Cross-Border Cold Chain Logistics
Refrigerated freight movements between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Learn more on the Cross-Border Cold Chain Logistics pageCold Chain Services
Reefer containers from port to receiver.
Refrigerated shipping containers carried on skeletal trailers, with power and settings for the reefer unit confirmed for the road leg.
A reefer container is a refrigerated machine, and it needs power on the road.
At a port or cold store a reefer runs on mains power. On a trailer it needs its own power, usually a diesel generator set clipped to the container or trailer, fuelled for the whole journey.
We plan each reefer movement around the container's set point, its power for the road leg and the receiving point, so the cargo inside stays at the temperature it was booked at.
Before a reefer container is collected.
A few checks at collection protect the cargo for the rest of the journey.
Pre-trip inspection
A reefer is inspected before use to confirm the unit, controls and temperature recording work and the container is clean and sound.
Set point as booked
The temperature and ventilation settings are checked against the booking before the container leaves.
Power for the road leg
The generator set is checked and fuelled for the full journey, including any waiting time.
Seal and documents
The container seal number and transport documents are checked at collection and recorded at delivery.
Related cold chain services.
Cold Chain Cross-Docking
Transferring temperature-sensitive goods between vehicles or facilities.
Learn more on the Cold Chain Cross-Docking page
Cold Storage & Warehousing
Refrigerated, frozen and controlled-temperature storage.
Learn more on the Cold Storage & Warehousing pageFrequently asked questions
What is a reefer container?
A shipping container with its own built-in refrigeration unit, used to carry chilled or frozen cargo by sea, rail and road.
How is a reefer container powered on the road?
Usually by a diesel generator set clipped to the container or trailer. It is checked and fuelled before departure for the whole journey.
What is a pre-trip inspection?
A check of a reefer container before it is used, confirming the refrigeration unit, temperature controls and recording devices work and that the container is clean and undamaged.
Which trailers carry reefer containers?
Skeletal trailers, which are built to carry shipping containers. See the Skeletal Trailer page for the specification.
Can a reefer container be unloaded into refrigerated trailers?
Yes, where the cargo needs to go on by refrigerated trailer. The transfer is planned so goods move straight from one cold space to the next.
What do you need to plan a reefer movement?
The container size and number, set point and ventilation setting, cargo description, collection and delivery points, and the dates the container is available and due.
Moving a reefer container?
Send the container size, set point, cargo, collection and delivery points, and the dates the container is available.