Have you ever wondered how to preserve and store a product at a specific temperature? How can you ship it all around the world? Refrigerated containers are the answer. Refrigerated containers, also known as reefer containers (The word “reefer” is a short form for “refrigerated.”), are globally used to transport these types of goods.
Refrigerated containers can maintain a steady interior temperature while controlling humidity and providing sufficient airflow. Maintaining the temperature in reefer containers keeps the products inside them from spoiling or degrading. Ruined products are often the result of excessive heat, moisture, and lack of sufficient airflow. Refrigerated containers are standard containers capable of maintaining specific temperatures between -18 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (-27 to 27 degrees Celsius). These containers are equipped with diesel generators to keep the preset temperature constant during a power failure. They can be acquired in 20- and 40-feet lengths. This article will discuss the various uses of refrigerated containers.
The Uses of Refrigerated Containers
These containers generally store and ship dairy products, frozen products, vegetables, seafood, meat, etc. In addition, refrigerated containers are also used to store medical supplies. Finally, everything perishable or may spoil due to temperature changes and contact with air can be preserved using reefer containers. Let us review some of the most widespread uses of these containers.
Fruits and Vegetables
Produce is probably the most widespread use of reefer containers. Fruits and vegetables are perishable and, most of the time, need to be stored and shipped in cold temperatures. They are usually transported by sea, land, and occasionally by air. For example, large, refrigerated containers can accommodate up to 15,000 boxes of bananas.
Meat and Poultry
Meat and poultry are the second most common items stored and transported by reefer containers across the oceans. Studies show that meat and poultry consumption has increased significantly in recent decades. One of the main reasons is the ability to transport these goods to different parts of the world using refrigerated containers.
Medicines
Several years ago, it was possible to transport medicines to remote destinations only by air. That was because the refrigeration and ventilation technologies were not as advanced as they are today. This shortcoming limited the number of medicines that could be shipped at one time since airplanes cannot carry as much cargo as ships. Shipping via air also inevitably raised the price of medications significantly. Fortunately, refrigerated containers have made it possible to transport massive amounts of medicines worldwide, reducing the cost of medications.
Dairy Products
Manufacturers usually use reefer containers to transport dairy products within the country or the continent. Most of the time, containers are hoisted over trucks and trains to ship dairy products to various destinations.
Seafood
It is good to know that statistically, 19 percent of the food items carried and shipped by reefer containers are seafood and seafood products. Everyone knows that seafood spoils exceptionally quickly. That is why refrigerated containers used to store and send this kind of food must be very high-quality to ensure the food reaches the kitchens freshly as if it has just been taken from the sea.
Movie Props
You may be surprised to hear this one, but big movie producers use refrigerated containers to transport movie props and other movie-related paraphernalia. These items may be worth millions of dollars, and producers do not want to risk delaying filming due to damaged or degraded props. Also, movie shooting is sometimes done in harsh environments, and delicate movie equipment and props must be protected from nature’s elements. Therefore, reefer containers are handy because they are mobile, weatherproof, and climate controlled.
Flowers
The flowers you buy to express your love to your partner may have come from South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, or some other distant country. However, they still have the fragrance and freshness as if they had just been cut. The truth is that this delicacy would never be possible if it were not for the usage of reefer containers. Over 700,000 metric tons of flowers are transported globally. Although more than 90 percent of it is transported by air, the advancement in refrigerated containers has made it possible to transport more types of flowers by the sea. The result is a drastic reduction in shipment cost and a massive increase in the quantity of the flowers transported.
Wine
Like other perishable products, wine may become undrinkable when exposed to sudden temperature changes. That is why it is stored in highly specialized reefer containers when transported over the oceans. Wide varieties of wine are transported by sea, and it is essential to control the temperature to maintain their quality.
Military Operations
Military forces use refrigerated containers to transport and store food, medicine, chemicals, and other items that might perish in bad climate conditions. In addition, military forces use special reefer containers resistant to extreme temperatures, electromagnetic interference, and vibration.
Carolina Containers
Does your business need to ship a delicate or perishable product? Refrigerated containers may be the answer, and Carolina Containers can help. We carry a large inventory of containers that can be modified to your business needs. Contact us at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.
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