Imagine fresh seafood traveling thousands of kilometers from ocean to table while maintaining its just-caught quality. This remarkable feat is made possible by reefer containers. Choosing the right refrigerated container is crucial for safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods. Understanding different size specifications is essential for optimal selection.
Reefer Containers: Reliable Solutions for Long-Distance Perishable Shipping
Reefer containers (refrigerated containers) are specialized shipping units designed to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. Equipped with cooling systems, they maintain preset temperatures throughout transit, preserving the freshness and quality of fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, and other perishables. These containers play a vital role in international trade, forming the backbone of global cold chain logistics.
Common Reefer Container Specifications
Reefer containers come in various standard sizes:
20-foot Reefer Container
- External dimensions: 20' (length) × 8' (width) × 8.5' (height)
- Internal dimensions: Approximately 5.898m × 2.352m × 2.393m
- Payload capacity: About 15 metric tons
- Volume: 24-26 cubic meters
Ideal for smaller shipments of seafood, fruits, or pharmaceuticals, the 20-foot container offers compact dimensions for flexible handling in ports and overland transport.
40-foot Reefer Container
- External dimensions: 40' × 8' × 8.5'
- Internal dimensions: Approximately 12.032m × 2.352m × 2.393m
- Payload capacity: 22-28 metric tons
- Volume: About 54 cubic meters
The most common choice for large perishable shipments, the 40-foot container meets most fresh produce transportation needs in international trade.
40-foot High Cube Reefer Container
- External dimensions: 40' × 8' × 9.5'
- Internal dimensions: Approximately 12.032m × 2.352m × 2.698m
- Payload capacity: About 28 metric tons
- Volume: Slightly larger than standard 40-foot containers
The increased height accommodates vertically stacked frozen meats or large equipment, offering advantages for specific cargo types.
Other Sizes
Less common sizes (10-foot, 30-foot, 45-foot) serve specialized routes or particular shipping requirements.
Detailed Internal Dimensions
Precise knowledge of internal dimensions ensures proper cargo loading:
- 20-foot: ~5.898m × 2.352m × 2.393m
- 40-foot: ~12.032m × 2.352m × 2.393m
- 40-foot High Cube: ~12.032m × 2.352m × 2.698m
Note that actual dimensions may vary slightly by manufacturer and model. Always verify exact measurements with carriers before loading.
Reefer Container Types
Based on cooling system configuration:
- Externally refrigerated: Cooling unit mounted externally delivers chilled air through ducts, offering superior temperature precision for sensitive goods.
- Internally refrigerated: Compact design with internal cooling unit, easier to maintain but with slightly reduced cooling efficiency.
Temperature Range
Modern reefers maintain temperatures from -60°C to +30°C, with precise control critical for preserving product quality during transit.
NOR (Reefer as Normal)
NOR refers to using refrigerated containers for non-perishable goods, a common practice addressing trade imbalances. However, this may cause interior wear and requires careful consideration.
Selection Criteria
Key factors when choosing reefer containers:
- Cargo requirements: Match temperature/humidity controls to product specifications
- Shipment volume: Select container size based on quantity
- Transport distance: Longer journeys demand superior insulation and cooling
- Transport mode: Consider carrier-specific dimensional restrictions
- Budget: Balance cost against operational requirements
Future Developments
The reefer container industry is evolving toward:
- Smart technology: IoT and data analytics for remote monitoring
- Eco-friendly solutions: Sustainable refrigerants and energy efficiency
- Enhanced performance: Optimized designs for greater loading efficiency
Understanding reefer container specifications enables businesses to make informed decisions for global cold chain logistics. Proper selection ensures perishable goods reach their destinations in optimal condition while maintaining supply chain efficiency.