Definition
A temperature-controlled container with an integral refrigeration unit for perishable or sensitive cargo.
A reefer is an insulated container fitted with a refrigeration unit that maintains a set temperature — and sometimes humidity and atmosphere — throughout the voyage. It needs a power supply on the vessel, at the terminal, and on the chassis.
Reefers carry food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other cold-chain cargo. They demand careful temperature monitoring, pre-trip inspection, and faster handling, and they attract higher freight and plug-in charges than dry boxes.
Related terms
FCL (Full Container Load)
An ocean shipment that fills (or is booked to fill) an entire container, used by a single consignee.
High Cube Container (HC)
A container that is one foot taller than a standard box (9ft 6in), giving extra internal volume.
Flat Rack Container
A container with collapsible or fixed end walls and no sides or roof, for over-width or heavy cargo.
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