For temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and cut flowers, reefer container shipping is the only way to move cargo safely by sea. A reefer is a refrigerated container with its own cooling unit, capable of holding a stable interior temperature typically between -30°C and +30°C. As Türkiye's exports of fresh produce, seafood, frozen food and medicines grow, demand for reefer capacity grows with them. In this article we explain how a reefer container works, which products it suits, what drives the cost, and the operational steps Özd Global follows for cold chain cargo.
What Is a Reefer Container and How Does It Work?
Unlike a standard dry box, a reefer container is built with an integrated refrigeration machine on its rear wall and insulated panels throughout. The unit runs on power from the vessel or the terminal, and on a generator set (genset) during road legs. Air is pushed up through the T-shaped floor and circulates around the cargo to maintain a uniform temperature at every point in the load.
Standard Sizes and Capacity
- 20' reefer: Roughly 28 m³ of volume and a payload of 25-27 tonnes.
- 40' HC reefer: Roughly 67 m³ of volume and a payload of 29-30 tonnes.
- Special types: Units with controlled atmosphere (CA) and dehumidification features.
Because the refrigeration machine occupies interior space, a reefer offers roughly 10-15 percent less usable volume than a dry container of the same size.
Which Products Move in Reefer Container Shipping?
Cargo is usually grouped into four temperature bands:
| Product group | Typical range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen | -18°C to -25°C | Frozen vegetables, meat, fish, ice cream |
| Chilled | 0°C to +4°C | Fresh meat, dairy, fresh fish |
| Cool | +8°C to +14°C | Bananas, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate |
| Controlled ambient | +15°C to +25°C | Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, some chemicals |
Each product also has its own humidity, ventilation and CO₂ requirements. Respiring fresh produce needs ventilation, whereas for frozen goods the vents are closed completely. A wrong setting can spoil the cargo and lead to a rejected insurance claim.
Operational Steps in Reefer Shipping
- Booking: Temperature, humidity and ventilation settings are communicated to the carrier at booking.
- Pre-trip inspection (PTI): The refrigeration unit is tested before the container leaves the depot.
- Pre-cooling the cargo: Goods are brought to the target temperature before loading; pre-cooling an empty container is generally not recommended.
- Loading: Pallets are stacked below the red load line and cover the entire floor so airflow is not obstructed.
- Road leg: A genset provides uninterrupted power to the port.
- Port and vessel: The container is plugged in at the terminal and on board, with temperatures logged regularly.
- Arrival: The consignee checks the data logger records before accepting delivery.
What Drives the Cost?
Reefer freight is noticeably higher than dry container freight on the same lane. The main contributors are:
- Equipment and energy: Maintenance of the cooling unit and electricity consumption on board.
- Port plug-in fees: A separate charge for every day the container stays connected at the terminal.
- Genset hire: Generator use on the road leg.
- Shorter free time: Reefers usually get less free time, so demurrage exposure is higher.
- Seasonality: Equipment supply tightens and prices rise during harvest periods.
Exact prices depend on the route, the season and carrier capacity, so requesting an up-to-date quote is the only reliable approach. Our sea freight team provides comparative quotes for reefer capacity from the carriers we work with on Far East, Gulf, European and transatlantic lanes.
Tip: Measure and record the core temperature of the product before loading. A reefer unit is designed to maintain temperature, not to cool warm cargo down; goods loaded warm will not reach the set point in transit.
Documents and Customs in the Cold Chain
Food and pharmaceutical exports require complete health certificates, certificates of origin and, where applicable, analysis reports. If customs or health inspections at destination take longer than expected, the container waits at the port on power and costs climb fast. Through our customs clearance service, Özd Global prepares documents before vessel arrival, reduces inspection risk and keeps the cold chain unbroken. At our warehousing and distribution facilities in Gebze, consolidation and last-mile planning prevent reefer containers from standing idle.
Common Mistakes in Reefer Shipping
- Ignoring the difference between the set point and the actual product temperature.
- Failing to adjust ventilation to the commodity.
- Stacking pallets above the load line and blocking air circulation.
- Leaving doors open for long periods and causing temperature swings.
- Not using a data logger and having no evidence for an insurance claim.
Every one of these errors is avoidable; working with an experienced forwarder is the safest investment you can make in cold chain cargo. Before every reefer loading, the Özd Global operations team reviews the set point, ventilation and stacking plan with the customer and attaches the data logger records to the delivery file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a reefer container stay cold?
Indefinitely while connected to power. If power is lost, the insulation preserves the temperature for several hours, but the duration depends on ambient conditions and cargo type. That is why genset and plug-in planning is critical.
How much more does reefer freight cost compared with a dry container?
It varies by lane and season, but reefer freight is generally 1.5 to 3 times the dry container rate. Plug-in and genset charges can widen the gap.
Which Turkish ports handle reefer exports?
Ports in Mersin, Ambarlı, İzmir and the Kocaeli region all offer reefer plug-in capacity. Choosing a port close to the harvest area lowers both road costs and cold chain risk.
Reefer container shipping is a precise process that demands the right equipment, the right settings and continuous monitoring. Özd Global manages every stage of your cold chain cargo, from booking to delivery, so your product arrives in the condition it left. Request a quote for your reefer shipments through our contact page or call +90 551 462 41 34.
