In the world of modern logistics, the “reefer container” is probably one of the best examples of how technology can change things. “Reefer containers” are powered, refrigerated cargo containers that act like a “fridge” for contents inside for as long as that cargo sits in the container. This has made it possible for perishables to travel much longer distances for much greater periods of time. However, that doesn’t mean reefer containers are the solution to every perishable shipping issue, and in some cases, an alternative to reefer shipping makes more sense financially.
International Needs
The reefer container is the perfect answer for businesses that may want to take advantage of maritime shipping at high volume. If a company offers a product in such a high volume that it occupies the bulk of a cargo container’s available storage space and it is a perishable product, reefer containers make a lot of sense.
Investing in such containers means that products can be shipped to farther destinations for longer periods of time and remain viable.
Local Needs
However, for businesses that ship perishable products locally or even continentally and in smaller batches, an alternative to reefer shipping makes far more sense. Reefer containers are, after all, significant investments, and paying for one when you have a product that’s only traveling overnight a few hundred miles is not a cost-efficient solution and, in fact, may cause financial losses that are more trouble than they’re worth.
In local situations, especially for small batches traveling for short amounts of time, an alternative to reefer shipping, like insulated box liners or double bubble foil insulation, makes far more sense. This is especially true for newer products like “meal kits” that ship recipes, including raw ingredients, directly to consumers.
Know Your Requirements
Any business that offers perishable or temperature-sensitive products such as fruits, vegetables, chocolate, wine, or even certain types of pharmaceuticals benefits from some protective measure to help retain the optimal temperature of that product. However, smaller shipments that travel shorter distances don’t take full advantage of the costly benefits offered by reefer containers.
In these situations, especially where such shipments may be exposed to the elements during transitions in loading, an alternative to reefer shipping, such as box liners, bubble foil insulation, or even modified atmosphere packaging that exchanges oxygen for other gases to slow decay, are better alternatives.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive products and want to know the best way to get those products to their destination safely, we can help. Contact us to explain your shipping needs and obtain a quote.
