Reefer vs dry container: a reefer has insulation and its own refrigeration unit, so it is smaller inside (28.2 mยณ for a typical 20โฒ reefer against 33.2 mยณ for a 20โฒ dry box) and needs power for the whole trip.
What is a reefer container?
A reefer container is an insulated shipping container with a refrigeration unit built into its front end. It holds the cargo at the temperature the shipper sets for the whole voyage, drawing power from the terminal, from the ship, or from a generator set (genset) on the road. Reefers carry chilled and frozen food, fruit and vegetables, and temperature-sensitive goods such as some pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
Sizes and figures
| Figure | 20โฒ reefer (22R1) | 40โฒ high cube reefer (45R1) |
|---|---|---|
| Inside length ร width ร height | 5,450 ร 2,284 ร 2,267 mm | 11,578 ร 2,280 ร 2,525 mm |
| Maximum stowage height (load line) | 2,184 mm | 2,425 mm |
| Capacity | 28.2 mยณ | 66.7 mยณ |
| Tare | 2,905 kg | 4,300 kg |
| Maximum gross | 30,480 kg | 34,000 kg |
Figures are from Hapag-Lloyd's Container Specification booklet, first series listed for each size; that fleet holds temperatures from โ40 ยฐC to +30 ยฐC. Other carriers' units differ slightly. The insulation and the machinery make a reefer shorter and narrower inside than a dry box, and 40โฒ reefers are normally high cubes.
How a reefer shipment works
- Set point and ventilation: the shipper states the carrying temperature and the fresh-air setting on the booking. State the unit (ยฐC or ยฐF) explicitly
- Pre-trip inspection (PTI): the carrier checks and services the unit before releasing it for each shipment
- Stowage: cargo must stay below the red load line inside the container so cold air can circulate
- Power: reefers plug into terminal and ship power (Hapag-Lloyd's run on 380 V/50 Hz to 460 V/60 Hz). On the road they need a genset; the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey tells truckers to confirm genset needs with the line before dispatching to the pier
- Cold treatment: some reefers are certified for the in-transit cold treatment the USDA requires for certain fruit
Reefer cargo and LCL
Standard LCL consolidations use dry containers, so refrigerated and frozen goods need a reefer of their own on an FCL booking, or air freight for small volumes.
At destination
A reefer needs power until it is unloaded, so the drayage with a genset and the cold store's receiving appointment should be booked before the container is discharged. Reefer equipment is scarcer than dry boxes and is confirmed per booking, so ask early in peak produce seasons.
Insurance
Spoilage after a unit breakdown or a power failure turns on whether the cause is an insured peril or an exclusion such as inherent vice, and delay itself is excluded under the Institute Cargo Clauses. Check the policy wording before shipping; Airlift can arrange cargo insurance on request.
Airlift books reefers on FCL ocean freight where a carrier offers them on your lane, arranges genset drayage with the trucker, and books cold storage through partner facilities.
Related terms
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