How to Safely Transport Fruits and Vegetables With Reefers?

Key Takeaways

• Offshore reefer containers maintain precise temperature, humidity, and airflow to keep produce fresh during long-distance transport.
• Pre-cooling both the cargo and container is essential, as reefers maintain temperature, not reduce it.
• Incorrect temperature settings are a leading cause of spoilage in fruit and vegetable transport.
• Proper airflow and loading prevent uneven cooling and “hot spots” that accelerate spoilage.
• Ethylene management is critical to avoid premature ripening and cross-contamination between cargo types.
• Cold chain integrity depends on continuous power, monitoring, and correct configuration throughout the journey.

Every day, fresh produce is transported in all industries globally.

Fruit and vegetables are freshest when harvested, but their edibility starts to tick down.

So logistic companies that are part of any supply chain transporting fruits and vegetables should look to use the right shipping container for the job, to ensure that the cargo has not perished, and retains as close to a fresh quality as possible.

If you’re looking to transport fruits and vegetables to offshore locations, using Offshore Reefer Container units is the most reliable solution available.

This guide walks you through how to safely transport fruits and vegetables with offshore reefer containers, covering everything from temperature settings and humidity control to ethylene gas management and cold chain best practices.

What Is a Reefer Container?

We’ve gone into detail about what a reefer container is and its certifications here

But to give a quick summary, reefers, also known as refrigerated containers, are used to transport goods and items that require temperature control during transit.

Usually, products such as meat, fruit, vegetables, and dairy use reefer containers during shipping.

These containers are fitted with a refrigeration unit that is connected to an electrical power supply and can be supplied with warm or cold air through an air duct system.

Why Use Reefer Containers for Fruits and Vegetables?

The most essential component of an offshore reefer container is temperature consistency. During long-distance transportation, temperature consistency helps keep goods fresh and also helps prevent any spoilage.

Many companies depend on controlling the internal climate within these containers to keep certain cargo, like fruits and vegetables, in prime condition, which makes reefers perfect for transporting these types of goods.

But, for some context, many businesses on a global scale require fresh produce to be transported for them in a safe and efficient manner. Fruits and vegetables ripen and only have a short period of time that they need to be consumed before they become inedible. So companies that wish to transport these items will need to plan accordingly, and the usage of reefer containers will help reduce the number of perishable items along the shipping process.

Why Are Reefers Great for Transporting Fruits And Vegetables?

If you’re looking to understand specifically why reefers are great for these types of produce, then check out the points below:

• Temperature consistency: The most essential component of any offshore reefer container. During long-distance transportation, maintaining a stable internal temperature keeps goods fresh and prevents spoilage. This is the foundation of cold chain transport for produce.
• Humidity regulation: Most fresh fruits and vegetables require relative humidity levels between 85% and 95% to prevent dehydration, wilting, and weight loss. Reefers generate and maintains this automatically when correct ventilation and packaging are applied.
• Airflow and ventilation: Interior fans circulate conditioned air throughout the container, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the entire cargo load.
• Ethylene gas control: Fresh air vents allow outside air to enter while expelling ethylene gas, the natural ripening agent released by many fruits. Managing ethylene is critical for preventing premature ripening and spoilage during longer voyages.
• Climate monitoring: Many companies depend on controlling the internal climate within these containers to keep produce such as fruits and vegetables in prime condition throughout the journey.

How does a reefer do this?

Within a reefer, carbon dioxide and other gasses that promote the ripening process are circulated out, and fresh air is circulated in via the internal refrigeration system.

Without this system installed, produce will simply ripen along the way during transport, and will become inedible upon reaching their intended destination.

This refrigeration system is achieved using several components that are built-in:

• Control unit: Adjusts temperature, humidity levels, and ventilation settings inside the reefer. This is where operators input their required temperature and airflow parameters before departure.
• Interior fans: Circulate conditioned air within the container to promote uniform temperature distribution and prevent hot spots that could accelerate spoilage.
• Fresh air vents: Allow fresh outside air to enter the reefer while expelling internal gases, including ethylene gas, that cause produce to ripen and perish prematurely. Proper ventilation settings for fruit shipping are critical for managing ripening during transport.
• Unit evaporator: Excess moisture inside the container can contribute to mould growth and spoilage. The unit evaporator maintains the correct moisture level to prevent this.
• Condenser: Comprised of a coil and a fan, the condenser supports internal air circulation and helps maintain the set temperature consistently throughout the journey.

These core components work together to create and maintain ideal conditions for chilled transport of fresh produce, but they still require correct manual configuration to function effectively.

How to Program a Reefer for Fruits and Vegetables?

Although the refrigeration system maintains ideal conditions during transport, it requires correct input from the operator.

Anyone programming a reefer must understand what temperatures are appropriate, because different fruits and vegetables require different settings.

Choosing the wrong set temperature can cause cargo to perish, resulting in significant financial loss.

To programme your reefer, locate the control unit on the exterior of the container and input the required settings. Before doing so, ensure the reefer is receiving power, typically from a genset or power cable. You should be all set on how to program a reefer.

What Is the Ideal Reefer Temperature for Fruits and Vegetables?

You can find a quick guide on the temperatures you will need to use when transporting common fruits and vegetables.

For uncommon ones, such as fruits and vegetables that can only be found in certain locations, you may need to research and experiment with different temperatures to find the ideal conditions for them.

Conditions for Vegetables

Typically for vegetables, the internal temperature for a reefer container should be in the range of -1 to 13 degrees Celsius(30-55 degrees Fahrenheit).

This varies depending on the vegetable you are transporting, as they will differ in shelf life, freezing points, and ideal humidity levels.

So it might be a good idea to transport both spinach and onions as they share the same ideal storage conditions, but it would probably be a bad idea to ship eggplants with them as well, as eggplants need a higher temperature to be transported ideally.

Pro tip: Always group vegetables by compatible temperature and humidity requirements when loading. Incompatible co-loading is a leading cause of preventable spoilage in refrigerated transport for fruits and vegetables.

Conditions for Fruits

What about fruits?

Similar to vegetables, if you know what the ideal temperatures are for fruits, you will be able to send them across a large distance. Typically, reefers that transport fruit should maintain temperatures ranging from -1 to 4 degrees Celsius (30-40 degrees Fahrenheit).

Here’s a quick guide on common fruits and their proper storage temperatures:

Fruits are a little more flexible for ideal conditions compared to vegetables, but once again, please plan out which fruits make sense to be transported together.

Important: Some fruits are significantly more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than others. Lettuce, for example, wilts and rots rapidly at elevated temperatures, while citrus and melons are comparatively tolerant. Always confirm the exact temperature requirements for your specific cargo before departure.

For a full breakdown of reefer temperature ranges by cargo type, see our guide: Offshore Reefer Container Temperature Range.

Transporting Fruits and Vegetables With Reefers

Proper transportation of fruit and vegetables is key when delivering them from hard-working producers, to the hungry consumer. And when done correctly, transporting these easily perishable produce becomes easier and more secure.

Though we have mostly gone over the refrigeration aspect of reefers, another important aspect to think about is how your reefer is loaded, and how the contents are organized within. Pack things too tightly, and you may restrict the airflow of fresh air coming in, and ripening gasses going out of the reefer.

Tips for Packing Your Reefer Container

So follow these quick tips for packing your reefer container, and your cargo should remain fresh and edible:

• Use loading patterns that suit the type of cargo you plan to transport.
• Before opening your reefer, do not cool it.
• Ensure your perishables are in the ideal conditions before loading them onto your reefer.
• Follow the max load line, and do not overload your cargo.
• Prevent air circulation issues by providing ample space between the walls and your cargo.

Each of these steps plays a direct role in maintaining the cold chain integrity of your shipment. Loading patterns affect airflow distribution; pre-cooling ensures the reefer doesn’t have to compensate for warm cargo; and proper spacing prevents the “chimney effect” where cold air bypasses the load entirely. Together, these practices are the frontline defense against spoilage in fruit and vegetable transport.

Humidity Control for Vegetable and Fruit Transport

Humidity management is one of the most overlooked variables in refrigerated transport for fruits and vegetables. Getting it wrong in either direction causes product loss:

• Too high humidity: Promotes mould and fungal growth, damaging produce and packaging.
• Too low humidity: Causes dehydration, weight loss, wilting, and shrivelling, reducing shelf life and marketability upon arrival.

The recommended relative humidity for most fresh fruits and vegetables is 85% to 95%, depending on the variety. This level is generated automatically inside a properly configured reefer when correct ventilation and packaging practices are applied.

For produce that is particularly sensitive to excess moisture, de-humidification can be applied. MGS ICE STORM reefer containers support de-humidification in the range of 65% to 85% relative humidity, giving operators precise control over conditions for a wide range of cargo types.

Airflow and Ventilation Settings for Fresh Produce Shipping

Proper airflow inside a reefer container is just as important as temperature. Poor air circulation creates uneven temperature zones, causing some areas of the cargo to warm up or experience condensation, both of which accelerate spoilage.

Modern offshore reefer containers use a bottom air delivery system, distributing chilled air from the floor upward through T-shaped decking. This ensures a consistent and uniform flow of conditioned air across the entire shipment.

Key airflow best practices for produce transport:

• Load cargo to cover as much of the floor as possible: Gaps in the floor coverage create a “chimney effect” where air bypasses the cargo rather than passing through it.
• Leave front and back sides of the container clear: These areas do not have air vents and should remain unobstructed.
• Do not stack cargo against the container walls: Airflow must be able to circulate around the load.
• Set fresh air exchange rates appropriately for the commodity: High-respiration produce (such as asparagus or broccoli) requires more frequent air exchange than low-respiration fruits.

Also read: What is Offshore Reefer Container Ventilation & Why You Need It

Managing Ethylene Gas During Transport

Ethylene gas is a natural plant hormone released by many ripening fruits. In a sealed container environment, ethylene accumulates rapidly — accelerating the ripening and senescence of all produce present, including commodities that are ethylene-sensitive.

This is why fresh air vent management is a critical part of preventing spoilage in reefer containers. The reefer’s fresh air vents must be set correctly to ensure a consistent exchange of internal air, continuously expelling ethylene build-up while admitting fresh outside air.

Notable ethylene considerations by produce type:

• High ethylene producers: Apples, avocados, bananas, mangoes, pears, tomatoes
• Ethylene-sensitive produce: Leafy greens, broccoli, cucumbers, kiwi, asparagus; these should not be co-loaded with high-producing fruits where possible
• Controlled atmosphere options: For long-distance voyages where ethylene management is critical, MGS ICE STORM containers can maintain an ideal blend of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the reefer unit, effectively slowing the ripening process during transit and extending shelf life.

Post-Harvest Handling and Pre-Cooling

A reefer container can only maintain the temperature you set; it cannot actively cool down produce that hasn’t been pre-cooled before loading. This is one of the most common causes of spoilage in refrigerated transport for fruits and vegetables.

Pre-cooling is the process of bringing produce to its target transport temperature before it is loaded into the container. Without it, warm produce introduces thermal mass that the reefer must work harder to overcome, and during this period, quality degrades rapidly.

Pre-cooling best practices:

• Ensure all produce has been field-cooled or passed through a pre-cooling facility before loading.
• Verify the reefer itself has been pre-cooled to the target set point before doors are opened for loading (the average reefer takes approximately two hours to reach temperature with doors closed).
• Match the temperature of the produce to the container set point as closely as possible to prevent surface condensation or thermal shock.
• Use appropriate packaging; cartons must be strong enough to support the weight of stacked loads while also allowing adequate air circulation around the produce.

Cold Chain Failure: Risks and How to Prevent Them

Even a brief interruption in the cold chain can significantly reduce the shelf life of fresh produce or render an entire shipment unsalvageable. Common causes of cold chain failure during produce transport include:

• Reefer unit breakdown: The primary cause of temperature-related spoilage. Regular Pre-Trip Inspections (PTIs) and maintenance schedules are essential.
• Power supply interruption: Reefers must remain connected to a genset or shore power at all times. Any gap in the power supply risks a temperature rise.
• Incorrect temperature settings: Operator error in programming the control unit is a preventable but common cause of cargo loss.
• Poor load distribution: Uneven loading disrupts airflow, creating warm zones within the cargo that spoil faster than the rest of the load.
• Inadequate pre-cooling: As covered above, loading warm produce into a cold container is a form of cold chain failure that begins before the journey even starts.

How MGS Reefer Tracking Supports Cold Chain Integrity

MGS reefer containers are equipped with data logger recorders that continuously monitor both air temperature and cargo pulp temperature throughout transit. This data is stored in an electronic memory unit that also logs PTI results, alarms, and transit details, giving operators full visibility and rapid response capability if conditions deviate from the set parameters.

Reefer tracking systems can also be integrated with GPS location tracking to provide real-time alerts when temperature thresholds are breached, enabling crews to act quickly before cargo is compromised. Learn more about how reefer container tracking systems protect your cold chain.

Controlled Atmosphere and Modified Atmosphere Transport

For high-value produce or extended voyages, standard temperature and humidity control may not be sufficient. Two advanced techniques are used in perishables logistics to further extend shelf life:

• Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Transport: The oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen levels inside the container are actively managed to slow the metabolic rate of the produce. This significantly reduces respiration, delays ripening, and extends shelf life beyond what refrigeration alone can achieve. MGS ICE STORM containers are particularly well-suited to CA transport for commodities such as avocados, bananas, and asparagus.
• Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): A complementary approach where individual product packaging is flushed with a specific gas mixture before sealing. MAP slows oxidation and microbial growth at the product level, working in tandem with the reefer’s climate control to further protect freshness during shipping.

Both approaches are part of a broader shelf life extension strategy that is increasingly important as global food supply chains lengthen and sustainability targets demand reduced food waste.

Reefer Container Best Practices for Produce: Summary Checklist

Before every produce shipment in a reefer container, operators should verify the following:

1. Pre-cool the reefer to the target set point at least two hours before loading
2. Pre-cool all produce to the target temperature before it enters the container
3. Set the correct temperature for the specific commodity being transported (refer to the temperature table above)
4. Configure humidity settings: target 85–95% RH for most fresh produce
5. Set ventilation and fresh air exchange rates appropriate to the cargo’s respiration rate
6. Manage ethylene: set fresh air vents correctly and avoid co-loading ethylene producers with sensitive commodities
7. Load cargo correctly: cover the full floor area, leave front/back walls clear, allow airflow around the load
8. Inspect packaging: cartons must support stacked loads and allow air circulation
9. Verify power supply: ensure the genset or shore power is connected and uninterrupted
10. Check that the data logger and tracking systems are active before departure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best temperature for transporting fruits in a reefer container?

The optimal temperature for fruit transport depends on the variety. Berries, grapes, and stone fruits should be transported at 0°C to 2°C, while tropical fruits like bananas and mangoes require warmer settings of 13°C to 15°C. Using the wrong temperature is one of the leading causes of spoilage during produce shipping.

What temperature should a reefer be set to for vegetables?

Reefer container temperature for vegetables typically ranges between -1°C and 13°C (30°F–55°F) depending on the vegetable type. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables require colder settings (0°C–2°C), while warm-weather vegetables like cucumbers and peppers need 8°C–13°C.

How does humidity affect fresh produce in a reefer container?

Humidity directly affects shelf life and produce quality during transport. Too high humidity promotes mould; too low causes dehydration, wilting, and weight loss. The recommended relative humidity for most fresh fruits and vegetables is 85–95%. MGS reefer containers automatically generate and regulate this level when correct ventilation and packaging are applied.

How does a reefer container control ethylene gas?

Fresh air vents in reefer containers expel ethylene gas (the natural ripening agent released by fruits) and replace it with fresh outside air.

Proper ventilation settings are critical for preventing premature ripening. For sensitive cargo, controlled atmosphere (CA) transport can actively manage oxygen and CO₂ levels to further slow ripening.

What is cold chain failure, and how can it be prevented?

Cold chain failure occurs when the temperature-controlled environment is interrupted at any point during transit, due to equipment breakdown, power loss, incorrect settings, or poor pre-cooling.

It can be prevented through Pre-Trip Inspections, real-time temperature monitoring, proper pre-cooling protocols, and using reefers equipped with data loggers and automated alerts.

Can reefer containers be used for controlled atmosphere transport of produce?

Yes. Advanced offshore reefer containers such as the MGS ICE STORM unit can maintain an ideal blend of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the container, enabling controlled atmosphere transport. This is particularly effective for commodities like avocados, bananas, and asparagus, significantly extending shelf life beyond standard refrigerated transport.

Conclusion: Transport Your Fresh Produce with MGS Offshore Reefer Containers

Safely transporting fruits and vegetables over long distances (particularly to offshore locations) demands equipment that is purpose-built, rigorously certified, and capable of maintaining precise conditions throughout the entire journey.

MGS Offshore manufactures DNV 2.7-1 certified offshore reefer containers, developed in partnership with Thermo King and Honeywell, and available in two models:

• ICE STORM (10ft): Our flagship offshore reefer container, engineered for heavy-duty offshore applications. Delivers temperature settings from -30°C to +20°C, automated humidity control, controlled atmosphere capability, and real-time data monitoring. Ideal for extended produce transport to oil and gas platforms and remote offshore destinations.
• Ice Wave (8ft): A compact, DNV-certified offshore reefer unit suited to smaller cargo volumes and tighter deck space requirements, without compromising on refrigeration performance.

Both units feature:

• Automated temperature and ventilation regulation.
• High internal volume capacity (up to 12.2 cu.m for ICE STORM).
• Hygienic interior constructed of sterilised aluminium or stainless steel.
• Rapid temperature recovery after door openings.
• Data logger recorders for full cold chain traceability.

Ready to protect your produce during transport? Contact MGS to discuss your requirements, request a quote, or explore our full range of offshore reefer containers below.

Jason Tan

Business Director

A graduate (Business) from KDU, Jason Tan, is the current Business Director (Sales) for MGS Icestorm and has been associated with the company for the past 10 years.

With over 13 years in the shipping industry, he has had a significant contribution to Malaysia’s oil and gas industry in the engine and boat supply sector.

His expertise includes managing offshore catering business, offshore reefer containers, AI technology, offshore gas tanks, A60 pressurized cabins, etc. His contributions have helped establish MGS, in partnership (joint venture) with Thermo King and Honeywell to produce state of art Offshore Reefer Container products.