Logistics Terms What Are the Differences? Reefer Containers vs Dry Containers

Reefer or Dry — Which Container Fits Your Cargo?

Reefer vs Dry Container at a Glance

Definition : Reefer Containers

A reefer container is a special type of container designed to transport frozen or refrigerated goods, and it uses electricity or fuel to regulate the temperature inside to keep goods such as food, plants, and pharmaceutical products fresh.

Reefer containers can typically maintain a temperature between -25°C and +25°C, and a modern reefer can automatically adjust the temperature, relative humidity, or ventilation inside.

They also have the ability to record temperature changes during transportation for easy documentation, and can be integrated with GPS data to monitor temperature changes by cargo location.

They also have the ability to record temperature changes during transportation, enabling easy documentation, and can be integrated with GPS data to monitor temperature changes by cargo location.

Type and Size : Reefer Containers

1. Types and Sizes of Typically Used Reefer Containers

[Reefer Container Specifications]

2. Other Reefer Containers

1) Super Freezer Container

• - They can store goods at cryogenic temperatures and are often used to ship expensive seafood and other goods.

2) Controlled Atmosphere Container

• - By regulating the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels inside, they can keep perishables fresher for longer.

3) Tank Reefer Container

• - They can ship cargo in liquid form and have large tanks installed inside.

4) Dual Compartment Reefer Container

• - They are divided into two separate compartments and can carry two types of cargo at the same time with different temperature settings.

(Source : Getty Images Bank)

Industry : Reefer Containers

Reefer containers are used to transport cargo that requires a specific temperature to be maintained. Due to these characteristics, the industries where reefer containers are mainly used have the following characteristics:

1) Food Industry

• - Reefer containers are most commonly used to transport fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, etc., to maintain their freshness during domestic and international transportation. In particular, they are considered essential for the transportation of refrigerated and frozen foods that need to remain fresh regardless of time and distance.

2) Pharmaceutical Industry

• - Many pharmaceutical products and vaccines need to be stored at a specific temperature to maintain their efficacy. In particular, some expensive pharmaceutical products require strict temperature conditions. Reefer containers ensure that these products can be safely shipped around the world.

3) Flower and Plant Industry

• - Fresh flowers and some plants are very sensitive to temperature changes. Reefer containers are used to ensure that they remain fresh and vibrant when shipped to international markets.

4) Chemical Industry

• - Certain chemicals and raw materials can change their properties at high or low temperatures. Some chemicals can only be stored reliably at certain temperatures, and reefer containers are used to ship these materials safely.

In these industries, the use of reefer containers has more meaning to it than just keeping products "cold.” They play a key role in ensuring product quality, stability, and freshness until the products reach the end consumer, making reefer containers an indispensable asset in these industries.

Definition : Dry Containers

Dry containers are the most common type of container and are durable, fully enclosed structures that protect cargo from being influenced by external environments. They are primarily used to transport dry goods and can carry a wide variety of cargo, including furniture, clothing, toys, construction materials, etc. As opposed to reefer containers, most cargo that does not require special temperature or humidity conditions is transported in dry containers. Due to their efficiency and wide range of uses, dry containers are used to transport cargo by a variety of means, including ships, trucks, and trains.

Type and Size : Dry Containers

1. Types and Sizes of Typically Used Dry Containers

[Dry Container Specifications]

(Source : Getty Images Bank)

2. Other Dry Containers

1)Train Container

• - These containers are used when transporting cargo by train, and are often used in Russia and Central Asia. They come in 20-, 40-, and 53-foot sizes.

2) Pallet Wide Dry Container

• - These containers are made to fit the size of a pallet, allowing for efficient transportation of palletized cargo.

3) Flat Rack Dry Container

• -The front and back of the container are open, making it easy to load long cargo.

4) Open Top Dry Container

• - These containers either do not have a ceiling or the ceiling can open, allowing cargo to be loaded from above. These containers are ideal for transporting large and heavy cargo.

As above, there are many different types and sizes of dry containers, so depending on the type and volume of cargo, appropriate containers for transportation can be used.

[Flat Rack Container]

(Source : iStock)

Industry : Dry Containers

Dry containers are the most common type of container used in a wide range of industries. Because they do not have a temperature control function, they are primarily suitable for transporting dry cargo that is not temperature-sensitive, and the industries that primarily use dry containers have the following characteristics:

1) Manufacturing Industry

• -The manufacturing industry exports a wide variety of products around the world, including machine parts, electronics, and more. Dry containers are used to safely transport or store products or parts, many of which are not very temperature-sensitive. As such, dry containers can be used to safely transport vehicles, appliances, machinery, and equipment.

2) Agriculture

• -While fresh agricultural products require reefer containers, agricultural products such as dry grains, beans, and wheat are transported in dry containers, and are also shipped in bulk carriers without containers. As such, the transportation of agricultural products in dry containers plays an important role in the global food supply chain.

3) Construction Industry

• -Cement, rebar, wood, tiles, and many other construction materials are transported to construction sites around the world.
  Construction materials often need to be transported in large quantities, which is why dry containers are so popular.

4) Consumer Goods Industry

• -Consumer goods such as clothing, furniture, and toys are produced in large quantities and shipped around the world. These products are generally not affected by temperature much, which is why they are often shipped in dry containers.

The versatility of dry containers is also reflected in the diversity of industries that use them. Suitable for most cargo that does not require temperature control, dry containers play a pivotal role in international trade and logistics, enabling the movement of goods around the world.

When You Need Reefer vs When Dry Is Enough

How Do Reefer Rates Move?

Reefer rates typically run 50–100% above dry rates, but actual pricing varies significantly by the factors below. Rather than budgeting with fixed numbers, real-time quote comparison is essential.

• Fuel cost fluctuations: Reefers consume significant power, making rates sensitive to oil prices
• Peak seasons: Rates surge when reefer demand concentrates in summer produce or year-end food seasons
• Lane-specific supply: Some lanes have limited reefer container supply, driving additional rate increases
• Cold chain surcharges: Power connection fees, temperature monitoring costs, port reefer plug fees add up

What to Verify When Choosing a Reefer Container

• Temperature range: Confirm your commodity's required temperature is within the container's configurable range
• Number of power plugs: Check whether a vessel and port is equipped with sufficient number of reefer power plugs
• Data logger: For food and pharmaceuticals, temperature logs across the entire transit are mandatory
• Rate budget: Plan for a budget 50–100% above dry rates. Compare qutoes with additional buffer for peak-season and lane variability
• End-to-end cold chain: Build a cold chain plan covering port, warehouse, and inland transport

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much more expensive is a reefer container than dry?

A. Typically 50–100% more than dry. However, actual rates vary significantly by lane, season, fuel costs, and reefer supply. Peak seasons (summer produce, year-end food seasons) drive additional increases — real-time quote comparison ahead of shipping is essential.

Q. Do non-food shipments ever need reefer containers?

A. Yes. Pharmaceuticals, biotech products, certain chemicals, artwork, and premium wines are examples of non-food cargo that require reefer protection. Pharmaceuticals in particular often have regulatory requirements for temperature logging during transit.

Q. How do reefer containers get power?

A. At sea, reefers connect to the vessel's dedicated power plugs. At port, they connect to shore power. During inland transport, they use truck power or separate generators. Any power loss raises the internal temperature and can damage cargo — so an end-to-end power connection plan is essential.

Q. What if I'm not sure whether to use reefer or dry?

A. Start by confirming your cargo's optimal transit temperature range. Refer to the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or commodity-specific regulations. If you're still unsure, share your product name and transit conditions with Cello Square or a specialized forwarder — they'll recommend the container type and provide real-time rate quotes.

Q. Can I book reefer container shipments through Cello Square?

A. Cello Square is Samsung SDS's Digital Logistics Platform — you can select the reefer option when getting ocean freight quotes. Enter origin, destination, and cargo details, and reefer rates are shown in real-time comparison with dry rates. For full cold chain management, Cello Square connects with Samsung SDS's global cold chain network.