A Brief Guide To Understanding the Difference Between Reefer and Dry Containers
Reefer and Dry Containers

Businesses across industries use different types of storage and shipping containers to keep their products safe, especially temperature-sensitive products. Of all the containers available in the market, reefer and dry containers are the two most commonly used and inquired about to take container storage on rent. Let us understand the difference between the two.

Reefer Containers

Also known as refrigerated containers, reefer containers are portable cold storage solutions that store temperature-sensitive and perishable items. These containers allow users to control temperatures and humidity levels, ensuring evenly distributed airflow throughout the container.

Dry Containers

These containers are also storage solutions used to store non-temperature-sensitive, dry, and non-hazardous products. Dry containers have steel in their composition, allowing them to resist rusting and natural elements like wind, rain, and saltwater that can potentially affect the contents.

Dry Containers vs. Reefer Containers

  • Durability

Both containers are durable; however, reefer containers are more durable than dry containers. Reefer containers can withstand adverse weather conditions, and since dry containers are primarily made from steel or aluminium, the chances of breakdown are high.

  • Cost

Renting a reefer container is slightly more expensive than renting dry containers. It is because of their build and special electronic components for cooling. However, they are more cost-effective in the long run, all thanks to their cutting-edge technology and properties.

  • Application and Purpose

Reefer containers primarily store and ship perishable and temperature-sensitive items across industries. They are:

  1. Food and beverages

  2. Pharmaceutical

  3. Chemical

  4. Dairy & Ice Cream

  5. Disaster relief

  6. Military and government application

On the contrary, dry containers are used to store and ship non-perishable products; however, they are not suitable for storing gas, liquid, and hazardous products. The most common products stored in dry containers are:

  1. File Storage

  2. Tools & Equipment

  3. Papers and books

  4. Furniture

  5. Coal and stone

  6. Vehicle parts

  7. Building materials

  8. Sugars, grains, and salts

  9. Clothing

  10. Tools and equipment

  • Technology

Reefer containers have several technological components that help adjust the humidity, temperature, and ventilation settings, ensuring the internal contents are protected around the year. However, dry containers rarely feature electronic components and are standard containers with no major tech backend. Moreover, the products they store do not need temperature controls to regulate various parameters and stay fresh.

Dry and Reefer Containers: Which of Them Is Suitable for Your Business?

Both dry and reefer containers are storage solutions catering to varying business and industry requirements for your own premises. These containers are suitable for businesses of different scales for various raw materials or finished goods. Reefer containers are ideal for storing temperature-sensitive and perishable contents, whereas dry containers are ideal for storing non-hazardous and non-perishable products.

Coming to which container is suitable for your business, the answer to this entirely depends on what products your business is into. If you deal with dry and harmless products, you don’t need to invest additional money in renting a reefer container. Similarly, dry containers will not fulfil requirements for storing temperature sensitive items if you deal in dairy, pharma, chemical, FMCG, or any other temperature-sensitive item.

Please note that these containers have several sub-models to suit different requirements. These models can have varying storage capacity and temperature limits. So, be careful when choosing one for your storage needs.

Wrapping Up

Reefer and dry containers are available in several models, for instance, a 20-foot refrigerated container. These containers are of utmost importance in safeguarding the contents inside throughout storage. These containers are available for rent and on sale across India.