High Quality Reefer Cargo Solutions

We understand the importance of keeping our customers' cargo fresh and cool, from the moment it is loaded to the moment it is delivered. With one of the largest and most advanced reefer container fleets in the world, MSC transports refrigerated and frozen goods all over the world, from food to flowers to pharmaceuticals.

Our global team of reefer specialists will help you to prepare your reefer shipment. All of our containers include

Temperature, ventilation and humidity controls
18m power cable
Sealable drain holes to release condensation when necessary
Maximum load line to allow air circulation

Did you Know?

Every year, MSC carries more than 1.9 million TEU.

Cutting-edge Technology

Our world-leading fleet features cutting-edge cooling and dehumidification technology, including Controlled Atmosphere (CA) and vent settings to ensure airflow. We carry out a thorough pre-trip inspection (PTI), then monitor shipments regularly throughout their journey.

Powered by Strong Partnerships

Collaboration is critical in cold chains logistics, so we work closely with our customers to keep temperature-controlled cargo fresh from pick-up to delivery. Based on your specific needs, we create tailor-made solutions that combine our strong road, rail and barge network with our weekly and regular shipping services.

Caring for People and the Planet

We believe that cold chains and cooling technology can make a dramatic difference in enhancing the supply of quality food and reducing food loss around the world. We also invest heavily in the latest green technology, systems and processes to help achieve cleaner seas, land and cargo.

The average age of our reefer containers is under seven years old, and we use two of the best-performing and most energy efficient refrigeration units in the world: “R-513A ready” units and NaturaLINE® units, the latter having the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) of all refrigerants used in commercially available container refrigeration systems today.

Our Reefer Containers

We offer a choice of container sizes and models, using the latest technology to ensure both efficiency and sustainability. Our experts can advise you on the best option for your cargo, depending on the type and volume of goods you are shipping.

Reefer steel container - 22 r1

Internal dimensions

Length

Wide

Height

5.45 m

2.29 m

2.16 m

Door

Wide

Height

2.29 m

2.26 m

Note: Inside height is to maxi storage height.

Cubic Capacity

28.3 m3
Maximum Payload

27,540 Kgs
Tare Weight

2,480 Kgs
Maximum Gross

30,480 Kgs

high cube reefer steel container - 45 r1

Internal dimensions

Length

Wide

Height

11.59 m

2.29 m

2.4 m

Door

Wide

Height

2.29 m

2.57 m

Note: Inside height is to maxi storage height.

Cubic Capacity

67.9 m3
Maximum Payload

30,260 Kgs
Tare Weight

4,600 Kgs
Maximum Gross

35,000 Kgs

Models

NaturaLINE

Featuring ground-breaking natural refrigerated technology, this highly energy-efficient container uses CO2 instead of conventional synthetic refrigerants to keep all types of refrigerated cargo cool.

PrimeLINE

Ideal for transporting deep-frozen cargo, this energy-efficient reefer container is fitted with a vapour-injection system to deliver more cooling capacity.

Star Cool CA

These units feature Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology to regulate CO2 and oxygen levels, keeping fresh produce in perfect condition – even during very long journeys.

Discover the Ideal Conditions for Transporting Different Types of Refrigerated Cargo

Keeping refrigerated cargo fresh depends not only on the temperature inside the container, but also humidity control and fresh-air circulation.

What is the recommended temperature for reefer containers? Different cargoes require different conditions; for example, blueberries are usually carried at -1°C, while bananas can remain fresh at 12-13.5°C. To learn more about the recommended conditions for specific cargo, download our reefer cargo stuffing guide.

Temperature

Each product has an optimum storage temperature which is the ideal condition for transportation. Generally, this is the coolest temperature a product can withstand before chilling or freeze injury occurs.

Chilling injury

Physiological damage can occur to tropical and subtropical products which have been exposed to low but non-freezing temperatures. The most common example is the browning of banana skins. Often the damage only becomes visible when the product is returned to ‘room temperature’.

Freeze injury

Products that can withstand cold temperatures can still become damaged when they reach freezing point. This occurs when the cellular structure of the product is ruptured by the expansion of water during the freezing process. It can cause products to appear water-soaked with damaged structures.

Humidity

Humidity levels play a crucial role in achieving the optimum condition for cargo during transit. MSC’s world-leading reefer fleet features cutting-edge dehumidification technology, helping to protect fresh produce from shrivelling or excessive water loss. Please note that the services we provide can only reduce humidity; we cannot increase humidity levels within the container.

Ventilation

Ventilation protects chilled commodities from damage caused by a build-up of carbon dioxide and ethylene. If too much carbon dioxide accumulates inside the container, the internal tissues of products such as pears and apples may become discoloured. Ethylene is a hormone produced by all fruits, vegetables and flowers. Although it is necessary for the ripening process of fruit, it can damage other cargo such as green vegetables. MSC’s reefer units are fitted with vents to allow fresh air to circulate freely, without letting in too much moisture.

Packing Refrigerated Cargo

To keep your reefer cargo in the best possible condition throughout its journey, simply follow the steps bellow.

Palletised loads of refrigerated cargo must be stackable up to a height of 2.4 metres.

The material used for packaging must also be able to withstand moisture and allow vertical airflow through boxes in order to maintain the correct temperature.

The corners of boxes must be securely supported by the pallet.

The stack of boxes must be accurately aligned to ensure each box is supported at all four corners.

Air vents in boxes must be aligned to allow for the easy flow of air without restrictions.

The Perfect Temperature for your Refrigerated Goods

Ahead of transportation, pre-cool your goods to achieve optimal temperature levels before loading them into a container. This will reduce the impact of outside temperatures on your valuable products while they are on the move. It's important to note that there is currently no technology available to prevent or reverse the ageing of perishable goods, but our reefer technology helps to slow down this process and maximise the shelf life of your cargo.

Three key factors impact the temperature of products during transportation:

Outside temperatures entering the container during loading and unloading
The temperature of the product itself prior to loading
Ventilation inside the container.

Follow These Simple Steps to Maximise the Shelf Life of your Cargo

Packing your reefer container correctly helps protect your cargo and keep it in the best possible condition throughout its journey. It’s particularly important to allow air to flow freely around and between products to maintain a consistent temperature. The best way to load your cargo depends on the type of commodity and the packaging you are using. How to stuff your reefer container:

There are two recommended patterns to follow when loading your reefer cargo:

block stowage and
palletised stowage.

Container cargo stuffing guide max load.jpg