Definitions #
A refrigerated shipping box used to keep perishable goods (like food, medicine) at a specific temperature from the place of dispatch to the destination.
Technical An insulated, powered freight container with integral refrigeration unit, controlled atmosphere and data logging, designed to maintain a fixed temperature band for temperature-sensitive cargo during multimodal transport.
Example The pharma shipment is packed in a cold chain container set at 5±1°C to comply with GDP requirements.
Etymology #
From 'cold chain' (temperature-controlled supply chain) + 'container' (standardized freight box); term emerged with intermodal reefer containers in the 1960s–70s.
Collocations #
- reefer container 冷藏集装箱，即冷链集装箱的俗称
- set point temperature 设定温度（指冷链集装箱预设的舱内温度）
- temperature data logger 温度记录仪，实时监测冷炼箱内温度变化
- pre-trip inspection (PTI) 发运前预检，检查冷炼箱制冷与密封性能
Real Business Examples #
- The reefer container's PTI report confirms the set point is maintained at minus 18 degrees Celsius for frozen seafood.
- Please confirm the cold chain container is equipped with a backup power supply for the voyage.
- The cargo surveyor checked the cold chain container's temperature record before issuing the certificate.
Register & Variants #
- Register: formal
- BrE/AmE: global
Synonyms & Antonyms #
- Synonyms: reefer container, refrigerated container, temperature-controlled container
Common Errors #
- 把 cold chain container 等同于普通干柜（dry van）加冰块 冷链集装箱是带制冷机和保温结构的专用设备，冰块无法保证全程温度控制。
- 认为所有冷链集装箱都适用于各种温控货物 需区分冷藏（fresh）与冷冻（frozen）模式，且不同货物温控要求不同，例如香蕉需+12°C，冰淇淋需-25°C。
Confusable Terms #
- insulated container vs cold chain container
- insulated container 仅有保温层，无制冷机；cold chain container 自带制冷与温控系统
Frequently Asked Questions
cold chain container 的温控记录由谁监督？?
一般由承运人或货主委托的监测机构记录，并在目的港由收货人或公证行检查。
冷链集装箱断电了怎么办？?
应立即联系承运人安排备电或更换设备，并出具异常报告；保险理赔时需提供温度记录作为证据。
冷链集装箱运输中海运与空运有何不同？?
海运多用 40 尺冷藏箱，空运常用带制冷系统的航空托盘或保温箱，但温度控制与记录原则相似。