Transporting temperature-sensitive goods is a key challenge in international trade, where maintaining the integrity of products is critical to ensuring their quality. Reefer containers play a crucial role in this process, enabling the safe transport of fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and other goods that require constant temperature control. In this article, we will explore the features and advantages of Reefer containers, as well as their sizes and capacities.
What are Reefer containers?
Reefer containers, also known as refrigerated containers, are transport units equipped with a refrigeration system to maintain precise temperature control throughout the entire journey. These containers are essential for the transport of sensitive goods such as fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and other items that require a temperature-controlled environment to preserve their quality and prevent losses.
General characteristics of refrigerated containers (Reefer)
Reefer containers stand out for their ability to maintain a temperature-controlled environment, which makes them ideal for transporting goods that require specific conditions for their preservation. Their main characteristics are detailed below:
Types of temperature control (Positive and negative)
Positive temperature: Allows to maintain a cool environment, generally between 0°C and 15°C. It is ideal for fresh products such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Negative temperature: Used to freeze products, with a range that can go down to -25°C or even lower, maintaining the freezing of meat, fish and other foods.
Temperature range and regulation
Reefer containers can operate in a wide temperature range, usually between -30°C and +30°C, depending on model specifications. Temperature regulation is done through automated systems that allow precise adjustments, maintaining the necessary stability so that goods are not affected by sudden temperature changes.
Remote monitoring and control technology
Modern Reefer containers are equipped with remote monitoring technology, which allows operators to monitor temperature, humidity and ventilation in real time from any location. These systems help detect and correct any anomalies during transport, ensuring that goods arrive in the right condition and reducing the risk of loss.
These features make Reefer containers an essential tool for industries that need to guarantee the preservation of perishable products throughout their entire journey.
Types and dimensions of refrigerated containers
Reefer containers come in two main sizes: 20 feet and 40 feet. Both offer solutions to maintain temperature control, although they vary in capacity and dimensions. Their specifications are detailed below:
20 Foot Reefer Containers. Measurements and load capacity
External dimensions: 20 feet long, 8.00 feet wide, 8.50 feet high.
Internal dimensions: 18 feet long, 7.51 feet wide, 7.41 feet high.
Load capacity: Approximately 953 to 1,059 cubic feet, depending on the goods and space requirements for air circulation.
How many pallets fit in a 20-foot Reefer container?
In a 20-foot refrigerated container, generally 8 to 12 European standard size pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) can be placed, depending on the layout and the need for space to maintain proper air circulation.
40′ Reefer Containers. Measurements and load capacity
External dimensions: 40 feet long, 8.00 feet wide, 8.50 feet high.
Internal dimensions: 37 feet long, 7.48 feet wide, 7.38 feet high.
Load capacity: Approximately 2,013 to 2,366 cubic feet, which allows transporting large volumes of refrigerated products.
How many pallets fit in a 40-foot Reefer container?
This 40-foot Reefer container can hold 20 to 25 European standard size pallets, depending on how they are distributed to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent cold loss.
Reefer utilities
Reefer containers are essential for transporting products that require precise temperature control. Their applications are varied and cover different industries:
Food industry
Essential for the transport of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy products, guaranteeing the freshness and quality of the food until its final destination. Maintaining a constant temperature prevents loss of organoleptic properties and product deterioration.
Pharmaceuticals
Used for the shipment of drugs, vaccines and biotech products that must be kept at specific temperatures to maintain their efficacy. In this case, temperature control and stability are crucial to ensure the integrity of the drugs.
Chemical industry
Many chemicals are sensitive to temperature variations and require a controlled environment to avoid dangerous reactions. Reefer containers ensure that these products remain stable during transport, avoiding risks and damage.
Examples where temperature control is crucial:
Vaccine transport: In situations such as the distribution of disease vaccines, the temperature range must be extremely precise to maintain the potency and efficacy of the product. Shipping frozen products: Products such as seafood and ice cream need to maintain a temperature below freezing throughout the journey to preserve their texture and quality.
Related content:
- Storage of chemical products. What it is and Regulations
- How to transport refrigerated or frozen food
- Shipping Container Dimensions. Measurements and specifications
Advantages of using refrigerated containers (Reefer)
Reefer containers offer multiple advantages for the transport of products that require constant temperature control. These advantages not only ensure the quality of the goods throughout the entire journey, but also optimize energy efficiency and minimize economic losses due to product spoilage. Below are some of the main advantages that make Reefer containers an ideal choice for the transport of sensitive goods.
Preservation of product quality
Reefer containers ensure that products maintain the optimum temperature throughout their journey, preserving the freshness of foodstuffs, the efficacy of medicines and the stability of chemical products. This ensures that goods arrive at their destination in perfect condition, with no alterations to their quality.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Modern Reefer container models are designed to be energy efficient, using energy-saving technology that minimizes the carbon footprint.
This not only reduces operating costs, but also contributes to more sustainable transportation.
Reduction of losses during transport
By maintaining a constant and controlled temperature, Reefer containers significantly reduce losses due to product spoilage during transport. This is crucial for the food and pharmaceutical industries, where a small change in temperature can lead to total loss of goods.
Across Logistics: Your logistic partner for refrigerated transport
At Across Logistics we are specialists in handling shipments that require precise temperature control, specializing in sectors such as pharmaceutical/health, food/beverage and chemical, among others.
Our infrastructure and advanced technology allow us to maintain the cold chain intact throughout the entire journey, ensuring that your products arrive in perfect condition.
We offer flexible and customized solutions for each type of refrigerated cargo, adapting to the specific needs of each client. Whether you need to transport fresh food or medicines, our team of experts is with you every step of the way.
For more information about our refrigerated transport solutions, contact us and find out how we can help you manage your shipments safely and efficiently.