What are the Disadvantages of Refrigerated Containers?

Refrigerated containers, also known as reefer containers, are special shipping boxes for keeping things cold. They use electricity to stay cold and are used to move food and other things that need to stay cool. But they come with some problems.

1. High Costs

Reefer containers can be expensive. Buying them costs a lot, around $10,000 to $12,400 for new ones and $4,700 to $6,400 for used ones. Also, if you don’t own one, you might have to rent. Renting can mean you need to ask a company if they have one every time you need it.

• Upfront Costs:
  • New: $10,000 to $12,400
  • Used: $4,700 to $6,400
• Operation Costs:
  • Need expert help to fix.

For more cost-effective cargo options, consider exploring semi-trailer trucks which offer versatile transport capabilities.

2. Regulatory Pressure

Regulations can be tricky. New rules in the U.S. say you must use a certain kind of refrigerant, with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 700. This can mean you need to change your equipment.

• Rules:
  • Must use new kinds of refrigerants by 2025.

These new rules might be less of a hassle with emergency medical services that don’t depend on strict temperature controls.

3. Risk of Delays

Reefer containers might be late often. This can happen if they travel far, like around Africa, because it takes a longer time. Also, if workers at ports go on strike, it can mess up your plans.

• Delays:
  • Longer trips mean longer delays.

For minimizing delay risks, trucks like mobile medical checkup vehicles can be a reliable option for maintaining tight schedules.

4. Cargo Limitations

These containers are not for everything. They are made for food and some medicines, but not for things like heavy machinery. This can mean they are not the best choice if you want to move a lot of types of cargo.

• Limitations:
  • Cannot carry heavy machines.

Consider alternatives like tipper trucks which are suited for heavy and versatile cargo.

5. Energy Needs

You need electricity for reefer containers. But they use special power, so not all places can use them. If the power goes out, what you’re carrying might go bad.

• Needs:
  • Need special, strong power.
  • If the power goes out, items might spoil.

Explore modern solutions like battery-powered ambulances for transport with better energy efficiency.

6. Temperature Control

Keeping the right temperature is important, and sometimes hard. If it goes too low or too high, things can go bad quickly.

• Control:
  • A bit too much change can spoil things.

For precise temperature management, vehicles like vaccine transport vehicles are designed for stable cold chain logistics.

7. Market Challenge

Big companies control the market for reefer containers. This can mean small companies have a hard time getting in.

• Market:
  • Big companies own most of it.

Data Table: Refrigerated Container Issues

Challenge	Description
High Costs	New units up to $12,400; dependent on rentals.
Regulatory Pressure	New refrigerant regulations begin in 2025.
Delays	Longer routes increase delay risk; port strikes worsen this.
Cargo Limitations	Inadequate for heavy machinery or non-perishables.
Energy Needs	Requires special electricity; power outages cause spoilage.
Temperature Control	Minor temperature deviations spoil items.
Market Challenge	Dominated by large companies, restricting small entrants.