify any potential issues or inefficiencies in the transportation process.
Implementing stringent monitoring and control mechanisms enhances the reliability of your shipping operations, safeguarding the integrity of your goods, and bolstering customer trust in your services.
Today’s most innovative reefer containers allow for internet connectivity and can leverage the power of the Internet of Things to help to monitor and maintain temperature control throughout the entire end-to-end journey of a reefer container. This also improves the overall efficiency of the containers and allows companies to track the carbon footprint of each container. Learn more in a recent post.
Different Cargoes, Custom Configs: Versatility in design for foods, meds and more
Reefer containers can be configured and adapted in numerous ways to accommodate a wide variety of cargoes. From fresh produce and frozen foods to pharmaceuticals and delicate electronics, each cargo has unique temperature and humidity requirements that can be met through custom configurations.
For instance, transporting fruits and vegetables necessitates careful control of temperature, humidity, and ventilation to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness. On the other hand, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals often require stringent temperature controls — sometimes needing to be maintained in a strictly chilled or even frozen state to ensure their efficacy.
Electronics and other sensitive equipment may not need temperature control in the same way as foods or medicines, but they do require a dry environment to prevent moisture-induced damage. Accordingly, humidity control becomes crucial in such scenarios.
In essence, the versatility in design and control mechanisms of reefer containers allows for custom configurations to meet the specific requirements of different cargoes, ensuring safe and quality-controlled transportation of an array of goods. This adaptability is what makes reefer containers an invaluable asset in the global supply chain.
Reefer Container Logistics: Intermodal transport across oceans, roads and rails
Reefer logistics encompasses the comprehensive system of transporting temperature-sensitive goods across various modes of transportation—sea, road, and rail. The cornerstone of this system is the intermodal nature of reefer containers, designed to seamlessly transition from ship to truck to train, without the need to unload and reload the cargo.
At sea, reefer containers are safely stowed, powered, and monitored on the deck of cargo ships, ensuring their temperature-sensitive contents remain at the optimal conditions throughout the journey. Ports are equipped with necessary power sources and monitoring systems to ensure the continuous functioning of the refrigeration unit while waiting for the next phase of the journey.
On the road, reefer trucks incorporate built-in refrigeration units and advanced insulation technology to maintain precise climate control during transit. They offer a flexible and efficient means of transporting temperature-controlled goods to and from ports, warehouses, and final delivery points.
In terms of rail transport, reefer containers are loaded onto specially fitted rail cars. Like their counterparts in sea and road transportation, these cars provide power and monitoring, ensuring the integrity of the cargo during rail transit.
Overall, reefer logistics is a testament to the power of intermodal transport; it exemplifies how diverse modes of transport can be seamlessly integrated to ensure the safe, efficient, and quality-controlled transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.
If you are looking to buy or rent a reefer shipping container in Australia, then you have some great options. For shipping containers in Australia, OZBOX is a great option with both 20ft and 40ft reefer container available for sale or rent. For shipping containers in New Zealand, their sister company NZBOX also has a huge range of shipping containers available including reefer containers.
