Connect & Solve
Trade Q&A
When exporting goods to South America from Shanghai, is a refrigerated container much cheaper than a regular container?
Resolved
SERVICE
TRACKING NO. 20260223 / GLOBAL Zhongshen Trade · 23+ Years of Expert Trade Agency
Trade Challenges?
No import/export license, customs delays,
or complex compliance issues.
or complex compliance issues.
Our Solution
One-stop full-chain agency: ensure efficient
clearance and fund security.
clearance and fund security.
Cost OptimizationUrgent ClearanceGlobal ResourcesCompliant Rebates
We plan to send a shipment from Shanghai to Argentina. The freight forwarder said that refrigerated containers are much cheaper than ordinary containers, and suggested that we use refrigerated containers to transport ordinary goods to save money. Is this really feasible? Are there any potential pitfalls we need to be aware of?
Victor SunYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Risk Control ManagerStart a Chat
From a compliance perspective，this approach carries extremely high risks. During customs inspections，if the declared product name is "ordinary goods" but you use refrigerated containers，your shipment may be deemed as "declaration mismatch" or "undervaluation," subject to fines or temporary detention of the goods. Particularly in South American countries with strict import regulations，Brazilian and Argentine customs authorities conduct meticulous reviews of container types and cargo compatibility. If random inspections reveal that you used refrigerated containers to transport non-temperature-controlled goods，authorities may suspect you of concealing the true nature of the cargo，triggering a full-scale investigation of the entire shipment. Moreover，refrigerated containers feature specialized ventilation designs. Improper securing during ordinary cargo transportation can easily lead to cargo damage，and insurance claims may be denied due to "non-compliance with proper loading methods." My advice is: Don’t risk big losses for small savings. Honest declaration and strict adherence to regulations are the most sustainable ways to save money in the long run.
Daniel XuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Director of Import & Export OperationsStart a Chat
This argument is largely unfounded and would cause many practical problems in actual operations. The base freight rates for reefers are typically 30%-50% higher than those for dry containers, and additional charges such as power supply fees and monitoring fees are also imposed. The so-called "cheaper" rates might refer to specific circumstances, such as when there is a backlog of reefers at South American ports and shipping companies offer temporary discounts to clear containers back to Asia. However, these are short-term market conditions and cannot be considered a regular strategy. More importantly, reefers contain refrigeration equipment and ventilation ducts, resulting in a 5-8 cubic meter reduction in effective loading capacity compared to dry containers. Moreover, their floors are equipped with T-shaped aluminum rails, which make it difficult to stack general cargo securely and prone to shifting. During customs clearance, South American ports prioritize inspections of reefers to ensure food safety, which may delay your pickup time. If you really want to save money, it's far more reliable to monitor the off-peak freight rates for dry containers or sign long-term contractual prices with freight forwarders than to take risks with reefers.
Linda GaoYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Documentation SupervisorStart a Chat
Directly asking "Is a refrigerated container cheaper?" might seem unprofessional and make the freight forwarder think you're a novice, which could hinder price negotiations. A better strategy is to first build trust and then probe for opportunities. You could say: "Our shipment doesn't have strict time requirements. If your company needs to quickly return a refrigerated container to Shanghai, we'd be willing to cooperate. Could you offer a price discount?" This approach not only demonstrates your cooperation sincerity but also shifts the responsibility to the freight forwarder. In reality, true cost optimization lies in:
1. Understanding the seasonal fluctuations of South American routes. April-June is the off-season, and regular container freight rates already offer discounts;
2. If your cargo volume is stable, negotiate a "box-sharing" agreement with the freight forwarder to lock in annual freight rates;
3. Pay attention to shipping companies' "box usage incentive" policies, as they sometimes subsidize the transfer fees of specific container types. Remember, the key to getting a favorable offer from the freight forwarder is your ability to deliver long-term value, not one-time "taking advantage" tactics.