Reefer Cargo
Keeping your refrigerated or frozen cargo fresh
Keeping your refrigerated or frozen cargo fresh
We understand the importance of keeping our customers' 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 more than 1,000 reefer specialists will help you to prepare your reefer shipment.
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-tip inspection (PTI), then monitor shipments regularly throughout their journey.
Did you know?
MSC carried more than 1.9 million TEU of reefer cargo in 2020.
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.
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. The average age of our reefer containers is under seven years old, and we use two of the best-performing and most energy efficient units in the world: the Transicold PrimeLINE "R-513A ready" and the Transicold NaturaLine.
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.
20' Reefer steel container - 22 r1
Internal dimensions
Door
Note: Inside height is to maxi storage height.
Cubic Capacity
Maximum Payload
Tare Weight
Maximum Gross
40' 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
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.
Ideal for transporting deep-frozen cargo, this energy-efficient reefer container is fitted with a vapour-injection system to deliver more cooling capacity.
These units feature Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology to regulate CO2 and oxygen levels, keeping fresh produce in perfect condition – even during very long journeys.
Keeping refrigerated cargo fresh depends not only on the temperature inside the container, but also humidity control and fresh-air circulation. 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.
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.
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’.
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 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 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.
All temperature-sensitive products need extra care during transportation. From collection to the warehouse, to pre-treatment handling and packaging through distribution, every step requires great attention to detail. With over 1,000 reefer experts around the world, MSC has the know-how and equipment to keep your refrigerated cargo in perfect condition, without compromising its freshness, firmness, texture, colour, flavour, size or chemical balance.
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.
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:
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.
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.
