Transportation Of Perishable Goods Made Easy By Reefer Containers

We prefer buying fruits and vegetables that are fresh. We purchase many such perishable articles that are from different countries, and they still appear to be fresh.
One may be curious to know how does it happens, and what is it that keeps them so fresh. A reefer container is the answer to this.

A reefer container is a short form for a refrigerated container. In a layman’s term, reefer containers are big fridges that are used to transport highly perishable goods. This includes fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy products and pharmaceuticals. A normal container may heat up or freeze based on the external temperature. However, a reefer container has integral refrigeration and ventilation unit that controls the temperature inside the container. These containers rely on external power for functioning. Therefore, while deciding on the no. of containers that are to be carried, we need to check the power supply that can be provided by the vehicle, which carries these goods. They can control the temperature in the range of -60° C to 40°C. Sometimes while carrying goods on a ship, the containers are required to be stored below the deck, where there is lack of ventilation. In order to remove the heat generated there, the containers are equipped with water cooling systems. Air current ventilation is also used to remove heat from the containers. As compared to water cooling systems, air current ventilation is expensive. A combination of air cooling and water cooling is generally used. Air cooling reduces the heat, while water cooling minimizes the heat generated.

Many fruits and vegetables release gases and moisture. Here, the temperature alone is not the crucial aspect that is to be taken care of, but even the air needs to be circulated in the right proportion. Usually, reefer containers are used for the transportation of fruits and vegetables. However, they are not the only things that are needed to be transported under such special conditions. The other things transported in such containers are flowers, meat, and poultry, seafood, medicines, movie set props, wine, goods sent for disaster management etc.

Such containers are used for transportation by ships. A ship’s transportation capacity is far larger than of an airplane. Ships can carry 100 times more goods as compared to airplanes. Hence, a large number of goods can be transported by ships and the costs also get reduced.

If the containers are not used according to their prescribed methods, the entire consignment will get spoilt and the goods will be unfit for consumption. A checklist can be prepared in order to avoid any inconvenience, which must include points such as –

§  Cargo must not be filed above the mentioned level and also be kept in such a way that it does not move during transportation.

§  Check Dehumidification controls and ventilation system.

§  Restrictions on the flow of air must be checked and any gaps between the palettes and the door must be closed.

Reefer containers are available for hire and for sale at competitive prices. They are available in almost all sizes and as per the convenience of the purchaser. Before purchasing it, one has to check for all the international safety standards and legislation.

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