A reefer genset is a self-contained diesel generator unit attached to a reefer container to power its refrigeration system during road or rail movement and at locations without an external electrical supply.
In trade practice
Gensets are clipped to the front frame of the container and travel with it on a flatbed or rail wagon. Logistics planners specify genset use when routing containers through terminals or border crossings that lack plug-in infrastructure, which is common on certain Ukraine-to-EU rail corridors. Fuel level must be checked before departure and at intermediate stops; running out of fuel is a leading cause of cold-chain breaks on genset-dependent legs. Temperature data loggers record any deviation during genset operation, and the log is reviewed by the buyer’s QA team on arrival.
In a specification
Transport contracts for genset-equipped movements typically require the operator to confirm fuel capacity sufficient for the planned leg duration and to provide a continuous temperature record covering the entire genset period.