End-to-End Reefer Import Logistics

Protecting the Integrity of Your Cold Chain from Origin to Destination

In strategic partnership with PSA BDP, Turners Shipping delivers comprehensive, global refrigerated (reefer) container import and export solutions. Backed by 130 years of excellence in Customs Clearing and International Freight Forwarding, our dedicated perishables team ensures your temperature-sensitive cargo arrives fresh, compliant, and on schedule.

[ Speak to a Cold Chain Specialist ]

Temperature-Controlled Cargo We Handle

Perishable and sensitive commodities demand precise climate management throughout their voyage.

We manage imports across key sectors, including:

• Fresh Produce: Fruit, vegetables, and floral cargo.
• Proteins & Seafood: Fresh, chilled, and frozen meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Dairy Products: Cheeses, butter, milk powders, and liquid dairy.
• Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare: Vaccines, active ingredients, and medicines requiring strict ambient or cold storage.
• Specialised Chemicals: Temperature-reactive and hazardous industrial cargo.

How Reefer Technology Works

A reefer (refrigerated container) is an engineered intermodal unit equipped with an active cooling unit. Reefers can maintain stable temperatures from ambient down to deep-freeze levels as low as -60°C (-70°F).

Crucial Rule: A reefer is engineered to maintain pre-cooled cargo temperatures during transit—not to pull down cargo that has been loaded warm. Maintaining cold-chain discipline before packing and sealing is vital to preventing cargo deterioration.

Seamless Reefer Import Management

Importing temperature-controlled cargo into South Africa requires synchronised execution across carriers, authorities, and cold-storage facilities.

1. Booking & Route Optimisation

Every commodity requires an exact environmental recipe (temperature, ventilation, humidity, and atmospheric control).

To ensure the proper equipment and service profiles are secured, our team establishes:

• Exact commodity classification and temperature set-point specifications.
• Required atmosphere settings (e.g., Controlled Atmosphere / Dehumidification).
• Pre-trip inspection (PTI) verified containers.
• Direct carrier routings to minimise transhipment delays and transhipment plug-in risks.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Customs Clearance

Cold chain clearance permits zero downtime at the quayside. Our in-house customs brokerage team handles pre-clearance and liaises directly with all relevant South African regulatory authorities:

• SARS Customs Clearance: Electronic documentation and tariff determination.
• DALRRD (Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development): Phytosanitary inspection, import permits, and veterinary clearances.
• Port Health Authority: Human consumption and health certificates.
• NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications): Letters of Authority (LOA) and mandatory compliance checks.

3. Specialised Marine Insurance

Because temperature-controlled goods are susceptible to mechanical breakdown or sudden thermal fluctuations, adequate insurance is non-negotiable. Turners Shipping provides specialised marine cargo insurance covering:

• Thermal variations and refrigeration unit failure.
• Equipment malfunction and reefer unplugging events.
• Extended transit spoilage and salvage costs.

4. Landside & Cold-Chain Infrastructure

The journey doesn’t stop at the port. Turners Shipping manages landside movement to prevent cold-chain breaks:

• Reefer plug-in monitoring at terminal container yards.
• Genset-equipped transport for continuous power during road transit.
• Coordinated movement to accredited cold-storage depots, inspection facilities, and unpack facilities.

Direct, timely delivery to your distribution hubs.

Why Choose Turners Shipping?

Ready to Streamline Your Cold Chain?

Avoid unnecessary port demurrage, spoilage risks, and regulatory holds. Let our reefer specialists manage your next shipment.

Get in Touch with our Reefer Desk