A practical, numbers-first playbook for building mixed-SKU IQF reefer containers from Indonesia in 2026. Realistic per-SKU MOQs, pallet rules, container capacities, consolidation lead times, and when LCL makes sense.
We get asked the same thing weekly: “What’s the realistic MOQ per SKU if I want to mix an IQF container from Indonesia, and how long will it really take?” Here’s our 2026, on-the-ground playbook. No fluff. Just what works when you need to hit MOQs, keep traceability clean, and ship on time.
What “mixed container” means in Indonesia right now
A mixed SKU IQF container usually means you’re combining multiple frozen vegetable SKUs from one exporter into a single reefer. Most buyers do this to reach FCL economics without overbuying any one item. We typically anchor with a few higher-volume lines like Premium Frozen Sweet Corn or Frozen Mixed Vegetables, then add variety with items like Frozen Paprika (Bell Peppers) - Red, Yellow, Green & Mixed, Premium Frozen Okra, Premium Frozen Edamame, or Premium Frozen Potatoes.
In our experience, the smoothest builds come from a single exporter of record consolidating from one metro area (Jakarta/West Java or Surabaya/East Java). Cross-island mixes are doable but add days and handoffs.
What’s a realistic MOQ per SKU when mixing?
Short answer: plan for 1 pallet per SKU on standard lines. Half pallets are sometimes allowed for trials.
- Staple SKUs with frequent production runs (e.g., sweet corn, mixed veg): 1 pallet per SKU is a realistic MOQ. We can sometimes approve 0.5 pallet for trials or new labels.
- Less frequent or labor-heavy SKUs (custom cuts, strict sizing): expect 1–2 pallets per SKU.
- For a 40’ build, the fastest path is 3–5 pallets of a core SKU plus 1 pallet each of 6–10 supporting SKUs.
Why do processors push for 1 pallet? Because changeovers, line cleaning, and metal detection resets carry real costs. A single pallet usually covers that overhead while keeping your per-kg price rational.
How many 10 kg cartons fit in a 20’ vs 40’ reefer?
Carton dimensions and whether you palletize will move these numbers, but these are dependable 2026 working ranges for IQF vegetables.
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20’ reefer, palletized
- 10–11 Euro pallets (800×1200 mm) or 9–10 ISO pallets (1000×1200 mm)
- 80–100 cartons of 10 kg per pallet
- Total: roughly 800–1,100 cartons (8–11 metric tons)
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20’ reefer, floor-loaded
- Roughly 900–1,100 cartons of 10 kg
-
40’ HC reefer, palletized
- 22–23 Euro pallets or 20–21 ISO pallets
- 80–100 cartons of 10 kg per pallet
- Total: roughly 1,800–2,300 cartons (18–23 metric tons)
-
40’ HC reefer, floor-loaded
- Roughly 1,900–2,400 cartons of 10 kg
We’ve found that buyers chasing the absolute max carton count often end up hurting airflow or traceability. You’ll save more in claims prevention than you lose in a few cartons by keeping pallets square, heights consistent, and aisles clear at the doors.
Pallet configuration, height, and airflow rules that matter
- Pallet size: Euro (800×1200) or ISO (1000×1200) are both viable in Indonesia. We use whichever best fits your carton footprint.
- Height: keep total pallet height at 1.9–2.05 m including pallet. That preserves top airflow and reduces crush risk.
- Weight per pallet: 800–1,000 kg is a safe target for IQF veg.
- Pallet wrap and corner boards: mandatory for long hauls or transshipment routes. Reefers still vibrate.
Quick takeaway: decide your carton OD early. A 500×300×180 mm master case loads differently than a 400×260×180 mm. We build the load plan around your final carton spec.
Can you mix SKUs on the same pallet and still keep traceability?
You can, but do it sparingly. The cleanest traceability is single-SKU, single-lot per pallet.
If you must mix, follow these rules:
- Only 2 SKUs per pallet max.
- Full layer separation with slip sheets. No interleaving.
- Unique pallet tag per SKU segment with clear layer counts.
- Carton labels must show product code, production date, and IQF traceability lot codes that roll up to your documents.
Many third-party cold stores won’t accept mixed pallets without this. And your QA team will thank you if there’s ever a recall.
How much extra lead time does consolidation add?
Assuming standard SKUs and one exporter of record:
- Production and packing window: 10–14 days for high-frequency SKUs. 14–21 days for custom specs or new labels.
- Consolidation across multiple facilities in the same metro: add 3–5 days.
- Cross-metro consolidation (e.g., West Java + East Java): add 5–10 days depending on cold-chain trucking slots and hub selection.
- Reefer space booking: Q2–Q4 2026 sailings have been tighter around fruit seasons. Book 2–3 weeks ahead to hold your cut-off.
Net-net, a well-planned mixed 40’ can move in 3–4 weeks from PO to vessel ETD. Add another 5–10 days if you’re blending West + East Java in one box.
Jakarta vs Surabaya consolidation time
- If most SKUs are produced in East Java, consolidate and load in Surabaya. It usually saves 2–4 days versus trucking north to Jakarta.
- Jakarta offers more direct sailings to some markets. For Singapore-transshipped routes, the transit difference is often only 1–2 days.
Is LCL viable for small MOQs in 2026?
LCL frozen exists, but it’s a niche tool. Use it for urgent trials under 3–5 CBM or when speed beats unit cost.
What we see on the ground:
- Cost: often 2–3x per-kg vs FCL after CFS, energy, and handling fees.
- Time: CFS consolidation adds 1–2 weeks. Risk of CFS delays is real.
- Risk: more handoffs, more temperature checks, more chances for cartons to be handled roughly.
If you’re serious about a program, aim for a 20’ minimum and build variety to hit MOQ. For small pilots, we sometimes suggest air-frozen on micro-quantities if the lane and margin allow.
Documents and lot codes when mixing SKUs
- Paperwork: one commercial invoice and packing list can cover all SKUs if you’re buying from one exporter. Itemize by SKU and show carton and weight per item.
- Health/Sanitary certs: one cert is often fine per shipment per exporter, but some destinations ask for per-product references. We handle this case by case.
- Lot codes: we print human-readable and scannable codes on each carton and pallet tag. Best practice is one lot per pallet. If not feasible, keep adjacent lots together and declare lots per pallet on the packing list annex.
Can multiple suppliers share one frozen container?
Yes, but it complicates life unless there’s a single exporter of record owning the shipment. Here’s what works:
- Consolidate at a bonded, pre-cooled 3PL with live temperature logs.
- One EOR issues the master docs and coordinates food safety files. Alternatively, run separate HBLs under a forwarder, but expect extra admin and potential customs questions at destination.
- All cargo must share the same setpoint, typically -18 to -20°C.
We routinely consolidate partner plants under our export umbrella when buyers need breadth without paperwork headaches.
A simple container-build playbook that actually works
- Lock your anchor SKUs. Pick 2–3 high-frequency lines that can run weekly. For example: Premium Frozen Sweet Corn and Frozen Mixed Vegetables.
- Add variety SKUs at 1 pallet each. Bell peppers, okra, edamame, or potatoes fill flavor and menu gaps.
- Decide palletized vs floor-load. Palletizing simplifies destination handling and traceability. Floor-load squeezes a bit more volume. We’ll draft both options.
- Freeze your carton dimensions. We’ll run a 20’ or 40’ load plan showing pallets, layers, carton counts, and airflow gaps.
- Pick the consolidation hub. If most volume is East Java, load in Surabaya. If your lanes favor Jakarta sailings, we’ll compare ETDs and total transit.
- Book reefer space 2–3 weeks out. Hold production slots for your SKUs to avoid last-minute swaps.
- Keep lot codes clean. Aim for one lot per pallet and align production dates by SKU.
Need a tailored load plan with real carton counts and a consolidation timeline? Contact us on whatsapp. We’ll map your SKUs into a 20’ or 40’ with realistic dates.
Common mistakes that kill mixed-SKU containers
- Mixing too many small lots. Result: messy docs, slower customs, painful recalls. Stick to 1 lot per pallet wherever possible.
- Over-height pallets. Anything past ~2.05 m risks top-deck crush and airflow problems.
- Booking the vessel before the plants confirm line time. Flip that order. Confirm production windows first, then lock a sailing.
- Ignoring carton OD. A 2–3 cm difference can cost you an entire layer per pallet.
- Cross-metro consolidations without buffer days. Expect 5–10 extra days if you blend West and East Java.
Final takeaways for 2026
- MOQ per SKU when mixing: plan for 1 pallet per SKU. Half-pallets are for trials.
- 20’ vs 40’ capacity: expect 800–1,100 vs 1,800–2,300 cartons of 10 kg when palletized. Floor-load nudges the top end slightly.
- Consolidation adds time. Budget 3–5 days within one metro, 5–10 days cross-metro.
- LCL is for small pilots only, not programs.
- Keep pallets single-SKU and, ideally, single-lot for traceability. Your QA team and insurers will sleep better.
If you’re mapping your first or next mixed container, browse potential anchors and add-ons here: View our products. And if you want our team to pressure-test your plan against real plant schedules, just Contact us on whatsapp.