Reefer Container
A reefer is an insulated container with its own refrigeration unit for frozen or chilled cargo such as fish, meat and fruit. Examples are the 20RF (type code 22R1, 28.4 m³, 27,400 kg payload) and the 40RF high cube (45R1, 67.7 m³). Reefers need power plugs at the depot, terminal and on board. The unit is built to hold temperature, not to pull down warm cargo, so goods must be pre-cooled. Never load above the red load line.
Related terms
- Dry Container (General Purpose)
A dry or general-purpose container is the standard closed steel box for general cargo that needs no temperature control, coded 22G1 (20GP) or 42G1 (40GP) under ISO 6346.
- ISO Size-Type Code
The ISO size-type code is a four-character code on the container door that describes its size and type.
- FEFO (First Expired, First Out)
FEFO is a stock rotation rule where goods with the nearest expiry date are shipped first, regardless of when they arrived.
- High Cube Container (40HC)
A high cube container is 9'6" (2,896 mm) high externally, one foot taller than a standard 8'6" box.
Covered in these guides
Dangerous Goods Stowage on Ships: Classes, Segregation, Stowage Categories, DG Manifest
How dangerous goods fit into a vessel stowage plan, from IMDG classes, segregation and stowage categories to deck vs hold, heat sources and the DG manifest.
6 min read Container sizes & capacityReefer Containers: 20RF & 40RF Dimensions, Set Points, PTI and Stuffing
A practical guide to 20RF and 40RF reefer containers covering inside dimensions, the red load line, set points, PTI, ventilation, pre-cooling and documents.
6 min read