How Refrigerated (“Reefer”) Container Transport Can Enhance Your Export Strategy

In the global trade of temperature-sensitive goods—like fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, or pharmaceuticals—maintaining product integrity during transit is crucial. One of the most effective ways to ensure consistent quality and delivery performance is by leveraging refrigerated container transport. This logistics solution combines intermodal transportation with advanced cooling technology, allowing exporters to expand their reach, reduce costs, and maintain control across long-distance supply chains.

Did you know? Our reputation for reliability and responsiveness is built on being family-owned and operated for nearly 50 years? Learn more about our story: rrplett.ca/about.

What Is Refrigerated Container Transport?

Refrigerated container transport involves the use of insulated, temperature-controlled containers—commonly known as “reefers”—that can be transferred across multiple modes of transportation, including truck, rail, and ocean freight. These containers maintain strict temperature conditions throughout the journey, ensuring cold chain continuity from the point of origin to the final destination.

By using intermodal strategies, the same refrigerated container can seamlessly switch between different transportation modes without unpacking the cargo, minimizing temperature fluctuations and handling risks.

1. Maintain Cold Chain Integrity Across International Routes

When exporting perishable goods, temperature consistency is essential. Refrigerated container transport ensures that your products—whether fresh berries, frozen meats, or vaccines—remain within the required temperature range throughout the journey. Since cargo doesn’t need to be unloaded or repacked between transit stages, the risk of spoilage, contamination, or temperature deviations is drastically reduced.

This is particularly important for global exports where products travel across climate zones and experience varying transit conditions.

Did you know? We specialize in reefer container export for meat and produce. You are able to trust us to keep your freight heated, dry, cold, or frozen during transport. 

2. Expand Your Global Market Access

Refrigerated container transport gives exporters the flexibility to reach more markets, thanks to its intermodal nature. From inland rail hubs to international ports, these containers can connect regions that previously required multiple logistics solutions. Whether you're shipping seafood from Alaska to Asia or pharmaceuticals from Europe to South America, this system enables efficient global delivery.

Many logistics providers now offer end-to-end services that include customs clearance, temperature monitoring, and route optimization, making international exports smoother and more reliable.

Did you know? Our strategically located local yard with container storage allows us to efficiently service all Port of Vancouver container terminals (Deltaport, Vanterm, Centerm, and Fraser Surrey Docks) along with both CN and CP Rail lines.

3. Reduce Export Costs with Efficient Logistics

Intermodal refrigerated container transport helps reduce long-haul shipping costs by integrating rail and ocean freight. By taking advantage of lower fuel costs and economies of scale, exporters can achieve significant savings while maintaining product quality and delivery schedules.

Did you know? We offer seamless container de-stuffing and transloading, and warehousing support at our strategically located 6-acre yard and 18,000 square-foot warehouse.

4. Improve Sustainability in Your Export Strategy

With growing environmental concerns, many exporters are looking for greener logistics options. Refrigerated container transport supports sustainability by leveraging cleaner modes like rail and sea. Many reefers are designed with energy-efficient cooling systems and can operate on electric power while stationary, further lowering carbon emissions.

This not only reduces your environmental footprint but also helps meet international sustainability standards that many buyers now require.

Did you know? We recently completed the purchase of two new battery electric trucks (BETs) to spearhead the electrification of our local Vancouver-area fleet, already serving customers through our local drayage operations.

5. Enhance Supply Chain Reliability and Visibility

Delays and disruptions are common in international logistics. Refrigerated container transport adds flexibility and resilience to your export strategy. With GPS tracking and real-time temperature monitoring, exporters can maintain full visibility and proactively manage risks during transit—helping ensure on-time, in-spec deliveries.

Conclusion

Incorporating refrigerated container transport into your export strategy offers a powerful way to grow your international footprint while protecting product quality and optimizing logistics performance. It’s not just a shipping solution—it’s a strategic advantage that aligns with today’s demands for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in global trade.

Contact us today to learn more about our expertise in facilitating the intermodal transport of refrigerated containerized freight.