Refrigerated Containers for Business in Bury
Acorn Containers specialises in supplying both new and used 20ft and 40ft refrigerated shipping containers, commonly known as reefers. Businesses in Bury rely on these units for the critical transportation and precise storage of temperature-sensitive goods. Our extensive UK network ensures consistent stock updates, allowing us to meet the diverse and specific requirements of our customers efficiently. For immediate information on current availability tailored to your Bury operation, we recommend you contact us directly.
We offer reefer containers in both new and pre-owned conditions. Each container guarantees reliable performance and maintains precise temperature control, essential for sectors handling sensitive cargo. This includes vital industries like food and pharmaceuticals. Whether your Bury business requires the specific dimensions of a 20ft refrigerated container or the increased capacity of a 40ft refrigerated container, we provide suitable options. Beyond reefers, Acorn Containers supports Bury businesses with a comprehensive range of container solutions, including general purpose cargo containers and flat rack containers, available for both sale and hire.
To discuss how our refrigerated container solutions can benefit your Bury-based operations or to request detailed specifications, please contact our experienced team. Call us on 0330 027 1420 or send an email to
Understanding Refrigerated Containers
Refrigerated containers represent a vital component of global cold chain logistics. Their primary function is to maintain a consistent, controlled internal temperature, irrespective of external conditions. This capability protects perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive cargo from spoilage or degradation during transit and storage. Reefers employ a sophisticated refrigeration unit capable of cooling the container's interior to precise temperatures, often ranging from -25°C to +25°C or even lower with specialised units. This precise temperature management is achieved through insulated walls, floor, and roof panels, minimising thermal transfer. The refrigeration unit circulates chilled air throughout the container, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and preventing 'hot spots' that could compromise cargo integrity. Power is supplied via external sources, such as a ship's power grid, a terminal's power supply, or a portable generator set (genset) during road or rail transport. This continuous power supply is critical for maintaining the required temperature throughout the journey or storage period.
The design of refrigerated containers incorporates advanced technology to monitor and regulate internal conditions. Modern reefers often feature digital temperature displays, data loggers, and communication systems. These features allow for real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and ventilation settings. Data logging provides a historical record of conditions throughout transit, essential for quality control and compliance purposes. Communication systems enable remote monitoring and adjustment of settings, providing operators with greater control over the cargo environment. Proper ventilation is another key aspect, particularly for certain types of cargo that respire, like fruits and vegetables. Reefers can be configured to provide fresh air exchange, removing heat, moisture, and gases produced by the cargo, thereby extending shelf life. The flooring design, often a T-bar profile, facilitates air circulation beneath the cargo, ensuring cold air reaches all parts of the load. This comprehensive approach to environmental control makes refrigerated containers indispensable for businesses dealing with perishable goods, safeguarding product quality and reducing waste.
20ft Refrigerated Container Specifications
The 20ft refrigerated container provides a versatile solution for transporting or storing temperature-sensitive cargo. Its compact size makes it suitable for locations with limited space, while still offering significant internal volume and payload capacity. Understanding the specific dimensions and capabilities of a 20ft reefer is crucial for optimising logistics and ensuring cargo fits correctly. Below are the typical specifications for a standard 20ft refrigerated container:
| Description | Imperial Measurements | Metric Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Payload | 62,391 lb | 28,300 kg |
| External Dimensions (LxWxH) | 20' x 8' x 8'6" | 6.096 x 2.438 x 2.591 m |
| Internal Volume | 1,165 cubic feet | 33 m3 |
| Door Opening Width | 7' 8 1/16" | 2.350 m |
| Door Opening Height | 7' 5 1/2" | 2.274 m |
| Internal Length | 19' 4 1/8" | 5.896 m |
| Internal Width | 7' 8 1/2" | 2.350 m |
| Internal Height (to load line) | 7' 10 7/32" | 2.393 m |
| Gross Weight | 67,197 lb | 30,480 kg |
These specifications provide a general outline. Actual dimensions and capacities may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and specific container model. Always verify the precise specifications of the container you intend to use to ensure it meets your operational requirements.
40ft Refrigerated Container Specifications
For businesses with larger volumes of temperature-sensitive goods, the 40ft refrigerated container offers double the capacity of the 20ft unit. This size is a standard in international shipping and provides significant storage space. Understanding the dimensions and capabilities of a 40ft reefer is essential for planning larger shipments and storage solutions. Here are the typical specifications for a standard 40ft refrigerated container:
| Description | Imperial Measurements | Metric Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Payload | 63,640 lb | 28,870 kg |
| External Dimensions (LxWxH) | 40' x 8' x 8'6" | 12.192 x 2.438 x 2.591 m |
| Internal Volume | 2,366 cubic feet | 67 m3 |
| Door Opening Width | 7' 8 1/8" | 2.340 m |
| Door Opening Height | 7' 5 1/2" | 2.274 m |
| Internal Length | 39' 5 11/16" | 12.032 m |
| Internal Width | 7' 8 1/2" | 2.350 m |
| Internal Height (to load line) | 7' 10 7/32" | 2.393 m |
| Gross Weight | 71,650 lb | 32,500 kg |
| Tare Weight | 8,010 lb | 3,630 kg |
As with 20ft units, these specifications represent typical values. Variations can occur based on the manufacturer and specific model. Always confirm the exact specifications for your chosen container to ensure it fully meets your volume and weight requirements.
Key Features of Our Refrigerated Containers
Our refrigerated containers are engineered with a suite of essential features specifically designed to ensure the safe and efficient handling of your temperature-sensitive goods. These features contribute significantly to maintaining the cold chain and protecting your valuable cargo:
- Robust Construction: Built using high-strength steel, our containers are inherently wind and waterproof. This foundational robustness provides unparalleled protection for the temperature-controlled environment within, crucial for insulating against external temperature fluctuations and protecting cargo from the elements during transit and storage.
- International Standards Compliance: Every container we supply adheres strictly to relevant international shipping standards, including ISO regulations. This compliance is fundamental for facilitating smooth, compliant, and efficient transportation across international borders, minimising logistical complications and potential delays.
- Enhanced Security Systems: Integrated secure locking mechanisms are a standard feature. These systems are designed to protect your valuable goods from unauthorised access, theft, or damage, providing essential peace of mind during transit and when the container is static.
- Durable Flooring: The interior features heavy-duty flooring, typically constructed from aluminium T-bar profiles. This design supports substantial loads and withstands the rigours of frequent loading and unloading operations. The T-bar profile also facilitates optimal cold air circulation beneath the cargo, ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout the container and protecting goods from potential floor-level temperature variations.
- Precise Temperature Control: The core functionality of our reefers lies in their advanced refrigeration units. These units deliver consistent, reliable, and precise temperature-controlled environments. They maintain temperatures within narrow tolerances, safeguarding the quality and integrity of temperature-sensitive goods, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, throughout their journey or storage period, significantly minimising spoilage and waste.
- Advanced Refrigeration Units: We equip our reefers with advanced refrigeration units from leading manufacturers. These units offer variable temperature settings, rapid cool-down capabilities, and energy efficiency. They are designed for reliability and performance in diverse environmental conditions.
- Ventilation Control: For specific cargo types, such as certain fruits and vegetables, controlled ventilation is essential. Our reefers offer adjustable ventilation settings to manage air exchange, helping to remove heat, moisture, and gases produced by the cargo, thereby preserving freshness and extending shelf life.
- Data Logging and Monitoring: Modern reefer units incorporate data logging systems. These systems record temperature, humidity, and operational parameters throughout the transit. This provides a verifiable history of the container's environmental conditions, crucial for quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and troubleshooting. Some units also offer remote monitoring capabilities.
The specifications and features outlined above provide a comprehensive overview. For precise details relating to a specific container unit available in the Bury area or for tailored assistance, please contact us directly. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and assist you in selecting the most appropriate refrigerated container solution for your specific requirements. Our team possesses significant expertise in refrigerated shipping and cold chain logistics, enabling us to offer expert advice specifically relevant to your business needs in Bury.
Beyond refrigerated units, Acorn Containers offers a full spectrum of container services in Bury, including standard cargo containers, flat racks, and specialised open top containers. We also provide HIAB delivery services for convenient placement. Our containers serve diverse sectors in Bury, from community and sports clubs to construction sites, farming operations, local councils, educational centres, NHS facilities, and self-storage businesses. Explore our specific offerings for Reefers in Bury for more localised information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerated Containers
What is a refrigerated container?
A refrigerated container, or reefer, is an insulated shipping container equipped with a refrigeration unit. It maintains a consistent internal temperature for transporting and storing temperature-sensitive goods.
What temperatures can a reefer container maintain?
Standard reefer containers can typically maintain temperatures ranging from approximately -25°C to +25°C. Specialised units can achieve lower temperatures.
What types of goods require refrigerated containers?
Reefer containers are essential for transporting and storing perishable goods. This includes food products (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood), pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other cargo sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Do refrigerated containers require an external power source?
Yes, refrigerated containers require a continuous external power supply to operate their refrigeration unit. This can be provided by a ship, a terminal's power grid, or a portable generator set (genset).
Are reefer containers insulated?
Yes, reefer containers feature heavily insulated walls, roof, and floor to minimise thermal transfer and maintain the set internal temperature efficiently.
Can I hire or buy a refrigerated container from Acorn Containers in Bury?
Yes, Acorn Containers offers both new and used refrigerated containers for sale and hire to businesses located in Bury and across the UK.
How do I determine the correct size refrigerated container for my needs?
The correct size depends on the volume and weight of the goods you need to transport or store. The 20ft reefer is suitable for smaller volumes, while the 40ft reefer offers significantly more capacity. Our team can help you assess your requirements.
What is the typical lifespan of a refrigerated container?
With proper maintenance, refrigerated containers have a long service life, often exceeding 15-20 years, particularly for the container structure itself. The refrigeration unit may require servicing or replacement over time.
Are your refrigerated containers compliant with international shipping standards?
Yes, all refrigerated containers supplied by Acorn Containers comply with relevant international shipping standards, ensuring they are suitable for global transport.
How does air circulate within a reefer container?
Reefer containers typically use a T-bar floor system that allows chilled air, blown from the refrigeration unit, to circulate beneath the cargo and rise through the load, ensuring uniform temperature distribution.