A Non-Operating Reefer (NOR) container is a refrigerated shipping container with the refrigeration unit turned off. Instead of carrying temperature-sensitive goods, NORs can be stocked with cargo that would normally be placed into a general-purpose container.
When a Live Reefer container is delivering cargo to a destination, there is often not enough demand for returning refrigerated cargo to move the equipment back to origin or position into another trade lane.
Non-Operating Reefer vs. General 40′ Container
To avoid these equipment imbalances, ocean carriers offer Non-Operating Reefer services to general cargo shippers saving time, energy and adding capacity.
Carriers do not allow any type of cargo to use their reefer equipment because it is high quality and expensive. In fact, there are some significant differences between Reefers and their standard shipping containers counterparts.
Reefer containers have less internal capacity, due to the space required for the refrigeration unit (GENSET), higher quality re-enforced walls and a smaller door opening. In order to maintain these food grade transportation systems, for NOR services, when the GENSET is turned off, ocean carriers are selective about the type of cargo allowed into Reefer containers.
NOR CARGO SHOULD BE…
- Light – Cargo weight should not exceed more than 3,000 kg/m.
- Clean – Preferably packed in cardboard cartons. No hazardous, scrap, crates or unpackaged goods as there are limited lashing points.
NOR APPROVED CARGO
Furniture, Toys, Footwear, Paper Goods, Apparel, Footwear, Textiles & Fabric, Makeup & Accessories, Food & Beverage, Electronics, Machine Part & Other General Dry Goods
NOR RESTRICTED CARGO
Hazardous/Dangerous Goods, Metal, Heavy Machinery, Oversized Goods, Chemicals, etc…
Reefer container positioning is very important to ocean carriers, that is why NORs are more likely to be given space and priority during shipping in comparison with regular shipping containers.
However, while NOR services are often discounted, shippers must consider weight limitations, packing requirements and especially take care to avoid demurrage and detention charges due to limited free time at the destination port. After all, the ocean carrier needs the high-end equipment for the next refrigerated shipment.
Want to know more?
Contact Green freight experts at greenworldwide.com for more information regarding Non-Operating Reefer services.
