Working refrigerated shipping containers play a vital role in the supply chain, ensuring the quality and extending the shelf life of products. They are insulated containers used to transport chilled, frozen, or deep-frozen goods, maintaining a constant temperature range between -15°F and 60°F. These versatile containers can be installed on-premise as additional cold storage or kept on a chassis for convenient climate-controlled transport.
Refrigerated shipping containers, also known as reefer shipping containers, are specifically designed for controlling temperatures. These containers, equipped with air cooling systems and generator sets, ensure the functionality of reefer containers.
The Two Main Types of Refrigerated Shipping Containers
There are two types available: Integral refrigerated containers and porthole containers.
Integral Containers (also known as Integrated Units) have built-in electrical cooling units that pump cold air throughout the container via vents in the floor. They need to be plugged into a 3-phase 440/460 volt power electrical source.
Porthole containers (also known as Conair or insulated containers) require an external source of cold air. They have two holes in the rear wall and the cold air is pumped through via a plug-in refrigeration unit that’s powered by a diesel generator.
Integral units tend to be more common than porthole units.
How Big Is a Refrigerated Shipping Container?
Refrigerated shipping containers come in the following sizes: 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot High Cube (HC). A High Cube container is one foot taller than standard containers, this allows for more vertical storage space and airflow.
It can be a challenge to picture exactly how big a refrigerated container can be. Here are a few everyday guidelines to help you.
20 ft | 40ft | 40ft HC | |
How much space will it take up outside? | Slightly bigger than a large single parking bay | Slightly bigger than two large single parking bays head to toe | Slightly bigger than two large single parking bays head to toe |
How high is it externally? | About half a foot shorter than standard ceiling height (9ft) | About half a foot shorter than standard ceiling height (9ft) | About half a foot higher than standard ceiling height (9ft) |
How many Euro pallets (47.2” x 31.5”) can it hold? | 11 Euro-pallets placed in one layer or tier | 25 Euro-pallets placed in one layer or tier | 25 Euro-pallets placed in one layer or tier |
How many standard pallets (48” x 40”) can it hold? | 9-10 Standard- pallets in one layer or tier | 21 Standard- pallets in one layer or tier | 21 Standard- pallets in one layer or tier |
What Are the Dimensions of a Refrigerated Shipping Container?
Here are the approximate dimensions of the most common refrigerated shipping container sizes.
20ft | 40ft | 40ft High Cube (HC) | |
External dimensions | 20’ long 8’ wide 8’6” high. | 40’ long 8’ wide 8’6” high | 40’ long 8’ wide 9’6” high (1ft taller) |
Internal dimensions | 17’ 11” long 7’ 8” wide 7’ 6” high | 37’ 11” long 7’ 8” wide 7’ 6” high | 37’ long 7’ 6” wide 8’ 4” high |
How wide is the door? | 7’ 5” wide 7’ 3” high | 7’ 6” wide 7’ 6” high | 7’ 6” wide 8’ 4” high |
What is the internal floor space? | 134 sq.ft. | 284 sq.ft. | 284 sq.ft. |
What is the volume? (Cubic Feet) | 1,007 cu.ft | 2,132 cu.ft. | 2,368 cu.ft. |
What does it weigh empty? (Tare) | 6,530 lbs | 9, 750 lbs | 9,950 lbs |
What Can This Type of Container Be Used For?
Refrigerated shipping containers are primarily used to transport products that require a temperature-controlled environment. They are ideal for the following uses:
- Extra or temporary on-site cold storage instead of a brick-and-mortar cold room
- Transporting temperature-sensitive cargo to maintain the cold chain
- Mobile cold storage for large events such as state fairs and carnivals
- Exporting fresh produce
- Extra cold storage space for restaurants and retailers during peak season
- Extra or temporary cold storage for hospitals and medical facilities
- Extra or temporary storage for laboratory facilities
Refrigerated Shipping Container Conditions
Refrigerated containers are available in used working condition or new. Used refrigerator containers are guaranteed Wind and Water Tight and will be in working order.
The container will be structurally sound and the doors will seal correctly. Used refrigerated containers will have original paint and ship line markings. It may well have dents and abrasions from heavy-duty shipping service.
Watch the video below to find out more about refrigerated shipping containers and how they work.
Working refrigerated shipping containers have revolutionized the export and fresh produce world. It’s thanks to these containers that we are able to get international products and fresh produce straight from the farm!
On-Site Storage Solutions has working refrigerated shipping containers for sale and for rent. Contact us today for more information regarding refrigerated containers.
Refrigerated Shipping Container Interior
All refrigerated containers are insulated and have an R30 thermal resistance rating according to ISO standards. This means that heat does not transfer easily from the outside in and vice versa. Thus the internal temperature is maintained despite external temperature.
The floors are specially designed for cold storage including perishable goods. They are made from aluminum, which helps to maintain the desired temperature, and is easy to clean. Typically using a hose to wash and rinse the floor is all it takes to maintain cleanliness. Rather than the flat flooring found in the standard dry van shipping containers, refrigerated containers have ridged T-bar flooring that helps the air circulate throughout the container to keep the contents raised on the floor so that the cold air can circulate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, refrigerated shipping containers are crucial for maintaining product quality and extending shelf life in the supply chain. These containers, available in different types and sizes, ensure a constant temperature range for transporting chilled, frozen, or deep-frozen goods. They can be used for various purposes, such as on-site cold storage, maintaining the cold chain during transportation, and providing additional storage for businesses in peak seasons. Whether used or new, these containers are designed with insulation and specialized flooring to maintain the desired temperature and facilitate airflow. Overall, refrigerated shipping containers are a reliable solution for temperature-controlled cargo transportation and storage needs.
On-Site Storage Solutions
Discover the incredible versatility of reefer containers offered by On-Site Storage Solutions! Whether you need temperature-controlled storage for perishable goods or secure on-site storage for your business, our top-notch team is here to assist you every step of the way. From answering your inquiries to providing expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at (888) 405-8772 to discuss your specific needs and find the perfect storage solution that’s tailored just for you. Don’t wait, let us help you streamline your storage needs today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Refrigerated shipping containers work by utilizing a refrigeration unit to introduce cool air into the container. The gas within evaporates slowly, resulting in container cooling. Cold air circulates through vents at the base, while warm air returns for cooling. These containers are powered by electric motors or diesel engines and have built-in generators for power supply.
On average, the price of a used reefer container is approximately $4,000 to $8,000. The cost may vary depending on factors such as size and location. If you’re looking for a brand-new reefer container that has only been used for a single trip from Asia to the US (referred to as a “One Trip” container), the price range typically falls between $20,000 and $26,500, again depending on the size and location.
Reefer containers, also known as refrigerated containers, work by maintaining a controlled temperature environment for the transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive goods.
To set the temperature of a reefer container, access the control panel and select the desired temperature. Ensure the unit is powered on and properly connected. Adjust temperature settings based on cargo requirements and external conditions. Monitor regularly to maintain the desired temperature for transported goods.
Reefer containers typically come equipped with data logger recorders that monitor and track the temperature of both the air inside the container and the temperature of the cargo itself. These recorders help ensure proper temperature control and provide valuable data for monitoring and managing the condition of the goods being transported.
