Thermoking reefer machine is one of the most commonly used machines for a reefer container. A reefer container (refrigerated shipping container) equipped with a Thermo King refrigeration unit can transport many types of dairy products while maintaining the required temperature during shipping.
The Thermo King reefer machine can regulate temperatures from low to high, depending on the type of goods being transported, ranging from below freezing to higher temperatures.
To know the best kind of Thermoking reefer container for a carrier used to transport dairy products, find out here!
What is a Reefer Container?
Numerous things can happen during a shipment journey, including temperature changes that could result in damage to the products. A reefer container has a built-in refrigeration system that can maintain the required temperature.
The name reefer is an abbreviation of ‘refrigerated container’. A reefer container is a box used for storing and transporting perishables and other vital cargo such as food, medicine, and vaccines. It is now possible to deliver perishables across the globe using reefer containers. At festivals or events, refrigerated containers are also used as cold storage for food and drink.
A reefer container is a type of shipping container used to transport goods that need to be maintained at a cold temperature. Through insulation and powered cooling, the temperature inside the reefer can operate at ultra-low temperatures of -70°C, depending on the machinery type. Typical products that are transported in a reefer container are fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, milk, and dairy products, medicines, and more.
On a vessel, the reefer is typically wired into the power source to keep it on. A genset can also be an alternative to provide a backup power source by mounting it on the reefer.
What is a Thermoking Reefer?

A Thermoking reefer machine is a refrigeration unit used in refrigerated trucks, trailers, and shipping containers to keep temperature-sensitive goods cold or frozen during transportation. Its main components are:
- Compressor: Compresses refrigerant gas
- Condenser: Releases heat outside
- Evaporator: Absorbs heat from inside the container
- Fans: Circulate air
- Controller: Sets and monitors the temperature
Thermoking is a well-known manufacturer of transport refrigeration systems that works similarly to an industrial air conditioner or refrigerator. Its cooling removes heat from inside the refrigerated container, its temperature control maintains a selected temperature automatically, and its air circulation circulates cold air throughout the cargo area.
The Common applications of a Thermo King reefer include:
| Frozen food | -18°C to -25°C |
| Fresh meat and seafood | approximately 0°C to 4°C. |
| Fruits and vegetables | approximately 2°C to 12°C, depending on the product. |
| Pharmaceuticals | temperature-controlled transportation. |
| Dairy products | typically 2°C to 5°C. |
Dairy Products that Can Be Transported with a Reefer Container

The correct temperature depends on the dairy product, its packaging, and whether it is fresh, chilled, or frozen.
1. Fresh Milk
You can store and transport fresh milk in a Thermo King reefer container. This unit can safely carry fresh milk over long distances, provided the milk is properly chilled, packaged, and handled.
Therefore, milk must already be chilled before loading. A reefer container is designed to maintain temperature, not rapidly cool warm milk. Also, ensure milk is packed in food-grade, leak-proof containers, and do not block the reefer air circulation system.
To monitor the temperature inside a thermoking reefer container, use independent temperature data loggers in addition to the Thermo King controller.
2. Cheese
Cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, gouda, and parmesan are exported internationally as they have numerous lovers worldwide.
For these trade needs, you can store and transport cheese using a Thermo King reefer container. Reefer containers are suitable for transporting wide varieties of cheese, including cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
However, the correct temperatures needed depend on the type of cheese, such as:
| Cheddar | +2°C to +5°C |
| Mozzarella | +2°C to +4°C |
| Gouda | +2°C to +5°C |
| Parmesan | +2°C to +8°C |
| Cream cheese | +2°C to +5°C |
| Cream cheese | +2°C to +8°C |
For transporting packaged chilled cheese, you can set the temperature to 2°C, maintain unrestricted airflow, and continuously monitor the temperature. Do not use the same temperature setting for every cheese product without checking its specifications. Some specialty cheeses require different humidity and temperature conditions.
3. Yogurt
Refrigerated containers are suitable for transporting yogurt over long distances, including domestic and international sea freight. Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, fruit yogurt, and drinking yogurt are temperature-sensitive dairy products, so maintaining a stable cold temperature is very important.
Start with a +2°C set point if the manufacturer’s specifications permit it. Then, ensure the reefer is at the required temperature before loading, and never load warm yogurt and expect the reefer to cool it rapidly.
4. Butter
Butter needs controlled temperatures to maintain its texture, consistency, flavor, and quality. You can transport and store butter using a Thermo King reefer container. Refrigerated containers are commonly suitable for transporting butter over long distances, including international sea freight.
For conventional chilled butter, set the temperature point to +2°C and maintain the product temperature within the specified chilled range. Butter should be pre-cooled before loading. A reefer container is designed primarily to maintain cargo temperature, not rapidly cool warm products.
5. Ice cream
Ice cream requires a much lower temperature than fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, or chilled butter. And yes, a Thermo King reefer container can still transport and store ice cream. In fact, reefer containers are widely used for transporting ice cream and other frozen dairy products by sea and road.
For many conventional ice cream products, -22°C is a reasonable starting set point, subject to the manufacturer’s requirements. The reefer container is designed to maintain frozen cargo temperature. Ice cream must already be properly frozen before loading.
6. Fresh cream
Fresh cream is a temperature-sensitive dairy product. Maintaining a stable refrigerated temperature is essential to prevent spoilage and preserve its quality.
You can transport and store fresh cream using a Thermo King reefer container. Reefer containers are suitable for transporting fresh cream over long distances, including domestic transportation and international sea freight.
The reefer container should maintain the temperature of already chilled cream rather than being used to cool warm cream. Also, pre-cool the container before loading, ensure the cream is already chilled, maintain proper air circulation around the cargo, and avoid temperature fluctuations during transportation.
Thermoking Reefer Container Recommendations from Tradecorp

20′ Refrigerated Container (Thermoking Magnum +)
Whether you’re a food distributor, pharmaceutical company, or any other business that requires temperature-controlled transport and storage, the 20ft Reefer with a Thermo King Magnum+ can facilitate it.
This is the best solution to store many products, whether food, pharmaceuticals, or other perishable goods.
One of the most impressive features of this container is its Thermo King Magnum+ engine. This cooling engine can maintain temperatures as low as -40°C. This container is also properly insulated and has rubber-sealed doors to maintain the desired temperature by keeping cold air inside and preventing warm air from entering.
20’HC Reefer Container – Thermo King Magnum+
Transporting and storing temperature-sensitive products such as food and pharmaceuticals with no worries using our 20′ High Cube Reefer (Refrigerated) Container. This is a High Cube Reefer Container that provides you with an extra 1’ in height to put more goods and save on shipping costs.
To make your loads arrive with no damage, we equip this container with the Thermo King Magnum Plus Refrigerator. It provides precise temperature control for cargo on land or at sea within -40°F (-40°C) in ambient conditions up to 122°F (50°C).
The benefit of using this reefer is that it can reach the setpoint faster and only consumes low energy. This reefer also has Air vent logging (AVL) that can track the opening of the air vent during shipment.
20′ RF – Dual Zone – Thermoking T880 Pro
The 20′ Reefer Container with Dual Zone feature and Thermo King T880 Pro is best if you need to transport your temperature-sensitive goods in dual-zone temperature control. For Example, you can set a cold temperature for frozen goods in one zone and set a higher temperature for fresh products.
This is a dual-zone refrigerated container that has two separate temperature zones with a Thermo King T880 Pro engine. It is popular for its efficiency, durability, and reliability in maintaining precise temperature control in varying conditions.
The engine is designed primarily for use in refrigerated transport, such as containerized and truck refrigeration systems. Typically, the T880 Pro can handle a wide temperature range from -22°F to 86°F, making it suitable for various types of perishable cargo.
20′ Standard Spec TK Mag+ Reefer Container
Built to match the standard shipping container dimensions and specifications, Tradecorp’s 20’ Standard Spec RF Container (TK Mag+) is one of the company’s latest high-grade offerings to help customers freeze temperature-sensitive cargo and deliver them to intended locations without any damage or harm risks.
The primary feature of this 20’ Standard Spec RF Container is its Thermo King Magnum+ reefer machine, which sets the standard for reefer machines in the industry because of its specifications. Capable of setting temperatures between -40°C and +40°C, the Magnum+ machine can help you protect your cargo and reduce energy consumption thanks to the machine’s MP4000 controller.
You can enjoy all the benefits of standard container construction combined with the benefits of reefer machines for cargo shipment. As such, standard container features are also available, such as locking bars, forklift pockets, lashing rings, corner castings, and steel flooring.
If you find our 20’ Standard Spec RF Container (TK Mag+) suitable for your business needs, click our quote form on this page and fill in the details if you need the container for rent or sale.
40’ Reefer Container with Thermo King CFF
Maritime and international trade demand industries to use the best shipping platforms, and this cutting-edge 40’ Reefer Container with Thermo King CFF delivers on that aspect. This unit has robust construction with advanced refrigeration technology, making it ideal for transporting perishable goods such as pharmaceuticals, seafood, fruits, and frozen products.
With precise temperature control ranging from -30°C to +30°C and enhanced cooling efficiency, this reefer ensures your cargo stays fresh and safe throughout the journey.
The container’s Thermo King CFF machine can last more than 25 years, meaning you can trust its durability over years of use. Its powerful compressor system and dual cooling zones allow optimal storage conditions, even for mixed cargo requiring different temperature settings.
The integrated monitoring system provides real-time temperature, humidity, and airflow data, ensuring transparency and reliability during transit. This feature makes it particularly suitable for industries that demand strict compliance with cold chain logistics.
40′ High Cube Refrigerated Thermoking Magnum+ Container
Tradecorp’s 40’ HC Reefer TK Mag+ Container has longer dimensions and high cube construction.
This container relies on Thermo King’s Magnum Plus reefer machine, which can help you regulate the cargo’s temperature between -40°F and 104°F in an ambient environment. With this ability, your temperature-sensitive cargo, from sashimi-grade salmon to fragile pharmaceuticals, will not degrade from exposure to unregulated temperatures.
Apart from the machine, other standard container features are also available. If customers request customization to improve the container’s usability, Tradecorp can add features, including GPS tracking systems and air vents.
Conclusion
Thermoking reefer containers can support business needs and distribution processes, ensuring product longevity.
High-quality refrigerated shipping containers for rent or purchase are available at Tradecorp. Tradecorp is a reliable container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company. Tradecorp provides modification and custom container services to residences by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!
