Refrigerated containers, also known as reefers, have the equipment needed to control temperature. They keep the goods being transported at the right temperature levels to preserve them. The ideal temperature depends on each product carried.

Types of reefer

There are three sizes of containers. The variations lie in weight, maximum payload, the materials the container is built with and the equipment that keeps the cold throughout the shipping time.

The three sizes of containers with reefer technology

20 ft: 5.4 m long x 2.2 m wide x 2.23 m high (17 ft 9 in x 7 ft 3 in x 7 ft 4 in).
40 ft: 11.51 m long x 2.28 m wide x 2.25 m high (37 ft 9 in x 7 ft 6 in x 7 ft 5 in).
40 ft HC: 11.51 m long x 2.28 m wide x 2.55 m high (37 ft 9 in x 7 ft 6 in x 8 ft 5 in).

A 20 ft reefer normally weighs 3,080 kg (6,790 lb) and has a capacity of 28.1 m³ (992 cu ft). During loading and unloading, the goods can be hit by the ambient temperature. That is why temperature-controlled cold rooms are needed. Containers also often carry a GPS so the exact location of the goods is known.

What special projects can we carry out?

There is a countless number of special projects you can carry out with reefer containers. Projects can be worldwide, thanks to ocean trade, or regional, within our continental borders. All of them have the logistics support of refrigerated containers.

The dairy project

It is a widespread but profitable market. Dairy products and butter are transported below 6 °C (43 °F). They are the basis of breakfasts and baking. The versatility of both products makes them a must in supermarkets, convenience stores, corner shops and every home in the world. Transporting these products in a refrigerated container may be needed in several projects: from a small venture among members of a cattle cooperative to an export business reaching every corner of the world.

The dressed poultry and game project

Poultry and rabbit are part of the family diet in many regions. They are transported dressed at -4 °C (25 °F). Their consumption peaks during several months of the year. Trade in these products can be regional. In countries such as the United States, in months like December, turkey and rabbit are used for family and corporate dinners. So there is a potential project to market these products regionally and internationally.

The seafood project

Seafood is delicious by definition, and its recipes keep multiplying. There is squid, octopus, mussels, clams, oysters, scallops, crab, lobster, prawns, tuna, anchovies, carp and many more. The list is long and, above all, enjoys wide culinary acceptance. A reefer can travel from a country's coast to the high mountains inland. The container makes it easier to sell the product and to export seafood.

The barbecue project

The transport temperature for barbecue meats ranges between -3 and 4 °C (27 to 39 °F). Beef, pork and lamb are very popular in Western culture. Offal, such as tongue, liver, heart or kidneys, is also used in recipes and natural medicine. This special project can start on the farms and extend to the big restaurant chains around the world.

Latin American countries are very rich in all kinds of products. Export produce and livestock need suitable transport to reach their markets. That is why it is necessary to know how to transport the products and understand those markets. Many special projects can be carried out with refrigerated containers. Do you have one in mind?

Learn more: Refrigerated containers

Have a cold chain project in mind? Talk to a sales advisor about the right reefer for it.