Shipping Of Sea Refrigerated Containers From India
Here, you can learn about shipping of sea refrigerated containers from India. Refrigerated Containers added new dimensions to the import and export business across the country. They worked like oxygen to import and export perishable goods, helping trade for some temperature-sensitive items.
Refrigerator containers are also termed reefer containers. Unlike regular containers, these reefer containers have cooling units. They are very effective for transporting fruits, dairy products, vegetables, meat, and medicines. These items need to be kept at certain temperatures to stay fresh.
Ideal for long-distance transportation, these cool reefer containers maintain a temperature from -30°C to +30°C. This blog will give you a clear look at refrigerated containers and share details about shipping them from India.
Beginning of Refrigerated Containers in India
The idea of cold chain logistics started worldwide in the early 1950s. In India, this critical service began in the 1990s. Refer containers were initially used domestically, mainly to exchange goods in India.
India took almost four decades to use cold chain logistics beyond its borders. Reefer containers expanded trade and commerce during the country's liberalization era. The seafood industry initially used them to export seafood from India.
Due to India's lack of supportive infrastructure in the early 1990s, reefer containers didn't become popular. As India opened its economy, the need for cold chain infrastructure increased. The Indian government stepped in to build cold storage warehouses, refrigerated transport, and other related facilities.
In the last 25 years, India has built a strong cold chain system. This system helps transport sensitive and perishable items, like food and vaccines.
Please contact us for fast booking and services of shipping of sea refrigerated containers from India
Dimensions of a reefer container
Reefer shipping containers are available in various sizes for distinct cargo and shipping needs. Commonly used reefer containers are 40 ft and 20 ft. The maximum payload for 20-24 metric tons and 26- 30 metric tons, respectively, for 20- 40-foot reefer containers.
The standard height of such containers is 8 feet and 6 inches. 45-foot high cube reefer containers and 45-foot reefer containers are also available. These are less commonly used cool containers for shipping.
The 10-foot reefer container is the most uncommon, manufactured only on demand. It is compact and usually used for small-quantity shipments.
Kinds of refrigerated shipping containers
Standard refrigerated container:
This kind of refrigerated container is the most common out of all sorts of refrigerated containers. The standard refrigerated containers usually come in 20 and 40 feet lengths. These cold refrigerated containers can be set to -30 to +30 degrees Celsius. It depends on the items being shipped. These sorts of reefer containers are used to transport perishable goods like seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables.
Open top refrigerated container:
These containers have an opening from the top, facilitating easy loading and unpacking. Their temperature capacity is -25 degrees to + 25 degrees Celsius. They are usually used for shipments of products like big equipment, tools, or machinery.
High-cube refrigerated container:
High-cube refrigerated containers resemble standard ones but are taller. They have an open-top design and are perfect for bulky shipments requiring extra height, such as large machinery.
Flat rack refrigerated container:
The collapsible sides of these containers make it easy to load and unload items from the sides and top. You can find 20-foot and 40-foot containers. They can handle temperatures from -30°C to +30°C. These containers are useful for transporting large vehicles and oddly shaped machines.
Controlled Atmosphere Packaging: Here, we can manage moisture, carbon dioxide, and oxygen content. It enhances the shelf life of perishables.
Multi-Temperature Reefer Containers: As the name suggests, there are different compartments where different temperatures can be fixed.
Reefer containers transport a lot of fresh and frozen foods and drinks.
Some Items are Common to Carry in a Reefer Container
Reefer containers facilitate the transportation of drugs, medicines, and vaccines subject to special temperature requirements. They also serve to maintain the integrity of various types of pharmaceuticals, thereby ensuring their dependability and effectiveness upon delivery.
Flora and Vegetation:
Reefer containers maintain the proper moisture, humidity, and temperature during shipping. It preserves flowers and plants for longer and in fresher and safer conditions.
Chemicals:
Reefer containers are convenient to carry certain chemicals. These chemicals become useless if they are not stored at a specific temperature. They are also widely used in the shipment of hazardous materials.
Bakery items:
Packed bakery items or confectionary products, such as biscuits, cakes, etc., are transported in refrigerated containers internationally and domestically.
Seafood:
We can now transfer seafood like fish and lobster worldwide thanks to reefer containers.
Uses Of Refrigerated Containers In India
Like the world, trade in India hasn't remained untouched by refrigerated containers. They ship candy, seafood, medicine, and fresh food in India and have many other uses.
- Agriculture and Food Industry
Temperature-controlled logistics is the core of import and industry in India. The export or import of agriculture and food items depends entirely on it. These containers preserve the items from damage due to external factors.
- Pharmaceutical Industry
Reefer containers are an elementary need in the pharmaceutical industry. They proved their productivity during COVID-19 in India and across borders. Vaccines, injections, and temperature–sensitive medicines are transported by reefer logistics only.
- Export and Import
Only reefer refrigeration allows the import and export of perishable goods, helping millions of exporters and importers thrive globally.
The refrigerated containers market in India has been growing since 2001. This growth means better business opportunities in the future. The graph of the use of refrigerated containers in India shows their productivity and business growth.
Refrigerated Container shipping companies in India
Some refrigerated container shipping companies in India include:
- Fabking Solutions Pvt. Ltd,
- Quatre Agro Enterprises Private Limited,
- Green Tech Solutions (a refrigerated container manufacturer),
- Maersk,
- DOLMA CONTAINER MANUFACTURING (I) PVT. LTD,
- And Indraprastha Cold Storage;
Depending on the company, there are options for both container manufacturing and shipping services.
Features Of Reefer Containers
Refrigerated containers come with the following traits
- Humidity regulator—Some products spoil in humidity or need a certain amount of moisture to maintain their natural properties. A reefer box with a humidity regulator can maintain products' freshness even after days.
- Temperature regulation: Refrigerated containers have temperature control systems, which are extremely useful in maintaining the freshness of the contents.
- GPS tracking:
Most reefer containers have a built-in GPS tracking system. This system helps the shipping company and the exporter or importer find the goods. It can also check the temperature.
- Monitored by Remote:
Remote monitoring helps get versed with the issues in the refrigeration systems of the containers and fix them.
- Budget-friendly:
Reefer containers are proven economical for long-distance transportation of perishable goods.
- Usefulness:
Cold shipping containers help transport many products that need to stay fresh or have a short lifespan. Seafood, fruits, vegetables, pharmaceutical items, etc., could be transported across the sea.
Price Of Sea Refrigerated Containers In India
Prices of reefer containers vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Generally, Prices also depend upon the following factors -
- Size and Volume—The more significant the dimensions and Volume of containers, the higher the prices. Standard reefer containers come in sizes 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft. Larger refrigerated containers cost more because they use more materials and need more maintenance.
- Refrigeration Unit features
The efficacy of reefer containers plays an essential role in their prices. Those, coupled with the latest technology, are bound to be costlier than others. Features like temperature control, humidity control, and GPS tracking make cold shipping containers more expensive. This leads to higher prices.
- Insulation Features
Dry shipping containers cost much less than refrigerated containers. It is because they do not need insulation. Insulation protects goods from damage caused by environmental factors such as heat, moisture, etc. Those with insulation properties are expensive due to the temperature control feature inside them.
- Customization
Some items that need to be shipped require special features. These include a dual-temperature zone, a multi-temperature zone, tailored shelving, and an advanced tracking system. Custom features in reefer containers affect the overall cost.
Typical Costs of Reefer Containers in India
Take a look at the average cost of containers in India-
10-Foot Reefer Container—A 10-foot refrigerated container in India costs between Rs 2,50,000 and Rs 4,00,000.
20-Foot Reefer Container—The usual cost of a 20-foot cold storage container in India is between ₹4,50,000 and ₹8,00,000.
40-Foot Reefer Container- It costs between ₹8 00,000 to ₹12 00,000 in India, depending upon the advancement of features.
Problems faced by Shipping Containers from India
- Issues of Temperature control –
Refrigerated containers work on power. Therefore, any cut during transit during in-land or sea transport may hamper the quality of food stored. Even a slight fluctuation can impact the cargo. Continuous temperature monitoring is essential for shipments. Any carelessness can harm the business and the items being shipped.
- Overcrowded ports cause delays.
India's major ports usually suffer congestion due to numerous import and export activities. Ports like Mundra, NSPT (Mumbai), JNPT, etc., are overcrowded, thereby causing delays in shipment despatch and delivery. Shipments from different ports need to be diverted. Ports need to be equipped with proper and advanced infrastructure for shipments of refrigerated containers from India.
- Delays in Documentation and Customs Clearance
Documentation and customs clearance are mandatory for the shipment of reefer containers. The absence of any document or clearance after inspection obstructs shipment. A slow certification process troubles business people and goods to be shipped.
- Careless in Handling the reefer shipment:
Cold-storage shipping containers require careful handling during loading and unloading to prevent damage to items and the container. Proper sealing is essential to protect the cargo. Due to the excessive shipment work at the ports, the team doesn't exercise diligence.
- Limited Availability of Power for Reefers
Power helps keep reefer containers running. It is essential in remote or underdeveloped areas with weak power supply. Without stable electricity products can be spoiled . A genset is used to provide non-stop power to operate reefer containers.
Lack of Availability of Specialized Reefer Container
Equipment:
The absence of available machinery poses challenges to the shipping industry and traders. There are off-peak seasons that compound the problem.
Cost of shipment reefers:
The cost of shipping reefer containers is higher than that of dry containers. They require more power, unique parts, advanced technology, and changing fuel prices, which impacts trade in the country.
Here is a brief description of our company
In a nutshell, Falcon is the best shipping company in India. It presents all kinds of shipping solutions, including reefer containers. It is also the best logistics company with over 25 years of experience offering shipping solutions worldwide.
With its detailed documents, customs help, and logistics services, it offers complete solutions for all import and export businesses. We are the best choice for you with our budget-friendly and personalized shipping service of all types.
Finally, please feel free to contact us to book shipping of sea refrigerated containers from India. Get in touch with us by calling 9311595648
You can also send an email to cargodeal@falconfreight.com.
In Brief About Falcon Freight
Falcon Freight offers various international freight forwarding services via air, sea, and road. They ensure that all their services comply with Indian customs regulations with proper documentation.
Furthermore, all deliveries are safely packed and sent to the ports with appropriate documentation to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.
Moreover, we also ensure that the containers transporting goods are well-maintained and follow international rules. Their main goal is to deliver goods intact, wherever you are.
More Services from them include
- Import Clearing Sea
- Sea Freight
- Export Clearing Sea
- Sourcing in China
- Import Clearing Air
- Air Freight
- Export Clearing & Freight Air
- Online Freight
Falcon started its journey in 1989, established by Mr. Vikas Gupta, the founder of Falcon India. Currently, we operate under the name Falcon Air Sea Logistics Pvt Ltd.
Head office in New Delhi
You can get good air freight rates from Guangzhou to Delhi-airport moreover, we provide the best custom house agent services in India
If you want more information about Guangzhou Nansha Port China, please call us at +91-9311595648. You can also email us at cargodeal@falconfreight.com
The cost of reefer containers depends on size, dimensions, distance, cargo type, required temperature, documentation, and customs clearance.
You must contact shipping, logistics, or container leasing companies in India that offer reefer container services.
Features like temperature, ventilation adjustment, humidity, etc., can be customized based on clients' needs.