Reefer container
Also known as: RF · RH · REF · RE · Reefer · Refrigerated container
A reefer is a refrigerated container. It has its own cooling unit and keeps the cargo at a set temperature during the journey.
In plain words
Reefers carry food, flowers, medicines, and other goods that need a controlled temperature. Most can keep temperatures from about −30 °C to +30 °C. The unit needs electricity: on the ship and at the terminal it is plugged in, and on the road a generator (genset) is used.
A reefer keeps the temperature; it is not made to cool down warm cargo quickly. Load the cargo already at the right temperature (pre-cooled), and do not block the air flow. Reefers cost more than dry containers, and they often get fewer free days at the port, so plan the pickup well.
Example from real shipping
An exporter ships cherries from Mersin. The cherries are pre-cooled to +1 °C in a cold store and loaded into a 40' reefer set at +1 °C. The unit is plugged in at the terminal and on the ship. The buyer can follow the temperature records, and the cherries arrive in good condition.
Related terms
- 20' RFA 20' RF is a 20-foot refrigerated container. It has its own cooling unit and is used for heavy temperature-controlled cargo.
- 40' RHA 40' RH is a 40-foot high cube refrigerated container. It is the most common reefer in use today.
- Free timeFree time is the number of days you can use a container, or keep it at the port, without paying extra charges.
- Container typesA side-by-side comparison of the common shipping container types: sizes, weights, capacity, pallet places, and typical cargo.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.