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Reefer logistics

Move temperature-sensitive cargo over long distances in refrigerated containers. This overview explains how best to transport and handle your goods.

Maintaining freshness is of utmost importance during transport. Perishable goods must be transported under optimal conditions to ensure that they arrive in pristine condition.

All standard reefer containers are built to maintain a temperature between +25° C and -25° C for chilled and frozen cargo.

A certain percentage of the global reefer fleet is also capable of maintaining a temperature down to -35° C or even lower. Special containers (super freezers) can maintain a temperature down to -70° C.

What are reefer containers?

Chilled cargo

Chilled commodities must be transported at low temperatures above freezing point. Products typically include fresh fruits and vegetables (especially bananas and pineapples), fresh meat and seafood, milk and dairy products, eggs, fresh juices, confectioneries and flowers.

Reefer containers can automatically control cooling with their supply air sensor, which can detect and change the temperature.

Fresh air ventilation is essential for this "living" produce like fruits and vegetables. It must flow uniformly through the cargo, circulating through the packaging and over the produce to remove ripening heat, CO2, and ethylene (C2H4), and refresh the O2.

The amount of air required depends on the produce's respiration level and its tolerance to lower oxygen and higher CO2 and ethylene levels. Cartons should be stacked with aligned holes to allow free air circulation throughout the load. Any material that blocks airflow should be removed. Ethylene gas, a natural by-product of perishables, can be used to control the ripening process.

Maintaining product integrity in transport

Building a controlled atmosphere is the most advanced method of precisely managing the atmospheric composition of a container throughout its journey. This technology can keep post-harvest perishables fresh for up to two to three times longer than other methods. Controlled atmosphere technology uses computer systems to monitor and regulate the container's atmospheric composition.

Cold treatment is a procedure that destroys fruit flies, larvae, or eggs by keeping the cargo at a low temperature for a determined time. It avoids the use of chemicals and is more environmentally friendly.

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Shipping frozen products

Frozen goods are generally shipped and stored at -20°C or lower. Some items with high fat content, such as ice cream, require even lower temperatures. It's important to note that local regulations for the transport temperature of certain frozen goods may vary.

Frozen loads should be stacked in block stowage, with no gaps between pallets or packages and no holes in the packaging. Air must flow over the cargo to dissipate any heat that may have entered the refrigerated container. Ventilation is not required for non-respiring goods such as candy, pharmaceuticals, or any frozen cargo. This typically includes frozen meat and seafood, prepared foods, fruit concentrates, fruits and vegetables, and ice cream.

Special cargo

Non-food products that require temperature and/or humidity protection during transport, must be treated with the highest level of care. This includes pharmaceuticals or medical care products, film and photo equipment, chemicals or sensitive industrial shipments.

Pre-cooling and packaging

The correct handling of the product is crucial. Cold temperatures help keep food fresh longer by slowing down bacterial activity present in all food and deep freezing can stop it entirely. Many factors influence the shelf life of products from hygiene and pre-cooling to stowage and storage temperature.

  • Proper pre-cooling rapidly removes heat from the commodities and reduces the rate of water loss for many perishables.

  • Once chilled or frozen, a product must be kept in this condition throughout the cold chain until it reaches the consumer. Goods are pre-cooled to the recommended temperature before being loaded into the container.

  • Prevent temperature fluctuations by keeping moments without electricity during loading and unloading as short as possible. Reefer containers are plugged in as soon as they come on board the vessel and disconnected as late as possible during discharge.

  • For inland haulage, gensets are used. These are portable power sources with a motor that generates electricity.

  • Internal air circulation is essential for maintaining the set temperature in a reefer container. The air is constantly steered over the cargo space, ensuring it moves freely over the goods.

  • Commodities have unique needs for temperature, ventilation, humidity, drainage, and airflow, all of which require optimal quality management during transport. The type of packaging, filling, and the nature of the goods all influence produce integrity.