Everything You Need to Know About Refrigerated Shipping Containers (Reefers)

From keeping ice cream cold on its way to the supermarket, to delivering life-saving vaccines to far-flung regions of the world, refrigerated shipping containers – aka reefers – are one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure within the global supply chain.

Reefer containers are high-tech, insulated shipping units that are designed to stay cold. They typically feature an integrated refrigeration motor that is capable of lowering the temperature to -30°C or beyond.

On top of cold chain transport, reefer containers are also used as a handy, portable commercial cold storage option, from catering companies that need on-site refrigeration at events, to chemical or pharmaceutical businesses looking for overflow storage.

How does a reefer container work?

Reefer containers are designed for precision cooling, even in the heat of an Australian summer. These aren’t just oversized eskies – they can reliably reach and maintain very specific temperatures, whether that’s 25°C when transporting chocolate or -25°C for frozen seafood.

The secret is in the way air flows around the container. Reefers feature a specialised floor with raised T-shaped beams that simultaneously support cargo and channel cold air up through the goods. This system ensures a consistent temperature is maintained throughout the container, even at the very centre of a tightly packed pallet.

Reefer containers use the same cooling technology as your fridge or reverse-cycle air conditioner. Heat from within the container is absorbed by refrigerant then discharged on the outside of the unit. This means that a reefer doesn’t create cold – it instead removes heat (or more accurately, thermal energy).

The unique stainless steel and aluminium internal construction of a reefer makes it incredibly rust-resistant, offering far greater longevity than a standard steel container in coastal environments – a handy feature in a country where 87% of people live within 50km of the ocean.

Non-transport reefer container use cases

While they’re designed to transport temperature-sensitive goods from A to B, reefers can do the same job while staying right where they are. Reefer containers are used by a wide range of non-transport industries and businesses, including:

1. Agriculture: Primary producers use reefers to keep fruit and vegetable harvests fresh before they reach the market.
2. Catering: Caterers at festivals and events deploy reefers as portable walk-in fridges for beverages and perishable foods.
3. Pharmaceuticals: Labs and hospitals rely on reefers to store vaccines, medicines and sensitive biological samples, particularly in emergency or disaster situations.
4. Food and beverage retailers: Supermarkets and butchers use reefers as temporary cold storage while permanent refrigeration systems are being repaired or upgraded.
5. Florists: Reefers can be used to maintain the ideal climate for flowers, preventing wilting and precisely timing blooms to coincide with peak periods.
6. Chemical manufacturing: Industrial firms store volatile resins, adhesives and dangerous goods in reefers to prevent curing, degradation and safety issues.
7. Research: Universities and biotech start-ups use stainless-lined reefers as affordable, modular lab spaces for climate-sensitive experiments.
8. Seafood and meat wholesale: Wholesalers use reefers to manage bulk inventory, which allow them to make discounted volume purchases.
9. Beverage production: Microbreweries often use reefers for ‘cold crashing’ beer, while wineries have a temperature-controlled environment to precisely age wine.
10. Academic research: Stainless-lined reefers can form an affordable, modular lab space for universities and biotech start-ups doing temperature-sensitive experiments.
11. Archival preservation: Museums and galleries sometimes use the climate control of reefers to protect sensitive items and documents.

Reefer power requirements: 3-phase infrastructure

In order to keep cargo at temperatures as low as -30C – and sometimes in the 40C+ heat of an Australian summer – reefers tend to pull a lot of power.

A standard 10-amp, 240-volt wall socket won’t cut the mustard. Reefers must be hooked up to 3-phase power (415V), so buyers may need to check that such a supply is available wherever they plan to use the container, or that 3 phase power can be installed in that location.

The other option, popular on remote/unpowered sites or for temporary installations, is a diesel genset. The generator can either be a built-in (integrated into the reefer) or a clip-on (added to the exterior, usually next to the refrigeration unit).

While more expensive and noiser to run, genset-powered reefers grant you far more flexibility over where you place your container.

Operating vs non-operating reefers (NOR)

When a reefer container’s motor is decommissioned or simply switched off, the unit becomes a non-operating reefer (NOR). While the active cooling stops, the presence of thick insulation still means that NORs are capable of maintaining a relatively stable internal environment.

An operating unit is required if you need active temperature control for perishables like food, flowers or pharmaceuticals. An NOR, meanwhile, can be perfect for items that simply need a stable climate, such as wine, paper archives and antique furniture.

Find your perfect cold storage solution

Whether you need to freeze perishables or keep valuables safe, reefer containers are a versatile, readily available and surprisingly cost-effective storage option.

At Shipping-containers.com.au we’re a 100% independent platform here to guide you to the perfect reefer, by understanding your needs and talking you through your options. Once you know exactly what you want, we connect you with local, vetted suppliers who can deliver it.

Ready to refrigerate? We’re here to help.

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