20' RF

20-foot Reefer container

Also known as: 20RF · 20' RE · 20' REF · 20' Reefer · 22R1

A 20' RF is a 20-foot refrigerated container. It has its own cooling unit and is used for heavy temperature-controlled cargo.

Specifications

Typical figures — exact figures vary by shipping line and manufacturer.

ISO size-type code	22R1
Internal length	5,450 mm
Internal width	2,290 mm
Internal height	2,260 mm
Door opening width	2,290 mm
Door opening height	2,250 mm
Tare weight	3,080 kg
Max payload	27,400 kg
Capacity	28.3 m³
Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm)	10
Standard pallets (1200 × 1000 mm)	9
Temperature range	-30 – +30 °C

Typical cargo

Heavy frozen or chilled goods: frozen meat and poultry, fish, butter, frozen vegetables, and some pharmaceuticals.

In plain words

The cooling unit and the insulated walls take space, so a 20' reefer is shorter and narrower inside than a 20' dry container: about 28 m³ instead of 33 m³. Most units keep set points from about −30 °C to +30 °C. The floor has T-shaped rails so cold air can flow under the cargo.

Before the line releases a reefer, a technician does a pre-trip inspection (PTI): the unit is tested, cleaned, and set to your temperature. Ask for a PTI'd container and give the exact set point, ventilation, and humidity settings in the booking. On the road, a clip-on or underslung generator (genset) keeps the unit running. 20' reefers are less common than 40' ones, so book early.

Example from real shipping

A meat exporter ships 24 tonnes of frozen chicken at −18 °C. In a 40' reefer it would reach the weight limit long before the space is full, so it books a 20' RF. The line releases a PTI'd unit set to −18 °C, and a genset keeps it running on the truck to the port.

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