These are conventional vehicles that have temperature-controlled cargo compartments. These vehicles are usually in the form of vans and trucks with their refrigeration units powered either by the vehicle’s engine supply or independently powered supplies. DHL also uses liquid nitrogen technology for refrigeration for items kept at ultra-frozen temperatures.

These temperature-controlled shipping containers are similar to passive containers but are much larger, and therefore, used in air and sea freight. Their refrigeration unit is powered by internal batteries or the ship’s or plane’s onboard power supply.