Freight Glossary
Reefer – Meaning & Examples
A refrigerated shipping container with temperature control for perishable cargo.
- Related terms
- refrigerated container, reefer container, cold storage shipping
A reefer (refrigerated container) is a shipping container with built-in refrigeration equipment to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. Reefers can maintain temperatures from -35°C to +30°C and require connection to vessel or terminal power. They're used for fresh produce, frozen food, pharmaceuticals, and flowers. Reefers have higher freight rates and require monitoring throughout the journey. Common sizes are 20' and 40' high cube.
Reefer examples
- Frozen seafood from Norway travels to Japan in a reefer container set at -18°C.
How Reefer is used in freight operations
Reefer appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Reefer?
A refrigerated shipping container with temperature control for perishable cargo.
What is an example of Reefer?
Frozen seafood from Norway travels to Japan in a reefer container set at -18°C.