Is refrigerated container shipping the best option for your cargo?
Refrigerated container shipping, commonly known as “reefer” shipping, allows for the efficient delivery of many products around the world while maintaining their quality and safety during transit.
The main characteristic of refrigerated containers – or reefer containers – is their ability to maintain a set temperature during transport, which requires an electrical power supply. Because refrigerated containers can be heavier than regular containers, additional machinery and equipment may be required for loading and unloading.
Reefer containers are used in a variety of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Fruits and vegetables often require specific temperatures to prevent overripening or spoilage. Meat and fish require low temperatures to limit microbial growth and ensure food safety. Reefer containers are also used to transport temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
Insulation is essential to keep the temperature inside the reefer container stable. Therefore, reefer containers are made of high-quality insulating materials and have special doors to prevent heat or cooling loss.
In addition to temperature control, reefer containers are equipped with sophisticated humidity management and air circulation systems to ensure an optimal environment for each type of cargo. This is critical to maintaining product quality and safety, especially for products such as fruits and vegetables, which can be damaged by air that is too dry or too humid.
Tracking and security are vital to ensuring an uninterrupted cold chain. Modern containers incorporate tracking devices to guarantee that products are properly transported and that challenges are addressed as soon as possible.
It should be noted that drivers and logistics specialists handling reefer containers must be trained to set temperatures correctly. In addition, logistics companies often use advanced transport management systems that provide real-time temperature monitoring and alerts in case of deviations.
When it comes to transporting food products, particularly fruits and vegetables, it is not enough to simply provide a reefer container for transit. Such goods also require careful preparation as well as precise calculations. It’s interesting to note that many fresh products are transported before ripening so that this process can take place during the ship’s voyage. In addition to fresh produce, reefers are often used to transport frozen products and pet food.
If the above description does not meet your needs, check our Q&A section to learn more: What types and dimensions of sea freight containers are there? How do I know which is the right solution for my goods?
If you need logistics support for your supply chain or simply want to find out more, the cargo-partner team is available to assist.
For more information, visit the cargo-partner website or contact us for a detailed consultation!
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cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics
