Example of a Reefer Container Code

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 101 views

Introduction

In the realm of intermodal transportation, container classification is a crucial aspect that ensures efficient and safe movement of goods across different modes of transport. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established a standard for container type codes, known as ISO 6346:2022. This standard provides a comprehensive framework for classifying containers based on their dimensions, capacity, and other characteristics. In this article, we will delve into the container type classification, with a focus on reefer (refrigerated) containers and the ISO 6346 standard.

Understanding ISO 6346:2022

ISO 6346:2022 is a widely adopted standard for container type codes, which provides a unique identifier for each container type. The standard consists of a combination of letters and numbers that convey essential information about the container, such as its size, capacity, and type. The standard is divided into several sections, including:

Section 1: General: This section provides an overview of the standard, including its scope, purpose, and application.
Section 2: Container type codes: This section outlines the structure and format of container type codes, including the use of letters and numbers.
Section 3: Container dimensions: This section provides guidelines for measuring and reporting container dimensions, including length, width, and height.
Section 4: Container capacity: This section outlines the calculation of container capacity, including the use of cubic meters and cubic feet.

Reefer (Refrigerated) Container Classification

Reefer containers are a specialized type of container designed to maintain a specific temperature range to store perishable goods. These containers are equipped with refrigeration units that provide a controlled environment for the goods. In the context of ISO 6346:2022, reefer containers are classified under the "R" prefix, followed by a unique identifier.

ISO 6346:2022 Reefer Container Code Structure

The ISO 6346:2022 reefer container code structure consists of the following components:

Prefix: The prefix "R" indicates that the container is a reefer container.
Size code: The size code represents the container's dimensions, including length, width, and height.
Capacity code: The capacity code represents the container's capacity, expressed in cubic meters or cubic feet.
Type code: The type code represents the container's type, including the refrigeration unit and other features.

Example of a Reefer Container Code

A typical reefer container code might look like this:

R 40' HC 1+1

In this example:

R: The prefix indicates that the container is a reefer container.
40': The size code represents the container's length, which is 40 feet.
HC: The capacity code represents the container's capacity, which is 40 feet high and 8 feet wide.
1+1: The type code represents the container's type, including the refrigeration unit and other features.

Other Container Classification Systems

While ISO 6346:2022 is a widely adopted standard for container type codes, there are other classification systems used in the industry. Some of these systems include:

ISO 668:2013: This standard provides a framework for classifying containers based on their dimensions and capacity.
ISO 1496-1:2013: This standard provides guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of containers.
ISO 1496-2:2013: This standard provides guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of refrigerated containers.

Implementing a Parser for ISO 6346:2022

Implementing a parser for ISO 6346:2022 requires a thorough understanding of the standard and its components. A parser can be implemented using a programming language such as Python or Java, and can be used to validate and extract information from container type codes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, container type classification is a crucial aspect of intermodal transportation, and ISO 6346:2022 provides a comprehensive framework for classifying containers based on their dimensions, capacity, and other characteristics. Reefer containers are a specialized type of container that requires a controlled environment to store perishable goods. By understanding the ISO 6346:2022 standard and its components, including the reefer container code structure, you can implement a parser to validate and extract information from container type codes.

Recommendations for Further Reading

For further reading on container type classification and ISO 6346:2022, we recommend the following resources:

ISO 6346:2022: The official standard for container type codes.
ISO 668:2013: A standard for classifying containers based on their dimensions and capacity.
ISO 1496-1:2013: Guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of containers.
ISO 1496-2:2013: Guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of refrigerated containers.

References

ISO 6346:2022: International Organization for Standardization. (2022). Container type codes - Specification and testing.
ISO 668:2013: International Organization for Standardization. (2013). Series 1 freight containers - Classification, performance tests and tests methods.
ISO 1496-1:2013: International Organization for Standardization. (2013). Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 1: General cargo containers.
ISO 1496-2:2013: International Organization for Standardization. (2013). Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 2: Refrigerated containers.
Container Type (Reefer) Classification - ISO 6346 and Other: Q&A ===========================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the container type classification, with a focus on reefer (refrigerated) containers and the ISO 6346 standard. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address some of the most frequently asked questions related to container type classification and ISO 6346:2022.

Q: What is the purpose of ISO 6346:2022?

A: The purpose of ISO 6346:2022 is to provide a standardized framework for classifying containers based on their dimensions, capacity, and other characteristics. This standard ensures that containers are properly identified and classified, which is essential for efficient and safe movement of goods across different modes of transport.

Q: What is the difference between a reefer container and a standard container?

A: A reefer container is a specialized type of container designed to maintain a specific temperature range to store perishable goods. Standard containers, on the other hand, are designed for general cargo and do not require refrigeration.

Q: What is the prefix "R" in a reefer container code?

A: The prefix "R" in a reefer container code indicates that the container is a reefer container.

Q: What is the size code in a reefer container code?

A: The size code in a reefer container code represents the container's dimensions, including length, width, and height.

Q: What is the capacity code in a reefer container code?

A: The capacity code in a reefer container code represents the container's capacity, expressed in cubic meters or cubic feet.

Q: What is the type code in a reefer container code?

A: The type code in a reefer container code represents the container's type, including the refrigeration unit and other features.

Q: How do I implement a parser for ISO 6346:2022?

A: Implementing a parser for ISO 6346:2022 requires a thorough understanding of the standard and its components. A parser can be implemented using a programming language such as Python or Java, and can be used to validate and extract information from container type codes.

Q: What are some other container classification systems used in the industry?

A: Some other container classification systems used in the industry include:

ISO 668:2013: A standard for classifying containers based on their dimensions and capacity.
ISO 1496-1:2013: Guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of containers.
ISO 1496-2:2013: Guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of refrigerated containers.

Q: Where can I find more information on container type classification and ISO 6346:2022?

A: You can find more information on container type classification and ISO 6346:2022 on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) website, as well as in the official standard documents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, container type classification is a crucial aspect of intermodal transportation, and ISO 6346:2022 provides a comprehensive framework for classifying containers based on their dimensions, capacity, and other characteristics. By understanding the ISO 6346:2022 standard and its components, including the reefer container code structure, you can implement a parser to validate and extract information from container type codes.

Recommendations for Further Reading

For further reading on container type classification and ISO 6346:2022, we recommend the following resources:

ISO 6346:2022: The official standard for container type codes.
ISO 668:2013: A standard for classifying containers based on their dimensions and capacity.
ISO 1496-1:2013: Guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of containers.
ISO 1496-2:2013: Guidelines for the design, construction, and testing of refrigerated containers.

References

ISO 6346:2022: International Organization for Standardization. (2022). Container type codes - Specification and testing.
ISO 668:2013: International Organization for Standardization. (2013). Series 1 freight containers - Classification, performance tests and tests methods.
ISO 1496-1:2013: International Organization for Standardization. (2013). Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 1: General cargo containers.
ISO 1496-2:2013: International Organization for Standardization. (2013). Series 1 freight containers - Specification and testing - Part 2: Refrigerated containers.