Shipping containers are perfect for moving dry goods from one end of the world to the other, but what do you do when you need to ship perishable commodities? How do you ensure that whatever it is that you wish to transport arrives in the designated location while remaining fresh and intact? That is where refrigerated shipping containers come into play.
What are Refrigerated Shipping Containers
Refrigerated shipping containers are also sometimes referred to as reefers. They are shipping containers that come equipped with refrigeration equipment and are capable of achieving temperatures of -30C. Depending on the value of the cargo, refrigerated shipping containers can be equipped with redundant systems that are designed to kick in immediately should the primary refrigeration units malfunction. Some containers also come with backup diesel generators that provide power for the refrigeration unit.
Which goods are transported using refrigerated shipping containers?
Refrigerated shipping containers are used to carry a broad range of perishable goods, including meat, frozen goods, vegetable, seafood and dairy products.
Sizes
The standard sizes of shipping containers are 20ft shipping container and 40ft shipping container. This standardisation can be traced back to the days of Malcom Mc Lean, the man who, in 1956, invented shipping containers.
If you are looking to ship perishable goods from one end of the globe to the other, you will discover that these standard shipping sizes also apply to refrigerated shipping containers. What you will settle for will, of course, largely be dependent on the type and amount of cargo that you wish to have shipped.
When were refrigerated shipping containers introduced?
The need to transport various types of perishable goods to the proverbial ends of the world was, around 40 years ago, behind the introduction of refrigerated shipping containers. While goods such as flowers, vegetables, and meat are some of the items that are shipped in these containers, other goods include blood plasma, vaccines and all other temperature sensitive materials can be sent as well.
Other reefer uses
One of the things that we need to note is that reefers are not only used when shipping perishable goods around the world. They have, in fact, found use even on dry land, with restaurants, hotels and other institutions using them to store goods without having to go through the costly process of redesigning their premises.