Refrigerated containers play a vital role in the storage and warehousing of perishable products across long distances. Whether it’s dairy, ice cream, or pharmaceuticals, maintaining the right temperature is the key to preserving quality and preventing spoilage. Different products have different temperature needs, and even a slight fluctuation can lead to major losses.
To ensure safe and effective storage & warehousing, it’s important to understand the refrigerated container temperature range, how to set it correctly, and how to monitor it throughout storage.
Why Refrigerated Container Temperature Matters
Refrigerated containers use advanced refrigeration systems to control temperature, humidity, and airflow. If not managed properly, perishables can suffer from spoilage, microbial growth, dehydration, or texture loss.
- Maintains product quality – Ensures food, medicines, pharma products, and other perishables stay fresh
- Prevents bacterial growth – Low temperatures slow down spoilage and contamination
- Reduces waste – Proper temperature settings prevent unnecessary losses
- Regulatory compliance – The Pharma and dairy industries require strict temperature control for safety and quality
Refrigerated Container Temperature Range & Settings
Refrigerated containers operate within a broad temperature spectrum, allowing them to store a variety of goods.
- Standard refrigerated container temperature range: -30°C to +25°C
- Frozen cargo settings: Typically between -18°C to -25°C, used for meat, seafood, and ice cream
- Chilled cargo settings – Between 0°C to +15°C, ideal for pharma, F&B, and dairy
- Ultra-low temperature settings: -40°C to -60°C, required for pharmaceutical products like vaccines, PCM, etc.
Refrigerated Container Temperature Chart for Different Goods
Each product has specific temperature needs, and even small variations can lead to spoilage. Below is a refrigerated container temperature chart for different perishables:
| Product | Ideal Temperature (°C) |
| Pharmaceuticals | 2 to 8 |
| Ice Cream | -25 to -30 |
| Dairy (Milk, Cheese) | 1 to 4 |
| Fresh Fruits | 0 to 13 |
| Vegetables | 0 to 10 |
Temperature of Refrigerated Containers for Frozen Foods
Frozen foods require consistent sub-zero temperatures to prevent spoilage and preserve texture. If temperatures fluctuate, it can lead to freezer burn, moisture loss, and microbial contamination.
- Ice cream – Requires a much lower -25°C to -30°C, for solid texture and taste
- Frozen fruits & vegetables – Kept at -18°C to -20°C to avoid nutrient loss
How to Monitor & Maintain Temperatures of Refrigerated Containers
Ensuring the consistent temperature of refrigerated containers during transit is critical. Advanced monitoring tools and best practices help avoid losses.
- Pre-trip inspections – Check refrigeration units, vents, and air circulation before loading
- Temperature tracking sensors – Use IoT-enabled refrigerated containers with real-time temperature monitoring
- Alarm systems – Set up automatic alerts for temperature deviations
- Proper cargo stacking – Ensure even airflow and avoid blocking cooling vents
- Backup power sources – Keep refrigerated containers running even during power failures at ports
- Man Trap Alarm – A safety feature designed to prevent people from becoming trapped inside the container
- Air Strip Curtains: Help minimise temperature loss during door openings, preserving the cold chain while improving energy efficiency
Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards
Refrigerated container shipments must comply with global food safety and pharmaceutical transport regulations.
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) – Identifies and controls food safety hazards in storage and transport
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) – Ensures consistent quality in food and pharmaceutical production
- ISO 22000 – Sets global food safety standards
- FDA & WHO Guidelines – Regulate temperature-sensitive food and pharma logistics
Proper temperature logs and documentation help in meeting compliance requirements and avoiding penalties.
Conclusion
Temperature control is the backbone of successful cold chain logistics. Whether it’s dairy, pharmaceuticals, or fresh produce, maintaining the right refrigerated container temperature is essential to prevent spoilage, reduce waste, and meet global compliance standards. Real-time monitoring and precision refrigeration make all the difference when it comes to product integrity.
That’s where Arcon comes in. Our refrigerated shipping containers combine advanced temperature control with energy-efficient cooling to deliver consistent performance across every shipment. Built to last and designed for reliability, Arcon units support safe, efficient cold chain operations, no matter your industry.
If you want to know more about refrigerated containers or have any questions, reach out to us here: sales@arconcontainer.com
