Reefer Container Guide –
How to Open/Close a Reefer Container

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• Shipping Container Cam Keepers | Buy on Amazon or eBay
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• Shipping Container Rubber Gaskets | Buy on Amazon or eBay
• Shipping Container Hinge Pins | Buy on Amazon or eBay

Reefer Containers: The Solution for Shipping Perishable Goods

Reefer containers, also known as refrigerated containers, are specialized containers used for shipping perishable goods, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and flowers. These containers are equipped with temperature-controlled environments, making it possible to transport goods that require specific temperatures and to keep them fresh and safe during transit. In this article, we will explore what reefer containers are, their history, and their role in the modern supply chain.

What are Reefer Containers?

Reefer containers, also known as refrigerated containers, are specialized containers used for transporting perishable goods that require temperature control. These containers are designed to maintain a specific temperature range throughout the shipping process, ensuring that the goods remain fresh and in good condition upon arrival at their destination.

Reefer containers are commonly used to transport a wide variety of perishable goods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products. They are typically made of steel and have insulated walls and airtight doors to prevent external heat from entering the container and affecting the internal temperature.

One of the key features of reefer containers is their ability to maintain a consistent temperature range, which is critical for preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods during transit. The temperature range can typically be set anywhere between -30°C to +30°C, depending on the type of goods being transported.

Reefer containers can be powered in a few different ways, including via an onboard generator, external power source, or through the use of a power pack. This allows them to maintain a consistent temperature even during long journeys, while in storage, or during loading and unloading operations.

In addition to their temperature control capabilities, reefer containers are also designed to be durable, secure, and easy to handle. They are often equipped with features such as forklift pockets, tie-down points, and locking mechanisms to ensure that the goods are transported safely and securely.

Reefer containers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small units that can be transported on trucks to large containers that can be transported on ships. They can be rented or purchased depending on the needs of the customer.

Reefer containers are typically 20 or 40 feet in length and are made from durable materials, such as steel or aluminum, making them capable of withstanding the rigors of international shipping.

Overall, reefer containers play a crucial role in the global supply chain, enabling the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods around the world. Their ability to maintain a specific temperature range ensures that these goods arrive at their destination in the same condition as when they were loaded, allowing businesses to provide their customers with high-quality, fresh products.

History of Reefer Containers

The use of reefer containers can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when they were first introduced as a solution for shipping perishable goods by sea. Over time, they have become the standard for shipping perishable goods by sea, with millions of containers in use around the world.

The history of reefer containers dates back to the early 20th century when refrigerated transportation was first introduced. Before the advent of reefer containers, perishable goods were transported using insulated boxcars that were fitted with ice bunkers to keep the goods cold.

In the 1930s, companies began experimenting with the use of refrigeration units on trucks, which allowed for the transportation of perishable goods over longer distances. However, it was not until the 1950s that the first reefer containers were developed for use in the shipping industry.

The first reefer containers were developed by American engineer Keith Tantlinger, who had previously worked on the development of containerization. Tantlinger recognized the need for a specialized container that could maintain a consistent temperature range throughout the shipping process, and he developed the first prototype in 1957.

Tantlinger’s design was based on a standard shipping container, but with added insulation and a refrigeration unit. The container was also equipped with a self-contained power supply, which allowed it to maintain a consistent temperature range even when it was not connected to an external power source.

The first reefer containers were put into commercial use in the early 1960s, and they quickly became popular for the transportation of perishable goods such as meat, seafood, and fruits and vegetables. The use of reefer containers revolutionized the shipping industry, allowing for the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods over long distances and across international borders.

Over the years, reefer containers have continued to evolve and improve. Today’s reefer containers are equipped with advanced temperature control systems, real-time monitoring and tracking capabilities, and other features that allow for the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods.

Role in the Modern Supply Chain

Reefer containers play a critical role in the modern supply chain. They are used to transport perishable goods from manufacturers and distributors to retailers, and from retailers to customers. With their temperature-controlled environments, reefer containers make it possible to transport goods that require specific temperatures, ensuring that they remain fresh and safe during transit.

In addition, the standardization of reefer containers makes it easier to handle and transport goods, reducing the risk of damage and improving overall efficiency. The containers are also equipped with security features, such as lockable doors and tamper-evident seals, to ensure that the goods inside are protected during transit.

All containers are, the same dimensions, except for length; this has been standardized by the shipping industry, the trucking industry, the railroad industry, and the department of transportation (DOT). This was done in the mid 70’s so that cargo can travel on land surface roadways, byways, and railways. The metal doors on the shipping containers are also standardized.

Reefer Container Door Diagram and Troubleshooting

Shipping Container Diagram

1. Doors

Two door leaves are fabricated from two vertical rolled hollow sections and 2 horizontal c section members. The frame is infilled with corrugated steel paneling.

These are normally attached to the rear corner posts each with four drop forged steel hinge blades. The blades allow 270 degree opening which allow the doors to swing back against the container side wall.

(Cargo may shift during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top and bottom. In cases where the container frame is racked and the door gear will not operate correctly.)

Shipping Container Door

2. Lockbox

The lock box is a steel box welded to the right hand door which overlaps a staple welded to the left hand door. A padlock, normally type CISA type 285 66 can then be attached inside the lock box through the staple and is then protected from direct attack, hindering attempts to gain entry to the container.

Shipping Container Lockbox

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3. Lockrods, cam keepers, handles

Each door is fitted with 2-4 vertical lock rods to enable opening, closing and locking of the doors.

Shipping Container Lockrods

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At the end of each lock rod (top and bottom) is a cam welded in place which engages with knuckles, also known as cam keepers.

Shipping Container Cam Keepers

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The action of engaging the cams to the keepers forms an anti-racking function.

(In certain cases, often unfortunately too many, contents of the shipping container may have shifted, or containers even dropped, causing shipping container doors and lockrods to warp)

The door handle rotates the lockbar to initiates the door opening process by forcing the cams out of their keepers. Each door handle has a door locking handle retainer that slides over the door handle when in locked position.

Shipping Container Door Handles

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4. Rubber gaskets

Rubber gaskets are fitted to the container doors during the manufacturing process and prevent water ingress.

(Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it being closed.)

Shipping Container Rubber Gaskets

• Shipping Container Rubber Gaskets | Buy on Amazon or eBay

5. ISO markings and CSC plate

ISO markings and a consolidated data plate allow worldwide intermodal transport when left in place and updated as necessary.

Shipping Container ISO Markings & CSC Plate

6. Hinge pins

Of course for a door to work, you need hinges.

Shipping Container Hinge Pins

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(In certain cases when doors are difficult to open, hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.)

Find Shipping Container Doors and Parts Here

OPNBar Opening and Closing Tool

Reefer containers use the same type and style of doors and locking bars, which our tool can be used. Because Reefer containers can be pressurized at high elevation, please make sure to use preacautions!

 

 

 

 

 

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Lengths are as follows: 20′, 40′, 45′, 48′, 50′, 53′. All these containers are globally used to transport cargo. The 53′ length is now, the new standard length.

Why are the Doors of My Reefer Container Difficult to Open/Close?

Here are some likely reasons a reefer container door will not open or close. Our hand leverage tool / shipping container door extension handle helps to address these issues.

• Rust and Corrosion: The hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.  As shipping containers navigate through diverse weather conditions and environments over time, they become susceptible to rust and corrosion. These corrosive agents can target the locking mechanisms and hinges, ultimately impeding the smooth operation of the container's doors. This accumulation of rust and corrosion introduces a layer of complexity to unlocking and opening the container.
• Maintenance Neglect: Regular maintenance is pivotal to sustaining the functionality of shipping containers. The absence of consistent upkeep can lead to complications with the locking mechanisms, hinges, and seals. Without proper lubrication and care, these components might stiffen or become challenging to manipulate, thereby escalating the difficulty of opening the container.
• Physical Impact: The nature of shipping exposes containers to a barrage of wear and tear, stemming from transportation and handling activities. Consequently, the containers might acquire dents, twists, or misalignments. These physical distortions can hinder the proper alignment of the doors, rendering the opening process arduous.
• Uneven Placement: Placing a shipping container on uneven ground can disrupt its frame's equilibrium. This misalignment can extend to the doors, making them difficult to open or close. The uneven stance of the container introduces an extra layer of complexity when trying to access its interior.  Doors and lock rods may warp or the container frame is racked so that the door gear will not operate correctly. This may be caused by cargo shifting during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top, and bottom.
• Temperature Influences: Drastic temperature variations encountered during transportation can trigger material expansion and contraction. This phenomenon reverberates through the locking mechanisms and hinges, potentially impairing their normal operation. The impact of temperature fluctuations compounds the challenges associated with opening the container.  Water has become trapped between frozen shipping container doors, particularly relevant to refrigerated cargoes, or containers with moisture-releasing cargoes in cold weather.
• Inadequate Tools: The task of opening a shipping container may necessitate specialized tools such as heavy-duty bolt cutters or unique locking mechanism tools. In the absence of these tools, the process can become considerably more demanding.
• Sealing Complexity: Some shipping containers employ adhesive materials or seals to ensure the contents remain shielded from environmental elements. Over time, these seals can harden and resist breaking. Consequently, accessing the container requires overcoming this intricate sealing mechanism. 
• The door gasket has been damaged and is preventing opening. Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it from being closed. 
• Security Enhancements: Certain shipping containers incorporate robust security features to discourage unauthorized access and potential theft. Although these features are indispensable for safeguarding the contents, they can inadvertently increase the intricacy of opening the container.
• The Covid economy had also released many shipping containers in the world which are now often reused and the issue of hard-to-open/close used shipping containers is now a more common issue than ever.

How to Open & Close Difficult Shipping Container Doors

This leverage tool uses the principles of leverage to do the difficult work. By providing an extended area on which to grasp, with both hands, a more stable platform to manipulate the latch handle is achieved.

Designed to fit and extend the door latch handles on side-by-side doors found on the following units with the safety of the truck driver, operator, and worker foremost in mind:

• • Standard Shipping Containers
  • Conex Boxes
  • Intermodal Containers
  • ISO Containers
  • Reefer Containers
  • Military Containers
  • Waste Management Containers
  • Dismountable Shipping Cargo Containers
  • Refrigerated Shipping Cargo Containers
  • Semitrailer Dry Freight Cargo Vans
  • Semitrailer Refrigerated Freight Cargo Vans

This intermodal container (also known as ISO Container, Conex Box, or Railroad Container) cargo inspection tool and leverage safety bar is to aid in opening and closing side-by-side doors found within Shipping Cargo Container Trailer Transportation Industries (Railroad, Harbor, and Trucking Industries).

Eliminates the Need for a crescent wrench, screwdriver, hammer, and crowbar which are commonly needed/used to open stuck shipping container doors.

Injuries from Opening/Closing Hard-to-Open/Close Shipping Container Doors

On a freezing morning, when ice has seized a car door shut, one would never consider using a crowbar to open a car door.  The same thing goes for shipping containers.   While conditions may be more extreme in container operations, is it reasonable to use that kind of force to open or close container doors? Experience suggests that it is not, and often ends with someone being hurt.

Injuries to personnel involved with container door opening and closing are increasing, and often it is as a result of an inappropriate technique that is being employed. We might expect container doors to open and close as if they were car doors, without understanding why this might not be the case.

Starting with the structure of container doors, most will have four or five hinges per door. The mechanics at the point of manufacture is that the hinge pins must be all aligned on the same plane (vertical and horizontal) and in line. Offset hinge pins will result in the blade binding when it is rotated about the pin – the more the misalignment, the greater resistance will be encountered during operation. At the time of manufacture, therefore, it might be expected that the hinge pins on every door are aligned and free to fully open (270º of operation).

Let’s assume that the container is presented in pristine or well-maintained condition; why might the door not open with ease? Containers are generally either on a trailer/chassis or on the ground, and in both cases, the position of the locking gear handles are at an inconvenient height. For best results, the handles should be directly in front of you and at a height that is above the waist and below the shoulders.

Technique is all-important. Start with the two lock rods on the right-hand door, lift the handles out of the retainers and rotate them together as far as they will go. This should be more than 90º and rotation beyond 90º often initiates the container door opening process by forcing the cams out of their keepers. Then grasp the vertical locking bars, one in each hand, so that your hands are just below shoulder height and pull back with your body, using your leg muscles rather than your back.

If the door is still stuck, unless specifically advised against doing so (ie. the container is carrying a flexitank or bulk cargo), open the locking bars on the left-hand door and then grasp the inner locking rod of both doors and pull back, again using your body not your back. If the door still will not open, ask a colleague to pull on one door while you pull on the other.

Injuries almost always occur at the point frustration takes over and mechanical means are employed – the crowbar or a fork truck. So why will the door not open? Generally, this can be attributed to one of four reasons:

• The container frame is racked so that the door gear will not operate correctly. This may be caused by cargo shifting during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top, and bottom.
• The hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.
• The door gasket has been damaged and is preventing container door opening. Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it from being closed.
• Water has become trapped between the doors and frozen, particularly relevant to refrigerated cargoes, or containers with moisture-releasing cargoes in cold weather.

 Doors that open but are stiff to move may suffer from the first two reasons above, along with possible misaligned hinge pins. Pins can become misaligned by damage to the ‘J-bar’ which has twisted one or more pins, or a hinge blade or pin has incorrectly aligned the blade with the hinges on the door.  Adding a backing plate under a single hinge blade may help take the blades out of alignment.  When a hinge blade needs to be refitted because of damage or corrosion and a doubler plate is required, plates should be inserted under all the blades on that door.

The safe operation of doors requires that some attention be given to them. Many hinges have coatings on the inner surface of the hinge blade, while others use plastic liners, both of which are designed to protect against corrosion. Some designs are fitted with greasing apertures. Fundamental to success is the examination and maintenance processes.

Typically, doors will be opened for in-service inspections and off-hires. Where oil does not free the hinges, repair work is probably necessary. An inspection is required to check that the hinges and hinge pin welds are not broken or cracked. Opening doors could be done when a depot releases a unit for packing, since it may have been in the stack for a prolonged period.

If the doors cannot be opened to pack a container, send the unit back! If it is already packed and you need to open the doors, but they will not open by hand, try to pull both doors open at the same time with increasing power. If you need more than two people, ensure you tell the container operator, especially if, as a result of container door opening, the locking gear or doors are or become damaged.

And, when you are opening a packed container, remember to watch out for those packages that are just about to fall out. In all these matters, be alert that the doors are big and heavy – treat them with respect and report anything unusual.

Source: TT Club

Equip operators with the proper tools needed and promote safety to help them avoid injury.

Related: Injuries from Opening/Closing Hard to Open/Close Shipping Container Doors