Views: 147 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-08-11 Origin: Site
This is where reefer container come in handy. In this article, STU Supply Chain introduces you to the definition and benefits of transporting goods in reefer containers.
Here is the content list:
Reefer containers are one of the seven types of shipping containers used in freight forwarding. They look almost identical to regular containers, but function as containers that can control the temperature of the cargo. This makes them ideal for transporting goods such as pharmaceuticals, fruits, meat, fish and flowers.
Since the introduction of refrigerated containers in the 1960s, they have revolutionized the way perishable goods are transported and have replaced traditional refrigerated ships as the primary way to transport agricultural products under controlled conditions. Since then, reefer containers have only improved, as technological advances have made them more efficient over time. This is especially important considering that the maritime perishable trade is expected to grow at a rate of 5% per year between now and 2020.
For businesses that handle perishable cargo, refrigerated containers can be an important part of your supply chain. We have put together this article to help you learn all you need to know about them.
· No refrigeration is required once the cargo arrives at the dock or designated location.
· Containers are available in a variety of sizes. Therefore, they are suitable for all modes of transport.
· We can separate reefer containers to store different items at different temperatures. This saves costs and allows to store more goods in a single container.
· Reefer containers are highly durable and can be used even in adverse weather conditions.
· They can sail with or transit many carriers. They do not require a specific refrigerated transport vessel. This helps to get high financial security and faster return on investment.
· Refrigerated containers can control the maturation of products and help to extend the shelf life of items.
In summary, reefer containers can do the following.
· Have precise temperature control
· Are hygienic and have low risk of corrosion
· Are highly reliable
· Low maintenance and operating costs
· Are compatible with all refrigerants Therefore easy to operate.
Temperature: Reefer containers maintain cargo temperatures between -35°C and +35°C, regardless of external environmental conditions. They do this by directing air beneath the cargo through a T-shaped deck, which is specifically designed to ensure that air flows properly throughout the cargo. In addition to maintaining the temperature of the pre-cooled cargo, refrigerated containers are able to raise the temperature of the cargo when needed.
Humidity and Ventilation: The control unit on the container allows setting and adjusting parameters such as temperature, humidity, ventilation and so on. The settings used will vary depending on the type of cargo being transported. For example, controlling CO2 and O2 levels in units containing fruit can significantly prolong the ripening process, keeping it fresher for longer. Many types of fruit do not require humidity control, but most need to be stored at very specific temperatures.
To do all this, refrigerated containers require a constant supply of electricity. This is powered by the ship's electrical outlets or "gensets" - portable generators.
Fruits and Vegetables:
Shipping fresh fruits and vegetables in coolers is a risky but inevitable proposition for most traders and wholesalers around the world.
This is because most types of fresh produce are volatile products that can be damaged when they arrive at their destination if not kept at the right temperature, properly humidified, or adequately ventilated.
That being said, most fresh fruits can travel great distances when one learns the correct temperature to store them in a cooler. For example:
· Apple: -1 to 4 C (30-40 F)
· Strawberries: about 0 C (32 F)
· Peaches: about -0.5 to 0 C (31-32 F)
· Pears: about -1.7 to -0.5 C (29-31 F)
· Cherries: about -1 to -0.5 C (30-31 F)
· Raspberry: -0.5 to 0 C (31-32 F)
· Grapes: about -0.5 to 0 C (31-32 F)
On the other hand, the temperature of a vegetable reefer container is usually between -1 and 13 degrees Celsius (30-55 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on the type of vegetable. E.g:
· Broccoli: 0 C (32 F)
· Brussels sprouts: 0 C (32 F)
· Carrots: about 0 C (32 F)
· Garlic: 0 C (32 F)
· Eggplant: 8 to 12 C (46-54 F)
· Green beans: about 4 to 7 C (40-45 F)
· Cucumbers: about 10 to 13 C (50-55 F)
· Onions: 0 C (32 F)
· Spinach: 0 C (32 F)
Meat：
For meat transportation, it is critical that the transportation method maintains reliable and effective temperature control from the moment the meat leaves the origin to the warehouse or retail store.
Typically, frozen commodities such as frozen meat, chicken and seafood need to be shipped at -20°C and below. This helps prevent any spoilage while maintaining the flavor and quality of the food.
This also helps prevent the rapid growth of bacteria and microorganisms, as the meat perishes very easily.
Medications：
An often forgotten category of perishable goods is pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical products must be transported properly to maintain chemical stability. Refrigerated ships can help in this regard, as sub-zero temperatures, or high temperatures, can easily lead to various problems.
For example, settling or separation of emulsified items—even a 2-degree change can easily change the chemical state beyond repair. In addition, medicines need to be transported in a timely manner to ensure their efficacy.
In general, the temperature at which a drug product is refrigerated varies by compound. The stable temperature range must be confirmed with drug manufacturers and regulatory agencies prior to shipment. However, common temperature categories for pharmaceuticals usually fall into one of the following categories:
· Room temperature: 20°C to 25°C
· Low temperature: 0˚C down to -150˚C
· Refrigeration: 2˚C to 8˚C
Refrigerator Temperature Setting
As we have observed, there is no universal temperature for fruits and vegetables. Also, some fruits are more sensitive to temperature changes than others. For example, if lettuce is exposed to higher temperatures, it will wilt and eventually rot. Citrus and melons, on the other hand, can tolerate higher temperatures.
This means that reefer containers need the flexibility to easily adapt to different temperature requirements within their temperature settings. E.g:
· 32°F – 36°F: Vegetables, berries, cruciferous vegetables, grapes, stone fruits
· 38˚F – 40˚F: Avocado, Cranberry
· 45°F – 50°F: Watermelon, cucumbers, most citrus, bananas, tomatoes
· 40˚F – 45˚F: Potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes
Despite the many benefits of reefer containers, the reefer container industry still faces certain challenges. For example, HFG refrigerant is still commonly used in reefer containers. These refrigerants have been shown to be major contributors to global warming, and there is an ongoing campaign among environmental agencies and governments to reduce their use. Reefer containers are adapting to this by moving to greener alternatives.
Since the establishment of STU Supply Chain, we have been advocating the concept of "green shipping, piloting with heart". We are committed to protecting the earth's environment.
Environmental issues are our focus
We conduct numerous environmental inspections on our customers and suppliers and encourage them to take local environmental measures.
Reduce the environmental impact of our warehouses
In the U.S. and Canada, we have leased locations of warehouses equipped with high-efficiency photovoltaic power generation systems that reduce thousands of tons of waste each year.
Our team is dedicated to reducing waste
Our team has also developed a paperless process from the beginning to the end of the supply chain.
Offset carbon emissions by planting trees
In China, we compensate for any CO2 emissions that exceed our site targets by planting trees.
Reefer Logistics
STU Supply Chain as one of leading freight forwarders in China. With the multitude of shipping carriers (such as Wan Hai) we work with, we can offer you competitive rates, frequent departures and stable space. Reefer logistics for your refrigerated cargo and frozen cargo at a controlled temperature. Reefer container transport to USA, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Southeast Asia, exporting a wide range of goods (frozen fish, frozen meat, vegetables and fruits, dairy products and etc.). Door to door service provides delivering goods directly from the warehouse to the recipient's location. Welcome to inquire, you can contact us to get freight quote.
