Reefer / Refrigerated Shipping Containers

These refrigerated units (aka reefer containers) are commonly used to provide on-site ‘cold’ storage in the food preparation and catering industries. They provide a secure temperature-controlled environment, great for storing perishable food on a large scale, or indeed storing anything that needs to be maintained at a regulated temperature. Reefer containers can regulate the internal temperature to anything from negative 35 degrees celcius to positive 30 degrees celcius.

In addition to being used in situ, reefer containers can also be used to transport temperature-sensitive produce long distances.

On Site Refrigerated Goods/Produce Storage

These units are often used to provide on-site refrigerated storage – operating as a walk -in chiller for storing temperature-sensitive perishable produce such as meats, fruits, and vegetables. Plastic temperature curtains are installed to help minimise any fluctuation in temperature when the doors are opened.

Temperature Controlled Transportation/Shipping

Commercial clients use reefer containers for transporting goods around the world – the attached refrigeration units ensure the container contents are kept at the required temperature throughout transportation, extending the lifespan of items.

Lifting and maneuvering a reefer container is no different from moving a standard shipping container – the same lifting hardware is installed on the unit and the same equipment is used.

You choose a refrigerated container if your cargo/contents are temperature-sensitive!

As you can imagine the temperature inside a standard shipping container (metal box) will vary massively depending on the environment. If your contents are temperature-sensitive – you may want to consider a refrigerated container to maintain a stable temperature best suited to your contents. Items can be kept in either a chilled or frozen condition. Items should be pre-chilled or pre-frozen before they are added to the unit, the built-in refrigeration unit is then able to maintain the temperature required.

Internal air circulation is very important to maintain the prescribed internal temperature. If adequate airflow is not present, for example, if the container is overfilled or poorly stacked preventing sufficient air circulation, then the temperature inside the unit will vary depending on the position within the unit where goods are placed.

Reefers are easy to transport, via truck, train or cargo ship –  in most cases, their external dimensions are the same as a standard shipping container – so they can be loaded unloaded using standard container lifting equipment such as the cranes at container ports, or using HIAB lifting units attached to the back of transport vehicles.

Reefer Shipping Containers typically come in 2 different lengths 20ft and 40ft and can be purchased from us in either new ‘one trip’ and used condition.

Refrigerated containers have special flooring added to replace the standard hardwood flooring in a standard container, they are also lined and insulated to ensure the internal temperature can be regulated more efficiently.

To cool the cargo/contents that are stored, special flooring/decking is installed, its ‘T-Shape’ design allows cool air to flow up through the container floor and circulate around the contents keeping it at the prescribed temperature.

At the rear of the container opposite the double end doors, a refrigeration unit is added. In most cases, the refrigeration unit is installed within the container body, meaning the external dimensions remain unchanged and the internal dimensions (storage space) are reduced by the size of the refrigeration unit – typically approx 2ft in length is lost.

Reefer Shipping Containers do require a power supply to power the refrigeration unit, this can either come from a ground (grid) source or from a (genset) generator attached to the unit.

20ft Reefer / Refrigerated Shipping Containers

Available standard height; and in both new and used condition.

External

(Length Width Height)
6096mm x 2400mm x 2590mm

Internal

(Length Width Height)
5560mm x 2290mm x 2230mm

Door Clearance

(Height Width)
2180mm x 2270mm

40ft Reefer / Refrigerated Shipping Containers

Available in standard height only; in both new and used condition.

External

(Length Width Height)
12192mm x 2438mm x 2590mm

Internal

(Length Width Height)
11620mm x 2290mm x 2230mm

Door Clearance

(Height Width)
2180mm x 2270mm

Unless otherwise specified during the ordering process your reefer container will be delivered on a HIAB delivery truck and lifted into position by our driver using the HIAB crane. Please ensure there is enough space for the container to be planted where you want it, and that there is sufficient access space for the delivery truck to reach your preferred location.

Reefer units are no different from standard shipping containers in terms of delivery, they have all the same loading/unloading/lifting components as per a standard container.

*You can also collect refrigerated units from our depots if you prefer. Or, if you have your own lifting equipment on-site and you’re able to safely unload the unit yourself when the transport arrives – please let us know when you make your enquiry as this will likely reduce the delivery charge.