High Quality Reefer Cargo Solutions
We understand the importance of keeping your cargo fresh and cool, from the moment it is loaded to the moment it is delivered. With one of the largest and most advanced reefer container fleets in the world, MSC transports refrigerated and frozen goods all over the world, from food to flowers to pharmaceuticals.
Our global team of reefer specialists will help you to prepare your reefer shipment. All of our containers include:
Did you Know?
Every year, MSC carries more than 1.9 million TEU.
Cutting-edge Technology
Our world-leading fleet features cutting-edge cooling and dehumidification technology, including Controlled Atmosphere (CA) and vent settings to ensure airflow. We carry out a thorough pre-trip inspection (PTI), then monitor shipments regularly throughout their journey.
Powered by Strong Partnerships
Collaboration is critical in cold chains logistics, so we work closely with our customers to keep temperature-controlled cargo fresh from pick-up to delivery. Based on your specific needs, we create tailor-made solutions that combine our strong road, rail and barge network with our weekly and regular shipping services.
Caring for People and the Planet
We believe that cold chains and cooling technology can make a dramatic difference in enhancing the supply of quality food and reducing food loss around the world. We also invest heavily in the latest green technology, systems and processes to help achieve cleaner seas, land and cargo.
Our Reefer Containers
The average age of our reefer containers is under seven years old, and we use two of the best-performing and most energy efficient refrigeration units in the world: “R-513A ready” units and NaturaLINE® units, the latter having the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) of all refrigerants used in commercially available container refrigeration systems today.
We offer a choice of container sizes and models, using the latest technology to ensure both efficiency and sustainability. Our experts can advise you on the best option for your cargo, depending on the type and volume of goods you are shipping.
Reefer steel container - 22 r1
Internal dimensions
Door
Note: Inside height is to maxi storage height.
-
Cubic Capacity
-
Maximum Payload
-
Tare Weight
-
Maximum Gross
high cube reefer steel container - 45 r1
Internal dimensions
Door
Note: Inside height is to maxi storage height.
-
Cubic Capacity
-
Maximum Payload
-
Tare Weight
-
Maximum Gross
Models
NaturaLINE
Featuring ground-breaking natural refrigerated technology, this highly energy-efficient container uses CO2 instead of conventional synthetic refrigerants to keep all types of refrigerated cargo cool.
PrimeLINE
Ideal for transporting deep-frozen cargo, this energy-efficient reefer container is fitted with a vapour-injection system to deliver more cooling capacity.
Star Cool CA
These units feature Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology to regulate CO2 and oxygen levels, keeping fresh produce in perfect condition – even during very long journeys.
Discover the Ideal Conditions for Transporting Different Types of Refrigerated Cargo
Keeping refrigerated cargo fresh depends not only on the temperature inside the container, but also humidity control and fresh-air circulation.
What is the recommended temperature for reefer containers? Different cargoes require different conditions; for example, blueberries are usually carried at -1°C, while bananas can remain fresh at 12-13.5°C. To learn more about the recommended conditions for specific cargo, download our reefer cargo stuffing guide.
Temperature
Each product has an optimum storage temperature which is the ideal condition for transportation. Generally, this is the coolest temperature a product can withstand before chilling or freeze injury occurs.
Chilling injury
Physiological damage can occur to tropical and subtropical products which have been exposed to low but non-freezing temperatures. The most common example is the browning of banana skins. Often the damage only becomes visible when the product is returned to ‘room temperature’.
Freeze injury
Products that can withstand cold temperatures can still become damaged when they reach freezing point. This occurs when the cellular structure of the product is ruptured by the expansion of water during the freezing process. It can cause products to appear water-soaked with damaged structures.
Humidity
Humidity levels play a crucial role in achieving the optimum condition for cargo during transit. MSC’s world-leading reefer fleet features cutting-edge dehumidification technology, helping to protect fresh produce from shrivelling or excessive water loss. Please note that the services we provide can only reduce humidity; we cannot increase humidity levels within the container.
Ventilation
Ventilation protects chilled commodities from damage caused by a build-up of carbon dioxide and ethylene. If too much carbon dioxide accumulates inside the container, the internal tissues of products such as pears and apples may become discoloured. Ethylene is a hormone produced by all fruits, vegetables and flowers. Although it is necessary for the ripening process of fruit, it can damage other cargo such as green vegetables. MSC’s reefer units are fitted with vents to allow fresh air to circulate freely, without letting in too much moisture.
Packing Refrigerated Cargo
To keep your reefer cargo in the best possible condition throughout its journey, simply follow the steps bellow.
Palletised loads of refrigerated cargo must be stackable up to a height of 2.4 metres.
The material used for packaging must also be able to withstand moisture and allow vertical airflow through boxes in order to maintain the correct temperature.
The corners of boxes must be securely supported by the pallet.
The stack of boxes must be accurately aligned to ensure each box is supported at all four corners.
Air vents in boxes must be aligned to allow for the easy flow of air without restrictions.
The Perfect Temperature for your Refrigerated Goods
Ahead of transportation, pre-cool your goods to achieve optimal temperature levels before loading them into a container. This will reduce the impact of outside temperatures on your valuable products while they are on the move. It's important to note that there is currently no technology available to prevent or reverse the ageing of perishable goods, but our reefer technology helps to slow down this process and maximise the shelf life of your cargo.
Three key factors impact the temperature of products during transportation:
- Outside temperatures entering the container during loading and unloading
- The temperature of the product itself prior to loading
- Ventilation inside the container.
Three key factors impact the temperature of products during transportation:
- Outside temperatures entering the container during loading and unloading
- The temperature of the product itself prior to loading
- Ventilation inside the container.
Follow These Simple Steps to Maximise the Shelf Life of your Cargo
Packing your reefer container correctly helps protect your cargo and keep it in the best possible condition throughout its journey. It’s particularly important to allow air to flow freely around and between products to maintain a consistent temperature. The best way to load your cargo depends on the type of commodity and the packaging you are using. How to stuff your reefer container:
There are two recommended patterns to follow when loading your reefer cargo:
- block stowage and
- palletised stowage.
Did you Know?
As a general rule, pre-cooled frozen cargoes only require free-flowing air to circulate around the product, whereas chilled commodities such as fresh fruit and vegetables require air to flow through the cargo. This is because chilled products produce respiratory heat which needs to be removed to avoid damage to cargo due to temperature change.
Your Reefer-shipping Checklist
- Load cargo up to the edge of the T-floor, to ensure an even flow of air around the container.
- When there is not enough cargo to fill the entire T-floor, we recommend using a filler or dunnage to cover the vacant area. This can also be used to cover the centre panel between pallets where there is empty space.
- As an exception, appropriately pre-cooled frozen cargo can be loaded as per the third image, but appropriate bracing would be required. When using palletised stowage, we recommend that the last cargo loaded into the container should be covered to encourage airflow through the cargo and prevent air from escaping through the open space around the boxes.
- Never load cargo beyond the red load line of the container or the end of the T-floor.
Keeping your Frozen Cargo in Top Condition
How to transport frozen goods? Making sure that your frozen cargo arrives at its destination in pristine condition is an exacting process. With years of experience in transporting frozen cargoes all over the world, MSC has a deep knowledge of recommended commodity conditions, loading procedures and local port facilities. We’re here to make the process of shipping your frozen goods as simple and efficient as possible.
When transporting frozen products, it is crucial that cargo inside the container forms a solid block without spaces between boxes and the walls of the unit. This allows air to freely circulate evenly around the load maintaining a steady temperature for your goods.
The cargo must be pre-frozen to the correct temperature.
Maximum load height should never exceed the red load line of the container.
Ventilation of the container must always remain closed and humidity off.
Packaging must be able to resist moisture and allow for a vertical flow through boxes to maintain the correct temperature.