In global trade, transporting perishable and temperature-sensitive goods is one of the most complex challenges. Fresh food, pharmaceuticals, flowers, or even chemicals cannot survive long-distance transport without strict temperature control. This is where reefer sea freight plays a crucial role.
Reefer containers, equipped with advanced cooling systems, ensure that the cold chain remains intact from origin to destination. This guide explains everything you need to know about refrigerated shipping: how it works, what it costs, and why it has become indispensable for many industries.
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Did you know? More than 70% of global food exports rely on reefer containers. Without them, international trade in products like seafood, bananas, or vaccines would simply not exist. You can find more details on the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) website
What is Reefer Sea Freight?
Reefer sea freight refers to the shipping of goods in refrigerated containers, also known as reefers. These containers maintain a controlled environment by regulating temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Unlike standard containers, they make it possible for highly sensitive goods to travel safely across continents.
The most common cargo shipped in reefers includes:
- Perishable foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and dairy.
- Pharmaceuticals like vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines.
- Flowers, plants, and seeds within the floriculture industry.
- Certain chemicals and industrial products requiring stability.
DocShipper Alert
Not all refrigerated cargo has the same requirements. For example, bananas must be transported at around 13°C to prevent early ripening, while frozen fish often requires –20°C or lower.
Why Choose Reefer Containers?
Reefer containers offer a number of unique advantages that make them essential in modern supply chains.
- Cold chain preservation: Products stay fresh and safe throughout weeks of transit.
- Compliance with regulations: Meeting strict health and safety standards avoids costly delays or fines.
- Extended reach: Producers can export to distant markets without risking spoilage.
- Cost-efficiency: For bulk shipments, sea freight is far more affordable than air.
DocShipper Advice
While reefer shipping is more cost-efficient than air freight, energy surcharges and peak season demand can significantly impact pricing. Planning shipments in advance helps avoid surprise costs.
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Reefer Container Specifications
Reefers exist in different sizes, the most common being 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
- 20ft reefer: Around 28–30 m³ of capacity, payload up to 27,000 kg. Best for smaller but high-value shipments.
- 40ft reefer: Over 60 m³ of capacity, payload around 27,500 kg. The industry standard for large-scale trade.
Both models cover a wide temperature range (–30°C to +30°C) and run continuously on electricity whether on board, in port, or inland.
How Does Reefer Sea Freight Work?
The process begins with pre-cooling goods before they are loaded into containers. Once inside, the correct temperature is set, and monitoring systems start recording data. During the voyage, reefers are plugged into power sources on vessels or terminals, ensuring constant refrigeration.
The cargo remains under surveillance until delivery, when the container is unplugged only after arrival at the final destination. By maintaining an unbroken cold chain, reefer sea freight guarantees that sensitive products arrive in optimal condition.
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Cost of Reefer Sea Freight
Pricing depends on several factors:
- Type of goods: Some require stricter monitoring.
- Distance & route: Longer trade lanes increase energy consumption.
- Seasonality: Harvests or high-demand periods raise reefer rates.
- Load type: Full container load (FCL) vs. shared reefer space (LCL).
Compared to air freight, sea freight remains far more economical for perishable cargo in large volumes. Air is faster, but the cost per kilo is many times higher. For most businesses, reefers represent the best balance between cost and reliability. You’ll find further details on the following link : International Air Transport Association (IATA) – Perishable Cargo Regulations
DocShipper Alert
The most common cause of reefer cargo claims is not equipment failure, but mistakes during loading and pre-cooling. Correct preparation at origin is critical.
Industries Using Reefer Sea Freight
Reefer sea freight is indispensable in multiple sectors.
- Food & Beverage: transport of fresh, frozen, or processed products.
- Pharmaceuticals: medicines, vaccines, blood plasma.
- Floriculture: flowers, plants, and seeds.
- Chemicals: compounds requiring stable conditions.
Each of these industries relies on reefers not only for product safety but also for meeting the strict regulations imposed by importing countries.
Why Partner with a Reefer Shipping Expert?
Reefer shipping is a delicate operation. A few hours of temperature fluctuation can lead to complete loss of cargo. Beyond booking containers, success requires constant monitoring, regulatory expertise, and the ability to troubleshoot issues quickly.
This is why working with a freight forwarder specialized in cold chain logistics makes a significant difference. For businesses handling food, pharma, or other sensitive products, choosing the right partner can determine whether a shipment arrives in perfect condition—or not at all.
Conclusion
Reefer sea freight has become the backbone of international cold chain logistics. It enables perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive products to travel across continents while maintaining their integrity.
By combining technological innovation, strict regulatory compliance, and global accessibility, refrigerated containers offer a reliable and cost-effective solution to industries that cannot compromise on quality.
For companies aiming to expand into new markets or strengthen their supply chains, mastering reefer shipping is not an option—it is a necessity.
Need help to handle reefer goods ? → Get a free quote in 24h
FAQ – Reefer Sea Freight
Seafood, meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, flowers, pharmaceuticals, and certain chemicals.
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