A reefer container is a specialized container that carries temperature-sensitive goods at regulated cold temperatures. Built to work as a large refrigerator, the container type can usually maintain a temperature range of -30°C and +30°C. So, you can easily use a reefer container to transport frozen, chilled, or cold goods.
A reefer container comes with a refrigeration unit on one end. When connected to a power source, the unit fills the container with chilled air. The airflow maintains the desired temperature, making a reefer container perfect for storing food items, pharmaceuticals, plants, and other temperature-controlled goods.
Let’s look at the uses of reefer shipping containers in detail.
What is a reefer container used for?
A reefer container ships goods at cold temperatures but it’s also widely used for dry cargo. Let’s look at the two contradicting uses of reefer shipping containers.
If you’ve been to the frozen and chilled section of your grocery store, you’d have seen an assortment of food items from all over the world. From scrumptious Australian beef, creamy European cheese, exotic Indian fruits to ready-to-eat American canned food, you get them all in one place. Have you ever wondered how they make it to your neighbourhood store?
All thanks to reefer containers! Reefers ship perishable food items that require refrigeration. Some of the most commonly shipped food items are:
- Meat (frozen and chilled),
- Seafood
- Fruits and vegetables
- Milk and dairy products
- Processed food
- Juice and beverages
- Wine, etc.
How does a reefer container work?
You must’ve learned by now that a refrigeration unit is pivotal for maintaining cold temperatures. But several other features work together for reefers to function. Let’s take a few minutes to understand the beauty of it all.
Maintains cool temperature
The refrigeration unit distributes the chilled air through the floor of a reefer container. If you look closely, the floor of the container has grooves, also known as T-shaped decking. This T-shaped decking allows a constant supply of cool air around the shipment.
Genset provides electricity
Genset is short for generator set. It provides electricity to the refrigeration unit to work. A reefer is usually connected to a power source on vessels. But for extremely sensitive cargo that could spoil outside a temperature range, gensets provide a backup power source. It’s best to use a genset equipped reefer to ensure the safety of your cargo.
Ventilation keeps goods fresh
The entire point of a reefer container is to keep your goods fresh. Fruits and vegetables release heat, water, and CO₂. If these gasses aren’t removed, they can damage the cargo by causing uncontrolled ripening, aging, and altering flavour. Therefore, reefers are kept ventilated by fresh air.