Reefer shipping companies transport goods that need to stay at a controlled temperature during ocean transportation. Fresh produce, seafood, meat, dairy products, frozen food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals are some of the most common types of reefer cargo.
Some carriers offer global coverage and large reefer fleets, while others stand out for technology, pharmaceutical shipping, or specific trade lanes.
This guide covers the top 10 reefer shipping companies in 2026 and explains what each carrier is known for, where it operates, and what makes its reefer services different.
TL;DR
- Maersk is a leading choice for global reefer shipping and real-time cargo visibility.
- MSC has one of the world’s largest and most advanced reefer container fleets.
- CMA CGM combines reefer shipping with controlled-atmosphere and pharmaceutical solutions.
- Hapag-Lloyd offers reefer monitoring and specialized services for temperature-sensitive cargo.
- COSCO Shipping has strong coverage across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and other major markets.
- ONE offers strong Asian coverage and specialized refrigerated equipment.
- ZIM focuses heavily on reefer monitoring and high-value temperature-sensitive cargo.
- Evergreen, HMM, and Yang Ming provide large-scale reefer services across major Asian and global trade routes.
- Specialized companies such as Seatrade and Seaboard Marine are also important options for specific reefer markets.
- The best reefer shipping company depends on the cargo, route, service frequency, equipment, and total shipping cost.
What Is Reefer Shipping?
Reefer shipping is the transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo in refrigerated containers or specialized refrigerated vessels.
A reefer container has a built-in refrigeration system that keeps cargo within a specified temperature range during transportation. It is not necessarily cold, just within a certain temperature range. Depending on the equipment, reefers can also control ventilation, humidity, and the atmosphere inside the container.
Reefer shipping is commonly used for:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Seafood
- Dairy products
- Frozen food
- Flowers
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other temperature-sensitive products
Temperature control is important because many of these products can lose quality if they are exposed to the wrong conditions during transportation.
Modern reefer shipping also includes technologies such as remote monitoring, controlled atmosphere systems, humidity control, and cold treatment. These services can help businesses protect cargo quality during long ocean journeys.
What Should You Look for in a Reefer Shipping Company?
Not every reefer carrier offers the same equipment, technology, or trade-lane coverage. Before choosing a company, consider the following factors.
Reefer Capacity
A carrier needs enough refrigerated containers to handle your shipment volume. Equipment availability can become especially important during peak produce seasons.
Shipping Routes
Check whether the carrier regularly operates between your origin and destination. A global carrier may still require transshipment on a particular route.
Temperature Range
Different products require different temperatures. Make sure the carrier can support your required temperature range.
Temperature Monitoring
Real-time monitoring can provide information about temperature, humidity, location, power status, and other container conditions.
Controlled Atmosphere
Controlled-atmosphere technology regulates gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide inside a reefer. It can help slow the ripening of certain fruits and vegetables.
Cold Treatment
Cold treatment uses controlled temperatures for a specific period to help meet phytosanitary requirements for certain agricultural products.
Transit Time
For perishable goods, transit time can directly affect product quality and shelf life.
Inland Transportation
Some carriers also provide trucking, rail, warehousing, customs support, and other logistics services. This can be useful when you need an end-to-end cold-chain solution.
Total Cost
Compare the complete shipping cost rather than just the ocean freight rate. Reefer charges, port fees, inland transportation, storage, detention, and other costs can affect the final price.
Top 10 Reefer Shipping Companies in 2026
The following ranking focuses mainly on large container shipping companies with significant reefer operations. It considers global coverage, reefer capacity, technology, specialized services, and importance in major refrigerated cargo markets.
| Rank | Shipping Line | Primary Reefer Strength | Signature Technology / Capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A.P. Moller-Maersk | Global cold chain and cargo visibility | Captain Peter and Remote Container Management |
| 2 | MSC | Large global reefer operation | Controlled Atmosphere, Cold Treatment and iReefer |
| 3 | CMA CGM | Advanced reefer technology | CLIMACTIVE and pharmaceutical reefer services |
| 4 | Hapag-Lloyd | Reefer monitoring and specialized cargo | Hapag-Lloyd LIVE and cold-treatment services |
| 5 | COSCO Shipping Lines | Asia and major global trade routes | Reefer monitoring and seasonal perishable services |
| 6 | Ocean Network Express (ONE) | Asian network and specialized reefers | Controlled Atmosphere and specialized temperature equipment |
| 7 | ZIM Integrated Shipping Services | High-value and sensitive cargo | ZIMonitor real-time reefer monitoring |
| 8 | Evergreen Marine | Global container network | Advanced reefer temperature and humidity control |
| 9 | HMM | Large mainline shipping network | High reefer capacity on major container vessels |
| 10 | Yang Ming Marine Transport | Asian perishables and temperature control | Reefer temperature and dehumidification controls |
1. A.P. Moller-Maersk
Overview
Maersk is one of the world’s largest container shipping companies and a major provider of refrigerated transportation.
The company operates a global network covering Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and other major markets.
Maersk also provides logistics services beyond ocean transportation, which allows businesses to combine ocean freight with inland transportation and other supply chain services.
Why Businesses Choose Maersk
Maersk’s biggest advantage is its combination of scale, global coverage, and reefer technology.
Its Remote Container Management system connects refrigerated containers to a digital monitoring platform. Captain Peter( reefer visibility assistant) gives customers visibility into conditions such as temperature and humidity, and Maersk says the system can also provide information on oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
Maersk has also connected hundreds of thousands of reefer containers to its monitoring infrastructure. This gives the carrier a large amount of data about refrigerated cargo during transit.
Key Considerations
Maersk is a strong option for businesses with international shipping requirements.
However, service frequency, equipment availability, and transit times depend on the specific route. Businesses should compare the available service for their origin and destination rather than choosing a carrier based only on global fleet size.
Ideal For
Maersk is particularly well suited to businesses that need global reefer coverage, cargo visibility, and additional logistics services.
2. MSC
Overview
Mediterranean Shipping Company, commonly known as MSC, is one of the world’s largest container shipping companies.
MSC operates a large refrigerated container fleet and transports food, flowers, pharmaceuticals, seafood, meat, fruit, and other temperature-sensitive products around the world. The company describes its reefer fleet as one of the largest and most advanced in the industry.
Why Businesses Choose MSC
MSC stands out for its combination of reefer capacity, global coverage, and specialized technology.
Its reefer containers support temperature, ventilation, and humidity controls. MSC also uses Controlled Atmosphere technology and Cold Treatment for selected cargo.
MSC iReefer provides real-time information about container location, temperature, humidity, and other shipment conditions. Its more advanced monitoring service also includes GPS tracking, cold-treatment information, and controlled-atmosphere data.
Key Considerations
MSC is particularly useful for high-volume international reefer shipping.
Businesses should still confirm equipment availability, sailing frequency, transit time, and specific reefer services for their route.
Ideal For
MSC is particularly well suited to businesses shipping large volumes of fresh, frozen, or temperature-sensitive products across international markets.
3. CMA CGM
Overview
CMA CGM is a major French shipping and logistics company with a large global container network.
The company serves major trade routes across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and other regions.
Why Businesses Choose CMA CGM
CMA CGM has invested heavily in refrigerated cargo technology.
Its CLIMACTIVE controlled-atmosphere technology is designed for selected perishable products. The company also offers specialized solutions for pharmaceutical and other temperature-sensitive cargo.
Its combination of ocean transportation and broader logistics services can also help businesses manage more of the supply chain through one provider.
Key Considerations
CMA CGM can be a strong option for businesses that need modern reefer equipment and specialized cargo services.
Before booking, confirm the specific equipment, temperature range, monitoring options, and service schedule available on your route.
Ideal For
CMA CGM is particularly well suited to businesses shipping fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, seafood, frozen products, and other temperature-sensitive cargo.
4. Hapag-Lloyd
Overview
Hapag-Lloyd is a German container shipping company headquartered in Hamburg.
It operates a global network and provides refrigerated shipping services for food, produce, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products.
Why Businesses Choose Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd has developed dedicated technology for refrigerated cargo.
Its Hapag-Lloyd LIVE service provides digital monitoring of reefer containers, helping shippers track conditions during transportation.
The company also offers controlled-atmosphere solutions for certain fresh products and provides cold-treatment services for eligible cargo.
Key Considerations
Hapag-Lloyd can be a good option when temperature visibility and specialized cargo handling are important.
As with other carriers, the actual service available depends on the route, equipment, and cargo requirements.
Ideal For
Hapag-Lloyd is particularly well suited to businesses shipping fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, seafood, meat, and other sensitive products.
5. COSCO Shipping Lines
Overview
COSCO Shipping Lines is one of the largest container carriers in the world and has a strong presence in Asia and other major international markets.
Its network covers China, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and other regions.
Why Businesses Choose COSCO
COSCO’s major advantage is its strong connection to Asian trade.
This can make the carrier particularly useful for businesses moving temperature-sensitive goods between China and other global markets.
COSCO also supports refrigerated cargo with digital monitoring and specialized services for seasonal produce. Its network is important for agricultural exports from Asia and Latin America.
Key Considerations
COSCO can be a strong choice for businesses with Asia-focused supply chains.
Businesses should compare direct services, transshipment requirements, sailing frequency, and equipment availability before choosing the carrier.
Ideal For
COSCO is particularly well suited to businesses shipping reefer cargo between Asia and major markets in Europe, North America, Latin America, and other regions.
6. Ocean Network Express (ONE)
Overview
Ocean Network Express, or ONE, is a Singapore-based global container shipping company.
ONE was created in 2017 through the combination of the container businesses of NYK Line, K Line, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.
The company has a strong presence in Asia and operates services to North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and other markets.
Why Businesses Choose ONE
ONE benefits from the combined shipping experience of its Japanese parent companies.
The company provides refrigerated container services and has expanded its specialized reefer equipment.
Its network is particularly useful for businesses shipping seafood, meat, fresh produce, and other temperature-sensitive products from Asia to international markets.
Key Considerations
ONE is a strong option for Asian supply chains, but businesses should confirm the exact equipment and service available for their route.
Temperature requirements can vary significantly between fresh, chilled, frozen, and specialized cargo.
Ideal For
ONE is particularly well suited to businesses with supply chains connected to Asia and other major East-West trade routes.
7. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services
Overview
ZIM is an international container shipping company headquartered in Israel.
The company has developed a strong focus on refrigerated and sensitive cargo, including food, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, meat, and seafood.
Why Businesses Choose ZIM
ZIM’s key reefer advantage is its focus on cargo monitoring.
Its ZIMonitor service provides real-time information about refrigerated containers, including temperature, humidity, GPS location, power status, and route information. It also provides alerts when certain conditions fall outside expected ranges.
ZIM also offers reefer containers with dehumidification options and in-transit cold-treatment capabilities.
This makes ZIM particularly relevant for businesses that need close monitoring of sensitive cargo.
Key Considerations
ZIM’s network is smaller than the largest global carriers.
However, businesses should not judge the carrier only by fleet size. For high-value or sensitive cargo, monitoring and cargo visibility can be equally important.
Ideal For
ZIM is particularly well suited to businesses shipping pharmaceuticals, fresh food, seafood, and other cargo where temperature monitoring is important.
8. Evergreen Marine
Overview
Evergreen Marine is a major Taiwanese container shipping company with a global network.
The carrier operates services across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, and other major markets.
Why Businesses Choose Evergreen
Evergreen provides refrigerated container services for fresh, frozen, and temperature-sensitive cargo.
Its reefer equipment uses electronic temperature controls and systems designed to maintain stable conditions during transportation.
Evergreen’s broad Asian network also makes it relevant for exporters shipping food and agricultural products from the region.
Key Considerations
Evergreen is a strong option for businesses with international container shipping requirements, especially those connected to Asian markets.
As with other carriers, shippers should confirm the exact reefer equipment, temperature range, and service schedule before booking.
Ideal For
Evergreen is particularly well suited to businesses shipping temperature-sensitive products between Asia and major international markets.
9. HMM
Overview
HMM, formerly Hyundai Merchant Marine, is a South Korean container shipping company.
It operates a large international container network with services connecting Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions.
Why Businesses Choose HMM
HMM has significant container capacity and can allocate refrigerated equipment across its major services.
Its large vessels can support substantial reefer capacity, which can be useful for businesses moving large volumes of temperature-sensitive cargo.
HMM’s strong position in Asian trade also makes it relevant to exporters of food, seafood, agricultural products, and other perishables.
Key Considerations
Businesses should evaluate HMM based on the specific trade lane rather than its overall vessel capacity.
The most important factors are reefer availability, sailing frequency, transit time, and the temperature requirements of the cargo.
Ideal For
HMM is particularly well suited to businesses with high-volume Asian export and import requirements.
10. Yang Ming Marine Transport
Overview
Yang Ming is a Taiwanese container shipping company with an international network covering Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and other markets.
The company provides refrigerated container equipment for chilled, frozen, and temperature-sensitive cargo.
Why Businesses Choose Yang Ming
Yang Ming’s reefer equipment provides temperature control across a wide operating range.
Its published equipment specifications include temperature settings from approximately -35°C to +30°C, depending on the reefer unit. Yang Ming also provides dehumidification controls on its reefer equipment.
This can be useful for businesses shipping cargo where both temperature and humidity need to be managed.
Key Considerations
Yang Ming can be a good option for businesses with Asian supply chains and international container shipping needs.
Before booking, confirm the specific reefer model, temperature requirements, humidity settings, and route availability.
Ideal For
Yang Ming is particularly well suited to businesses shipping temperature-sensitive cargo between Asia and major global markets.
Honorary Mentions
The companies below are not included in the main top 10, but they are still important in the reefer shipping market.
Seatrade
Seatrade is a specialist refrigerated shipping company based in the Netherlands.
Unlike the major container lines, Seatrade has a strong focus on refrigerated cargo and perishable products.
The company operates specialized reefer vessels and refrigerated container ships. Its services are particularly relevant to fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, and other perishables.
Seatrade can be a strong option when a business needs specialized reefer shipping rather than a general container carrier.
Best For
Businesses shipping large volumes of perishables on specialized reefer trade routes.
Seaboard Marine
Seaboard Marine is a U.S.-based carrier with a strong focus on the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
The company is particularly relevant for refrigerated cargo moving between the United States and Latin American markets.
Its regional focus can be an advantage for businesses shipping fruits, vegetables, seafood, bananas, and other perishables.
Best For
Businesses shipping reefer cargo between the United States, Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America.
PIL
Pacific International Lines, or PIL, is a Singapore-based shipping company with strong coverage across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania.
Its regional network makes it an important option for businesses moving temperature-sensitive products between Asian and emerging markets.
Best For
Businesses shipping reefer cargo on Asia-Africa and Asia-Latin America routes.
Hamburg Süd
Hamburg Süd has a long history in refrigerated shipping and Latin American trade.
However, Maersk acquired Hamburg Süd in 2017, and its container operations are now integrated into the Maersk network.
For this reason, Hamburg Süd is better viewed as a historically important reefer shipping brand rather than a separate current top-10 carrier.
Best For
Businesses with Latin American trade requirements served through the Maersk network.
K Line
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, better known as K Line, is a major Japanese shipping company.
Its former container business became part of ONE. K Line continues to operate in other areas of maritime transportation, including vehicle shipping, bulk shipping, energy transportation, and logistics.
Best For
Businesses evaluating Japanese shipping networks and the broader maritime services connected to K Line and ONE.
How to Choose the Right Reefer Shipping Company
The largest shipping company is not always the best choice for every reefer shipment.
Start by looking at the following factors.
1. Product Requirements
Identify the exact temperature requirements for your product.
Fresh fruit, frozen meat, seafood, and pharmaceuticals can all require different settings and handling procedures.
2. Shipping Route
Choose a carrier that regularly serves your origin and destination.
A carrier with a large global network may still have limited direct services on a specific route.
3. Shipment Volume
Large-volume shippers may benefit from carriers with large reefer fleets and frequent sailings.
Smaller businesses should focus more on reliable equipment availability and service quality.
4. Temperature Monitoring
If your products are highly sensitive, look for a carrier that offers real-time reefer monitoring.
Monitoring can help businesses identify temperature problems, power interruptions, route changes, or other issues during transit.
5. Transit Time
As in the name, Perishable products often have a limited shelf life.
Compare the total transit time, including port handling and transshipment, rather than looking only at the vessel’s sailing time.
6. Controlled Atmosphere
If you ship fruits or vegetables, ask whether controlled-atmosphere equipment is available.
CA technology can help control oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and slow the ripening process for suitable products.
7. Cold Treatment
Some agricultural products require cold treatment to meet import regulations.
Confirm the carrier’s ability to provide the required treatment and documentation before shipping.
8. Total Cost
Compare the complete cost of the shipment.
This can include:
- Ocean freight
- Reefer charges
- Port fees
- Inland transportation
- Storage
- Customs charges
- Detention and demurrage
- Other handling fees
9. Additional Logistics Services
If you need trucking, warehousing, customs clearance, or distribution, check whether the carrier or your logistics partner can provide these services.
Conclusion
Reefer shipping is essential for businesses that move products requiring temperature control. Food, agriculture, seafood, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and frozen products all depend on reliable refrigerated transportation.
Large carriers such as Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, ONE, ZIM, Evergreen, HMM, and Yang Ming provide reefer services across major international trade routes.
At the same time, specialist companies such as Seatrade and Seaboard Marine can be useful for specific products and regional trade lanes.
The right reefer shipping company depends on more than price. Consider your product, temperature requirements, shipping route, equipment availability, transit time, monitoring needs, and total transportation cost.
For businesses with complex cold-chain requirements, comparing the complete shipping process can help reduce risk, protect product quality, and improve supply chain performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reefer Shipping
Which is the best reefer shipping company?
There is no single best reefer shipping company for every business.
Maersk and MSC are strong options for global coverage and large reefer operations. CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd offer advanced reefer services and monitoring. ZIM can be a good choice for businesses that need detailed cargo visibility.
The right choice depends on your product, route, volume, temperature requirements, and budget.
Who are the largest reefer shipping companies?
Some of the largest container shipping companies with significant reefer operations include Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, ONE, Evergreen, HMM, and Yang Ming.
These carriers operate large international networks and provide refrigerated containers on major trade routes.
What is a reefer container?
A reefer container is a refrigerated shipping container used to transport goods that need temperature control.
The container has its own refrigeration system and can maintain a set temperature during transportation.
What products are shipped in reefer containers?
Common reefer cargo includes:
Fruits and vegetables
Meat
Seafood
Dairy
Frozen food
Flowers
Pharmaceuticals
Other temperature-sensitive products
What temperature can a reefer container maintain?
The temperature range depends on the reefer equipment.
Many modern reefer containers can support temperatures from around -35°C to +30°C, although the exact range varies by equipment and carrier. Yang Ming, for example, publishes equipment specifications covering approximately -35°C to +30°C for its reefer units.
Businesses should always confirm the exact temperature range required for their product before booking.
What is controlled-atmosphere reefer shipping?
Controlled-atmosphere reefer shipping uses technology to manage gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the container.
For suitable fruits and vegetables, this can slow the ripening process and help maintain quality during long-distance transportation.
MSC, for example, uses controlled-atmosphere technologies including StarCool CA and XtendFRESH.
What is cold treatment in reefer shipping?
Cold treatment is a temperature-controlled process used for certain agricultural products.
The cargo is held at a specified temperature for a required period to help control pests and meet phytosanitary requirements.
Are reefer containers monitored during transportation?
Yes. Many major shipping companies now offer remote reefer monitoring.
For example, Maersk’s Captain Peter can provide visibility into temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions, while MSC iReefer provides real-time information about temperature, humidity, location, and other container conditions. ZIMonitor provides similar monitoring and alert capabilities.
What is the difference between a reefer container and a reefer ship?
A reefer container is an individual refrigerated container that can move by ship, truck, rail, or barge.
A reefer ship is a vessel specifically designed to carry refrigerated cargo. Specialized reefer vessels are commonly used for large volumes of fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, and other perishables.
Chadwick Collins is an Enterprise Fulfillment Consultant at AMZ Prep, where he partners with high growth ecommerce brands to design and scale Amazon first logistics strategies. He brings extensive experience in freight, supporting brands across domestic and cross border transportation, routing optimization, and cost control.
At AMZ Prep, Chadwick works closely with enterprise clients to improve inventory flow, reduce landed costs, and accelerate delivery performance across North America. His expertise spans FBA, DTC, and B2B fulfillment, with a strong focus on aligning freight strategy with overall supply chain efficiency. He helps brands navigate complex logistics challenges while turning operations into a competitive advantage.
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