Reefer Container

A reefer container is a refrigerated shipping container equipped with an integrated cooling and heating unit that maintains a controlled temperature throughout transit. These containers transport perishable goods, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, chemicals that degrade in heat, and any product requiring a consistent thermal environment from origin to destination. The reefer unit is built into the front wall of the container and connects to external power sources at the port terminal, on the vessel, on a rail car, or on a genset (generator set) mounted to a truck chassis during road transport.

Temperature Range and Specifications

Modern reefer containers can maintain temperatures from -35 degrees Celsius (-31 degrees Fahrenheit) up to +30 degrees Celsius (+86 degrees Fahrenheit). Most perishable food shipments travel between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius (32 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit). Frozen goods, including seafood and ice cream, require -18 to -25 degrees Celsius. Pharmaceutical products often need a narrow range of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, with deviation tolerances measured in fractions of a degree.

The standard reefer container dimensions match their dry counterparts: 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, with 40-foot HC (High Cube) reefers being the most common in international trade. Internal capacity is slightly less than a dry container of the same external size because the refrigeration unit, insulation, and T-bar floor consume space. A 40-foot HC reefer offers approximately 67 to 68 CBM of internal volume compared to 76 CBM for a dry 40-foot HC. The T-bar floor, a raised aluminum grating, is designed to allow cold air to circulate under and around the cargo, which means products must be loaded to permit airflow and should never block the floor vents.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Before a reefer container is loaded, it undergoes a Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) to verify the refrigeration unit is functioning correctly. The PTI checks the compressor, evaporator and condenser coils, thermostat, defrost timer, air circulation fans, door seals and gaskets, and the data logger that records temperatures throughout the voyage. A failed PTI means the container goes to the repair depot, and a replacement unit is dispatched. Shippers should always request the PTI certificate before loading begins. Loading perishable cargo into a reefer that has not passed PTI is asking for a total loss claim.

Cost Differences

Reefer containers cost significantly more to ship than dry containers. On a transpacific route from Shanghai to Los Angeles, a 40-foot dry container might cost $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the market. The same routing in a 40-foot reefer can cost $5,000 to $12,000. The premium covers the equipment cost (reefer containers cost $30,000 to $45,000 new, compared to $3,000 to $5,000 for a dry box), electricity consumption on the vessel, and the specialized handling at terminals where reefer containers must be plugged into power racks as soon as they arrive.

Domestic reefer trucking also carries a premium over dry van transport, typically 25% to 50% higher per mile, because of the fuel consumed by the refrigeration unit and the higher cost of the specialized trailer.

Controlled Atmosphere and Modified Atmosphere

Some high-end reefer containers offer Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology that regulates oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen levels inside the container in addition to temperature. This extends the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and flowers by slowing the ripening process. A standard reefer controls only temperature and humidity, while a CA reefer actively manages the gas composition. The technology adds cost but can be the difference between a load of avocados arriving market-ready versus overripe.

Relevance to E-Commerce and Prep

While most FBA products ship in dry containers, sellers dealing in supplements, certain cosmetics, chocolate, candles, and other temperature-sensitive products may need reefer transport during summer months. Even short exposure to 100-degree-plus temperatures inside a non-refrigerated container or truck can melt, deform, or degrade these products. MeisterPrep coordinates with carriers on temperature-sensitive deliveries to ensure products arrive at the warehouse in sellable condition, avoiding the loss of an entire shipment to heat damage during the last mile of the journey.