A refrigerated container, also known as a “reefer container,” is a type of container that is designed to transport goods at a controlled temperature. It is a special insulated container that is equipped with a refrigeration system to maintain a specific temperature range inside the container.

Refrigerated containers are commonly used to transport perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and seafood. The temperature inside the container can be set to a specific range, depending on the type of product being transported, and can be monitored and controlled throughout the journey.

Refrigerated containers are used in the shipping industry to transport goods across long distances, such as by sea or rail. They are also used in the trucking industry to transport goods over shorter distances.

Refrigerated containers, also known as “reefers,”

are specialized shipping containers that are designed to transport temperature-sensitive cargo, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, in a controlled temperature environment. Here are some of the key features of refrigerated containers:

1. Temperature Control: Refrigerated containers are equipped with a temperature control system that allows the temperature to be set and maintained at a specific level, typically ranging from -20°C to +20°C.
2. Insulation: The walls, floor, and ceiling of a refrigerated container are heavily insulated to prevent heat transfer and maintain the desired temperature inside the container.
3. Air Circulation: The refrigeration system in a container circulates cool air throughout the container to ensure that the temperature is evenly distributed and that all items inside the container are kept at the same temperature.
4. Power Supply: Refrigerated containers require a power supply to operate the temperature control system and the refrigeration unit. Most containers are designed to be connected to an external power source, such as a generator or shore power, but some models come with built-in generators for greater flexibility.
5. Data Monitoring: Many modern refrigerated containers are equipped with sensors and monitoring systems that can provide real-time data on temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. This data can be accessed remotely to ensure that the cargo is being transported in optimal conditions.
6. Security Features: Refrigerated containers are typically built with strong, secure materials to protect the cargo from theft or damage. They may also have additional security features such as locking mechanisms and alarms.
7. Size and Capacity: Refrigerated containers come in a range of sizes and capacities to accommodate different types of cargo. Standard sizes include 20-foot and 40-foot containers, but other sizes are also available. The capacity of a refrigerated container depends on the specific model and can range from a few cubic meters to several hundred cubic meters.

Humidity: A lower humidity level in the air is beneficial to some products. A dope unit has a dehumidification capability which can bring down the degree of dampness in the air. The standard range for relative humidity (RH) is between 60% and 85%, although some more recent models can reach 50%.
Drains: These are used to get rid of any extra water that might have built up in the containers. Additionally, their design prevents insects and water from entering the container.
Reefer machinery cannot operate on its own and must be connected to an electrical supply. This source can be at a station, terminal, or onboard vessel.
The electronic temperature recorder is a microprocessor housed within the container. All data, including the temperatures of the supply and return air, remote cargo probe temperatures, defrost activity, adjustments to the setpoint, and power on and off times, are stored by this device. Cargo probes can be used to record the temperature of specific shipments’ cargo. One end of these probes is a cable with a temperature-sensitive component. In addition to our tracking and tracing systems, Kuehne+Nagel offers a portable data logger, a carrier-independent monitoring device. You can look at your goods’ temperature data at any time thanks to this.

The purpose of a refrigeration unit is not to bring the load to the desired temperature but rather to maintain that temperature. Prior to loading, the cargo must be precooled to the set point temperature. To guarantee good quality and the longest possible shelf life, it is especially important to reduce the temperature after harvest to the optimal transport temperature for fresh fruits and vegetables.