What Is a Reefer Container?

A refrigerated Container, or reefer container, is sometimes abbreviated as RF container. This container is able to maintain its cargo at a specified low temperature. Reefer containers are essential for the global trade of food (fruit, meat, fish, vegetables, dairy products) and non-food products (such as flowers and medicines). In addition, reefer containers are also commonly used for the cooling and storage of food and beverages at events and festivals.

By definition, a reefer container is a shipping container equipped with a generator that is able to cool the contents of the container. This cooling process occurs during both transportation and storage.

How does a reefer container work?

Having grasped the concept of a reefer container, let's delve into its operation. Primarily, refrigeration in a reefer is achieved through airflow. The generator, situated on one end of the container, circulates air into it. Typically, this airflow is introduced via the container's floor or side. The floor of a reefer container is commonly designed with a T-shape. This T-flooring facilitates airflow and cools the cargo from the base upwards. The T-style floor can be observed in the image below. Once the cargo is loaded, the generator can be adjusted to the required temperature, and the container will manage the rest. It ensures the internal temperature remains stable, regardless of abrupt changes in external temperatures. It's crucial to note that while a reefer shipping container excels at preserving cargo temperature, it cannot be utilized to attain the desired temperature. In essence, the cargo must be pre-cooled to the required level before it is loaded into the reefer container.

There are three major manufacturers of refrigeration machines, with Carrier, Thermo King, and daikin refrigerators being the most popular. Due to its superior quality, our product line consists of refrigerated containers produced by excellent manufacturers.

Generator sets, also known as generator sets, can be installed in refrigerated containers. In transportation scenarios lacking a fixed power source, the generator set can be installed as a clamp on generator set, meaning that the generator set is installed on the side of the container and can be easily disassembled after delivery or storage. The generator set can also be installed as a bottom mounted generator set, that is, the generator set is suspended under the container. This is mainly used for trailer transportation, where the generator set is installed on the trailer. Through this method, only the container needs to be replaced, without the need to replace the entire trailer.