Questions and Answers

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! Best regards, cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics

The vast majority of goods can be transported by seafreight using containers. This includes food, beverages, chemicals, plastics, rubber, textiles, wood, paper, metal, machinery, furniture, cars, electronics and many other things – from raw materials and machines to finished products.

When sending an inquiry to your freight forwarder or carrier, it is good to know the basic types of containers so that you can make the right choice according to your needs.

Most seafreight vessels carry 20 ‘or 40’ containers. These standard containers or all-purpose containers are suitable for any general cargo, mostly packed on euro pallets or in boxes.

A twenty-foot container can hold a maximum of 21,727 kg, or eleven standard EUR pallets with 120×80 cm each. Forty-foot containers can hold a maximum of 26,780 kg, or 24 EUR pallets. If you do not have enough cargo to fill an entire container (FCL), you can opt for consolidated transport (LCL).

High cube containers are structurally similar to standard containers, but taller. Just like standard containers, they can be used to ship all kinds of cargo. However, they are especially suitable for lightweight, high-volume or bulky cargo.
Of course, special containers are used for specific goods. Refrigerated or “reefer” containers have their own electric cooling / heating units and can be used to transport chilled or frozen goods. They are ideal for transporting vegetables, fruits, flowers, meat, milk and dairy products. Open top containers are used for packing and unpacking goods from above or through a door with a crane, as well as for transporting high loads.
Flat rack containers only have walls at the short ends of the container. They are especially suitable for heavy, high or oversized loads that cannot fit into a standard container. The walls of these containers are strong enough to withstand the necessary cargo securing attachments. It is also possible to stack multiple of these containers on top of each other.

The platform container, which has no walls at all, is an ideal solution for heavy and oversized cargo that cannot be transported using a flat rack or open top container. Flexitank containers are used to transport bulk and liquid cargoes, such as edible oil, fruit syrups and concentrates, oil additives or detergents.
Contact your cargo-partner transport experts for more information!

Best regards,
cargo partner | transport + iLogistics