Reefer Containers vs. Thermal Liners: Which Is Right for Your Shipment?

Written By Sales Orders

Temperature control is one of the most critical factors in global shipping. Whether you’re moving food, chemicals, electronics, or agricultural products, temperature swings can lead to spoilage, condensation, mold, or product degradation. Traditionally, companies have relied on refrigerated containers (reefers) for sensitive cargo, but reefers are expensive, energy-intensive, and not always necessary.

Thermal container liners, like those offered by Temp Secure Plus, provide a cost-effective alternative for maintaining stable temperatures inside standard dry containers.

This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the right solution for your cargo and budget.

What Is a Reefer Container?

Photo of a white refrigerated reefer container at a shipping port, used to compare active temperature-controlled shipping with thermal container liner solutions.

A reefer container at a shipping port, illustrating the high-cost alternative to thermal container liners.

A reefer is a refrigerated container equipped with an active cooling system that maintains a specific internal temperature throughout the entire journey. Reefers are used for cargo that requires strict temperature control.

Common Uses

  • Frozen foods

  • Fresh produce

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • High-value perishables

  • Chemicals requiring constant low temperatures

Advantages

  • Precise temperature regulation (typically -30°C to +30°C)

  • Active cooling and heating

  • Ideal for perishable goods

Disadvantages

  • Very high cost (often 5–10x the price of a dry container)

  • Requires electricity during trucking and at the port

  • Limited availability during peak seasons

  • Higher operating costs and maintenance

  • Oversized carbon footprint due to energy consumption

Reefers are essential when strict, active cooling is required throughout the entire supply chain — but many products don’t need this level of control.

What Are Thermal Container Liners?

Thermal liners are large, reflective, insulated liners that install inside a standard dry shipping container. They create a sealed barrier around the cargo, protecting it from extreme temperatures, humidity, condensation, and contamination.

Unlike reefers, thermal liners don’t cool the air. Instead, they stabilize internal temperatures and reduce heat transfer, making them ideal for cargo that must be protected — but not actively chilled.

Common Uses

  • Coffee & cocoa beans

  • Grains, nuts, rice, flour

  • Canned goods, beverages, wine

  • Electronics and industrial components

  • Chemicals, fertilizers, powders

  • Consumer packaged goods

  • Temperature-sensitive raw materials

Advantages

  • Up to 90% cheaper than reefers

  • Easy, fast installation

  • Works in any dry container (20’ or 40’)

  • Reduces container rain and condensation

  • Low maintenance, no power required

  • Protects from contaminants, odors, insects, and residue

Disadvantages

  • Cannot cool cargo actively

  • Not suitable for frozen or highly perishable items

Thermal liners are ideal when you need temperature stability, not refrigeration.

Cost Comparison: Reefer vs. Thermal Liner

When Should You Choose a Reefer?

Choose a reefer when your cargo requires:

✔ Active cooling or freezing

✔ Strict maintained temperatures (e.g., 2°C–8°C)

✔ Frozen goods or perishable produce

✔ Pharmaceuticals requiring constant refrigeration

If your shipment cannot tolerate temperature swings of more than a few degrees, a reefer is the safer option.

When Should You Choose a Thermal Liner?

Choose a thermal liner when shipping cargo that requires:

✔ Temperature stability (not active cooling)

✔ Protection from heat, humidity, condensation

✔ Defense against contamination, odors, and pests

✔ Long-distance or ocean transport with day/night temperature swings

✔ A cost-effective alternative to reefers

This includes cocoa beans, coffee, grain, electronics, canned goods, dry foods, chemicals, and moisture-sensitive goods.

The Bottom Line

A reefer container is essential for actively temperature-controlled cargo — but for most dry goods, agricultural products, electronics, and industrial materials, a thermal liner provides all the protection you need at a fraction of the cost.

If your goal is to protect sensitive cargo from:

  • Heat radiation

  • Moisture

  • Container rain

  • Contamination

  • Odor transfer

…then Temp Secure Plus thermal liners are the smarter choice.

Ready to Protect Your Next Shipment?

We offer high-quality 20’ and 40’ thermal container liners, designed to stabilize internal temperatures and safeguard your cargo on every mile of its journey.

✔ Request a quote

✔ Bulk ordering available

✔ Fast shipping

Order Now
Sales Orders