Shipping containers have revolutionised global trade through the ease of transporting different types of goods over long distances. The containers themselves are multi-faceted, equipped in countless variants and sizes, to befit any type of refrigerated shipping containers requirements. Refrigerated shipping containers, in particular, have opened up huge markets for all industries in the fields of perishable goods. These customised refrigerated shipping containers, also known as reefer containers, deliver those commodities in the freshest state to their respective destinations.
What Is A Refrigerated Shipping Container?
Reefer containers, or refrigerated shipping containers, are designed shipping containers that come with a built-in insulation and refrigeration unit. A reefer is a type of shipping container that maintains a constant climate while transporting cargo and protects it from all other aspects of being exposed to the weather. This temperature/ atmosphere control is highly essential for perishable commodities such as fresh vegetables, dairy products, meat, seafood, medications, vaccines, etc. The internal temperature of a reefer container can be set anywhere from -30°C to 30°C (-22°F to 86°F), according to the needs of the cargo.
The reefers are made to become, most independently operating with most of their power usually fed from the electric plant of a ship or, where that is not possible applicable from external generators. Given that they are self-contained by also being easily switched or moved between the various mods of transport namely: sea, rail, road. In light of this flexibility, these become critical containers, worth their salt throughout the global supply chain, more so when it comes to businesses dealing with perishable merchandise.
Key Features Of Refrigerated Shipping Containers
While everyone would like to consider them as the standard containers with some cooling attachments, reefer containers are in fact highly specialised equipment. Here are some key facts that give an impression on their utility and functionality:
Advanced Temperature Control
A key characteristic of a reefer container is the advanced ability to control the internal temperature. One of the reasons why these containers are fitted with advanced thermostats and sensors is so that a proper temperature can be set. The degree of temperature control is toward curing what ails a product, which, after being stored or shunted, will deliver deterioration and go to waste if not continuously kept at the right temperature.
Energy efficiency is a factor to be considered in the design of reefer containers of this modern day. These are containers designed for very low power usage to sustain the needed temperature by constructing the “controlled walls” with highly advanced insulating materials and technologies to save energy. Some reefers go a step further to reduce their impacts on the environment and costs, with some also possessing solar panels or any other renewable source of energy.
Strength and Toughness
Reefer containers are built to withstand the roughest shipping conditions. In its manufacture, corten steel is used as a material; rustproof, bruising, and breakdown do not come easily, thus ensuring the containers can perpetuate long journeys, rough handling from Harbours to their destination, and saltwater.
Refrigerated Shipping Containers are used all over the world due to their versatility and worldwide coverage that greatly simplifies importation and exportation. This forms the basis for easy interchanging between trucks, trains, and ships at ease. Global networks are important to business operations that depend on seamless and secure provision of fresh products anywhere and regardless of weather.
There are different Shipping Containers sizes to fit various cargo requirements. Most common are 20-foot and 40-foot types, though high-cube types can be obtained if the cargo to be carried is bulkier or heavier, adding height to it. Some reefers come with special modifications like split temperature zones, which allow carrying different goods together at different temperatures.
Read More: Why You Should Consider a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
Understanding Reefer Container Sizes
Choosing the right size is important to cater the supply for an optimal space and efficient way for cargo to travel. Among the common sizes are:
20-Foot Reefer Containers
- External Dimensions: 20 ft (6.06 m) length, 8 ft (2.44 m) width
- Internal Dimensions: 17.8 ft (5.43 m) length, 7.5 ft (2.28 m) width
- Volume: 28.4 m³ (1,003 cu ft)
- Max Gross Weight: 67,200 lbs (30,480 kg)
Ideal for small shipments that need controlled temperatures but are not voluminous enough.
40-Foot Reefer Containers
- External Dimensions: 40 ft (12.19 m) length, 8 ft (2.44 m) width, 8’6″ (2.59 m) height
- Internal Dimensions: 37.6 ft (11.46 m) length, 7.5 ft (2.28 m) width
- Volume: 67.3 m³ (2,379 cu ft)
- Max Gross Weight: 74,960 lbs (34,000 kg)
Suitable for larger volumes of perishable goods.
40-Foot High Cube Reefer Containers
- External Dimensions: 40 ft (12.19 m) length, 8 ft (2.44 m) width, 9’6″ (2.89 m) height
- Internal Dimensions: 37.6 ft (11.46 m) length, 7.5 ft (2.28 m) width
- Volume: 76.4 m³ (2,698 cu ft)
- Max Gross Weight: 74,960 lbs (34,000 kg)Provides more vertical space for bulkier, double-stacking items..
Containers for Purchase or Rent
Conrail.co.uk is market leader for businesses that need strong, high quality and affordable shipping containers — if food demands refrigeration, the refrigerated shipping container. Conrail.co.uk has a huge range of containers available, whether you need to buy one for future use or on-the-road contract work. our knowledge goes above and beyond the shipping culture, offering you sparkling new containers that give you peace of mind for all your shipping containers and storage needs.
Summary
Refrigerated shipping containers are, therefore, an inherent element of the global transportation of perishable goods. Understanding their specs is equally important to ensure that maximum protection is accorded to the cargo. Find time to go through Conrail.co.uk and take a look at our wide range of shipping containers for purchase or rent.