Whether mango pulp needs a reefer container depends on how it is packed. Aseptically processed pulp in sealed drums is commonly shipped at ambient temperature in a normal container, while frozen pulp and frozen food need a reefer set at a low temperature throughout the voyage. Ask the supplier which form you are buying.
A reefer keeps cargo at its set temperature. It is not built to cool warm cargo down, so the product must arrive at the right temperature before loading.
Which mango products need a reefer?
Aseptic pulp is heat treated and packed in sterile bags inside drums, so it can travel without refrigeration, though heat exposure still damages colour and flavour. Frozen pulp, frozen fruit and chilled products need a reefer. Canned pulp is shelf-stable.
Confirm the storage and transport temperature with the supplier and write it into the contract. Some importers also ask to keep aseptic pulp out of the hottest stow positions, such as on deck in direct sun.
What temperature should frozen food be kept at?
The usual requirement for frozen food is that the core of the product stays at or below minus 18 degrees Celsius, and the set point is chosen with that in mind. Your buyer's specification and your market's rules take priority. See what temperature frozen foods must be kept at during shipping.
Chilled and frozen products have different set points, and a wrong set point on the unit is a common cause of loss.
How to control a reefer shipment
- Pre-cool the product and the container before loading, because the unit cannot pull heat out of warm cargo.
- Check the container's pre-trip inspection record and that the unit works.
- Set and record the temperature, ventilation and humidity settings agreed in writing.
- Use temperature data loggers in the cargo and ask for the download on arrival.
- Arrange power on the quay, at the port and at inland stops, because a break in the cold chain can spoil the lot.
Costs and risks to understand
We do not quote reefer rates. A reefer is more expensive to ship than a dry container because of the equipment, the power and the special handling. Our article on how reefer containers work explains the drivers.
The main risks are temperature breaks, container failures and delay at ports without enough reefer plugs. Insurance should cover temperature deviation and spoilage, so check the policy wording.
Documents and checks that go with a cold chain
Ask for the temperature record, the container's pre-trip inspection record and the bill of lading showing the set temperature. For a food product, the importing country may require a health certificate or a statement from the competent authority, and the facility may need to be registered with your regulator.
Confirm these with your customs broker before shipping. The importer is legally responsible for meeting the destination rules, so check them with the regulator or the broker rather than relying on the supplier. Our services page shows how we support documents and loading.
Next step
Cold chains fail at the handovers. We supervise loading and check logger data and documents. To plan a reefer shipment, book a free sourcing review.