GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Refrigerated Container
From the moment temperature-sensitive cargo – fresh produce, meat, seafood, or pharmaceutical goods – enters the international supply chain, the refrigerated container, almost universally called a reefer, becomes the required transport unit.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.maersk.com
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
135
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
From the moment temperature-sensitive cargo – fresh produce, meat, seafood, or pharmaceutical goods – enters the international supply chain, the refrigerated container, almost universally called a reefer, becomes the required transport unit. Unlike a passive insulated box, a reefer has its own integral refrigeration machinery that actively maintains a preset temperature regardless of the ambient conditions outside. Depending on the unit fitted, the operating range typically extends from around −25 °C for deep-frozen goods up to positive temperatures for chilled fresh produce. On containerships, reefers plug into dedicated electrical outlets known as reefer points and are continuously monitored for temperature compliance. Freight rates and ancillary charges – covering power supply, pre-cooling, and monitoring – run well above dry-container rates, so forwarders should secure reefer slots early, as available positions on any given vessel are limited.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.