A refrigerated container is a resource for transporting perishable products such as meat, dairy, fruit, flowers, pharmaceuticals and many more that require constant temperature control to extend their shelf life. A few care routines are necessary to guarantee the container keeps working properly.

Care after the container is installed

The following measures will help you keep a unit in good condition and always ready for use.

Constant cleaning

Follow a cleaning procedures manual to guarantee deep disinfection, completely removing any source of contamination, corrosion and other unwanted elements that could affect the insulation and the body in general. That way the container will work correctly and last longer. You can find more information in these tips for keeping a refrigerated container properly clean.

Preventive maintenance

It is essential to carry out maintenance activities such as temperature measurements and a general check of the cooling system and control panels on a frequent basis, following the maintenance plan provided by the manufacturer, the owner or a specialized third party.

Periodic defrosting

This is a fundamental piece of care: if it is not done, unnecessary layers of ice start to build up inside the container. That creates moisture and contamination for the goods and for the container itself, so defrosting contributes to the optimal operation of the unit. Many containers have an option to configure and schedule automatic defrosting. If there is an excess of unnecessary ice, remove it taking the proper precautions.

Good loading practices

For the cold air inside the container to be distributed and circulate correctly, it is important to consider a few points when loading it. Among them: leave a gap of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) between the goods and the container roof, place the pallets and the cargo so that aisles form for air circulation, and do not block the air outlets located in the container floor.

Place the heaviest cargo at the bottom and at the back. It must be evenly distributed and remain static to avoid risks during transport.

Avoid improper repairs

Do not carry out repairs not recommended by the manufacturer. Rather than improving anything, they could harm the operation of the container and breach international standards. Likewise, repairs must be done by specialists using professional equipment and tools that do not cause deformation, rippling or any other minor or major damage, since that can affect the thermal insulation.

Rely on the manufacturer

Finally, before carrying out any activity that modifies or could affect the container, we recommend contacting the manufacturer or another company that provides specialized advice on the subject. That way you avoid breaching international standards and putting the correct operation of the container at risk, which would mean heavy losses and, in the worst case, permanent damage to the cooling system.

Given the nature of today's international trade and the speed at which goods move, containers are constantly exposed to factors that can affect their correct operation.

Keep these tips in mind to always have a container in good condition and working at its best. Remember that the best way to achieve it is through constant, preventive care. That way the goods, the owner, the customers and the consumers will all be satisfied with the results.

Looking for a reefer in good working order? See our refrigerated containers.