Partners develop new airfreight containers

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 11/1/1998

As worldwide demand for fresh meats, produce, and seafood grows, so does the need for more reliable refrigerated transportation. To meet this demand, Germany's Lufthansa Cargo and Envirotainer, an Inglewood, Calif.-based manufacturer/lessor of insulated and temperature-controlled cargo containers, have signed a long-term agreement to jointly design, develop, and manufacture new temperature-controlled airfreight containers. In addition, Lufthansa Cargo has agreed to use Envirotainer's products exclusively for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo.

The first joint project bore fruit earlier this year, with the introduction of the "Coolbox" container. The Coolbox, which keeps cargo at a specific low temperature, was conceived by Lufthansa and constructed by Envirotainer.

The two companies will collaborate on future development projects, including the "Container 2000'' unit-load device, which will be suitable for handling perishables, pharmaceuticals, fine art, and other high-value, temperature-sensitive goods. In addition, Lufthansa and Envirotainer will cooperate in the areas of training, sales, and handling of temperature-sensitive products.