The safe transport of perishable goods in international shipping is one of the most critical points in the supply chain. This is where reefer containers (refrigerated containers) come into play, ensuring that many types of cargo, from food to medicine, flowers to chemical products, are transported without any loss of quality. However, the proper use of these containers depends on the correct setting of temperature, ventilation, and humidity levels.
What is a Reefer Container? Its Importance in Refrigerated Transport
A reefer container is a special type of container equipped with a refrigeration and climate control system. Its primary purpose is to preserve the freshness of the transported goods and prevent temperature fluctuations caused by the external environment.
Importance:
- Supply Chain Security: Ensures perishable goods are transported without loss of quality.
- Standardization in International Trade: Meets legal requirements in sectors such as food safety and pharmaceutical logistics.
- Adaptation to Different Climate Conditions: It can operate in a wide temperature range, from tropical heat to polar cold.
Reefer containers enable the safe transportation of sensitive cargo, such as agricultural products, seafood, meat, and dairy products, around the world.
What is Set Temperature and How is it Determined?
The set temperature is the temperature value entered into the refrigeration system inside the reefer container and must be maintained at a constant level. This value is determined according to the type of product and must remain constant throughout the transport period.
Factors considered when determining the set temperature:
- Product Type: Different temperatures are required for each product, such as meat, fish, dairy products, fruit, or medicine.
- Transportation Time: Long distances require more precise control.
- Food Safety Standards: International regulations specify minimum and maximum temperature ranges for specific products.
For example, frozen food is transported at -18°C, while fresh fruit is set between +2°C and +8°C. Incorrect temperature settings can shorten the shelf life of the product or cause it to spoil completely.
Set Temperature Recommendations for Different Product Groups
The optimal set temperature ranges differ for each product group:
- Frozen Meat and Fish: -18°C to -25°C
- Milk and Dairy Products: +2°C to +4°C
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetables: +2°C to +8°C (may vary depending on the product)
- Medicines and Vaccines: +2°C to +8°C (some medicines may require -20°C)
- Flowers and Plants: 5°C to 12°C
These settings are critical for maintaining both the hygienic and commercial value of the products. Incorrect settings not only result in economic loss but also lead to customer dissatisfaction.
The Role of Ventilation Systems in Reefer Containers
The ventilation system prevents product spoilage by ensuring air circulation inside the container. Ventilation is particularly important when transporting fresh fruit and vegetables to expel natural gas emissions (such as ethylene gas).
The functions of ventilation:
- Maintaining Gas Balance: Slows down the ripening of fruits and vegetables.
- Moisture Control: Ensures excess moisture is expelled.
- Temperature Homogeneity: Ensures an even temperature distribution throughout the container.
Incorrect ventilation settings can cause the product to rot, become damp, or suffer damage from freezing.
Problems Encountered Due to Incorrect Use of Ventilation Settings
If ventilation settings are not adjusted correctly, significant losses in product quality may occur.
Main issues:
- Excessive Humidity: Increases the risk of mold, mildew, and spoilage.
- Insufficient Gas Release: Rapid ripening and decay are observed in fruits and vegetables.
- Irregular Temperature: Some areas of the container become excessively cold, while others become warm.
- Energy Consumption: Incorrect settings cause the cooling system to work harder and increase costs.
To prevent these problems, the correct product classification must be made before loading, and container settings must be checked by professionals.
What is Humidity Management? Application Areas in Reefer Containers
Moisture management in reefer containers is a critical factor in preventing the spoilage of transported goods. Moisture directly affects the shelf life, appearance, and quality of products. Excessive moisture inside the container can lead to mold and mildew growth, while low moisture can cause products to dry out and lose their freshness.
Application areas:
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetables: The correct humidity level prevents the products from drying out.
- Meat and Seafood: Excess moisture causes bacteria to grow.
- Medicines and Chemicals: If not stored within a specific humidity range, the products lose their effectiveness.
Proper humidity management is the guarantee that products will reach the buyer safely in reefer container shipping.
Moisture Control in Fruit, Vegetable, and Meat Products
The required humidity level varies for each product group. Incorrect humidity settings can cause irreversible damage to product quality.
- Fruits and Vegetables: A humidity level between 85% and 95% is recommended. This prevents the products from drying out and shriveling.
- Meat and Poultry Products: 75–85% humidity is suitable. Excessive humidity can lead to bacterial growth.
- Fish and Seafood: Over 90% humidity preserves the freshness of the product.
- Flowers and Plants: 90% humidity levels are preferred.
Humidity control works in conjunction with the set temperature to ensure both the appearance and shelf life of the product.
Monitoring Reefer Container Settings and Digital Tracking Systems
With advancing technology, reefer containers are now managed not only with manual settings but also with digital tracking systems.
The advantages provided by these systems:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Temperature, humidity, and ventilation values are monitored in real time.
- Warning Systems: The carrier and cargo owner are immediately notified if critical thresholds are exceeded.
- Remote Access: Some systems allow settings to be changed over the internet.
- Reporting: The entire transportation process is recorded, ensuring quality documentation and customer confidence.
Digital tracking systems have become a legal requirement, particularly for the transportation of medicines and food.
The Impact of Incorrect Settings on the Quality of Transported Products
Incorrect reefer container settings can lead to significant economic losses. Incorrect temperature, ventilation, or humidity management can result in the following:
- Rotting in Fruits and Vegetables: Excess moisture or insufficient ventilation leads to the accumulation of ethylene gas.
- Spoilage in Meat and Seafood: Incorrect temperature and humidity accelerate bacterial growth.
- Loss of Efficacy in Medicines: Temperature fluctuations can alter the chemical structure of medicines.
- Economic Damage: The entire load may become unusable, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
Therefore, it is vital that container settings are configured by experienced teams and regularly checked during transport.
Professional Support in Reefer Container Operations with Hazar Logistics
Hazar Logistics provides reliable solutions to its customers with the professional services it offers in reefer container transportation.
Advantages it offers:
- Setting the correct temperature and humidity levels for each product,
- Digital tracking and reporting during transport,
- 24/7 technical support for potential malfunctions,
- Operations management compliant with food safety and pharmaceutical logistics standards.
Hazar Logistics does not merely provide transportation services; it commits to delivering its customers’ products safely and without compromising quality.
