The humble shipping container is the predominant tool for moving any goods around the world, and while the shipping container is remarkably adaptable and capable of holding almost any type of freight, it is not perfect in its original form. Unventilated and made of conductive metal, shipping containers tend to transfer and amplify changes in temperature, which can be remarkably damaging to the materials and products inside.
Fortunately, it is possible to modify shipping containers to make them safer for temperature-sensitive goods. Here are a few climate control methods shippers and carriers might use to improve their shipping containers with advanced cold chain technologies:
Insulation
It is possible to add insulation to the bare steel walls of a shipping container to help protect goods inside against extreme heat and cold. Insulation is often used in conjunction with other temperature control solutions, like air conditioners. There are four types of insulation for shippers and carriers to choose from: polystyrene panels, batt insulation, spray foam and mineral wool. Some insulations require the addition of framing inside the container, and others will require reapplication and regular maintenance. Shippers and carriers might consider their needs and abilities before deciding on one insulation over another.
Vents
One of the simplest ways to prevent damage to goods inside shipping containers is the use of ventilation. Vents allow fresh air to continue flowing in and out of containers, which keeps goods dry even in regions with high heat and humidity. There are three ventilation options for shippers and carriers to choose from: fixed vents, louvered vents and rooftop turbines. The first option is least expensive but provides the least control over the airflow within the container. Rooftop turbines are perhaps the most popular and most effective vents for temperature control, but they are also the most expensive.
Exhaust and Extractor Fans
Sometimes used in conjunction with vents, exhaust fans and extractor fans are powered attachments that pull hot air out of the shipping container, allowing the interior to remain relatively cool even in warm environments. Placed near the top of the container, where hot air will collect, fans can range in size, but all fans come with guards to prevent pests and debris from entering the container.
AC Units
Powered air conditioning is the gold standard for temperature control. However, AC is expensive to install and run, and units require frequent maintenance to function even somewhat reliably. In harsher environments and for important freight, shippers can install robust units that are unlikely to fail, but AC might not be necessary for shipments that require only moderate temperature control.
Dehumidifiers
Powered shipping containers can take advantage of electric dehumidifiers, which will remove moisture from the air to reduce the impact of extreme temperature on shipped goods. Dehumidifiers pull moist air into a refrigerated unit, where the moisture condenses. Some dehumidifiers will contain the condensation and require manual discharge, but installing a discharge line to the exterior of the shipping container might reduce the need for this kind of maintenance in transit.
Kitty Litter
For shippers looking to simplify temperature control without increasing costs, kitty litter is a useful tool for eliminating moisture within shipping containers. A large, open bag placed at each end of the container should suck away moisture and thwart condensation on goods, which helps freight stay safe in cold and hot weather alike. However, kitty litter does need to be replaced regularly as the material reaches its maximum moisture absorption in about a month.
Commercial Desiccants
A more professional product than kitty litter, a commercial desiccant is designed to eliminate moisture within a shipping container or any other storage space. There are many different brands of commercial desiccants, and companies might want to experiment with different styles of desiccant products to find one that works best to keep shipped goods safe from inclement weather. Pole desiccants are among the most popular choice for shipping containers, as they can hold up to three times their weight in moisture and will not spill or drip. Still, all desiccants will require monitoring and replacement in time.
Paint
Sometimes, the obvious solutions are the best solutions. The color white reflects more sunlight than other colors, so painting the exterior of a shipping container white can help that container stay cooler, especially in harsh regions where heat can get intense. What’s more, shippers or carriers use a zinc-rich paint to slow rusting and preserve the integrity of the steel container for years to come.
The shipping container is a blank canvas, allowing shippers and carriers to make any number of modifications that better suit their needs. In the cold chain, shipping containers might need any number of changes to ensure proper temperature control for the duration of shipping and storage.
