40' Non-Operating Reefer (NOR)

The 40' Non-Operating Reefer (NOR) is one of the most widely deployed pieces of intermodal equipment in the global container fleet. Built to ISO 668 and ISO 6346 standards, the unit carries the type code 42R9 on its corner casting and is universally accepted by every major container terminal, ocean carrier, road haulier and rail operator in the world. The box has a tare weight of 4,360 kg and a maximum payload of 29,520 kg. Internal dimensions measure 11.583 m long, 2.286 m wide and 2.547 m tall internally, with a door opening of 2.290 × 2.572 m.

The 40' Non-Operating Reefer (NOR) is typically used for Dry cargo using a deactivated reefer hull when dry boxes are scarce. Total cubic capacity is 67.5 cubic metres, which gives a useful working volume after dunnage and lashing of approximately 62 cubic metres for typical palletised loads. The unit is designed for stacking nine high under load and for the full set of intermodal handling — top-lift spreader, bottom-grappler arms, road chassis, and rail wagon transfer.

Technical specifications

ISO type code42R9
Common name40' Non-Operating Reefer (NOR)
Tare weight4,360 kg
Maximum payload29,520 kg
Maximum gross weight33,880 kg
Internal length11.583 m
Internal width2.286 m
Internal height2.547 m
Cubic capacity67.5 m³
Door opening2.290 × 2.572 m
Typical commodityDry cargo using a deactivated reefer hull when dry boxes are scarce

Booking a 40' Non-Operating Reefer (NOR)

Almost every ocean carrier in the world supplies this format on demand. When you raise a booking, simply specify the ISO size code 42R9 or the common name "40' Non-Operating Reefer (NOR)" and your forwarder or the carrier's e-booking portal will allocate one against your sailing. Equipment availability for standard dry boxes is rarely a constraint at major load ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Los Angeles — supply at smaller load ports varies and you may need to accept a re-positioning fee. For specialty boxes (reefers, flat racks, open tops, ISO tanks), book at least two to three weeks ahead, as inventory at any single depot is limited and the carrier may need to re-position equipment from a deep-sea hub.

Carriers most commonly stocking the 40' Non-Operating Reefer (NOR) include: