Refrigerated Containers Chorley: Essential Solutions for Temperature-Sensitive Goods
Acorn Containers provides new and used 20ft and 40ft refrigerated shipping containers, commonly known as reefers, to businesses across the UK, including those operating in Chorley. These specialised units ensure the safe transport and storage of goods requiring strict temperature control. Our extensive network allows us to efficiently supply reliable refrigerated container solutions tailored to specific business needs. For information on current stock availability relevant to your requirements, please contact us directly.
We maintain a broad inventory of both new and pre-owned refrigerated containers, offering consistent temperature management for various industries. Whether your business operates within the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, or any sector handling sensitive cargo, our reefers deliver the dependable performance required for product integrity. Explore our comprehensive range of reefers available in Chorley.
Our commitment focuses on providing high-quality container solutions. Secure and efficient transportation and storage are paramount, which is why we incorporate features such as robust locking mechanisms and heavy-duty flooring. These elements ensure your goods remain protected throughout their journey or storage period. For detailed technical specifications and features, review the sections below.
Understanding Refrigerated Shipping Containers
Refrigerated containers serve as mobile cold storage units, essential for maintaining precise temperatures during transit or for static storage. They feature an integrated refrigeration unit capable of controlling the internal environment within a specific range, typically from -25°C to +25°C, depending on the unit's specifications. This capability is critical for preserving perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive products, preventing spoilage or degradation.
Constructed with insulated walls, often using polyurethane foam, reefers minimise heat transfer between the interior and exterior environments. This insulation, combined with the powerful refrigeration machinery, maintains the desired temperature regardless of external conditions. The units connect to an external power source, such as a ship's power supply, a generator set (genset) during road or rail transport, or a standard electrical outlet when used for static storage. This constant power ensures uninterrupted temperature control, vital for the integrity of the cargo.
Businesses in Chorley utilising refrigerated containers benefit from their versatility. They provide a reliable solution for transporting goods globally via sea, road, or rail, and function effectively as temporary or long-term cold storage at various locations. Their robust construction, based on standard ISO shipping container designs, makes them durable and suitable for demanding logistics environments.
Selecting the Right Refrigerated Container
Choosing between new and used refrigerated containers depends on several factors, including budget, intended use duration, and specific temperature requirements. New reefers offer the latest technology, maximum energy efficiency, and a longer operational lifespan. They provide the highest level of reliability for critical cargo and long-term applications.
Used reefers present a more cost-effective option, suitable for businesses requiring temporary cold storage or less stringent transport conditions. While previously used, these containers undergo thorough inspection and maintenance to ensure they remain fully operational and capable of maintaining required temperatures. The condition of a used reefer varies, and understanding its history and maintenance record is important. Acorn Containers ensures all used reefers meet operational standards before supply.
The required size is another key consideration. The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft, each offering different internal volumes. The 20ft reefer provides a compact yet significant cold storage capacity, suitable for smaller consignments or sites with limited space. The 40ft reefer offers double the capacity, ideal for larger volumes of goods or businesses with extensive storage needs. Assessing the volume and type of goods requiring temperature control is crucial for selecting the appropriate container size.
20ft Refrigerated Container Specifications
The 20ft refrigerated container offers a balance of capacity and manoeuvrability, making it a popular choice for various applications. Its dimensions make it suitable for sites with limited space or for transporting moderate volumes of temperature-sensitive goods. Below are typical specifications:
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 |
Businesses in Chorley requiring this size can explore our selection of 20ft containers in Chorley to find the configuration best suited to their specific needs.
40ft Refrigerated Container Specifications
The 40ft refrigerated container provides double the internal volume of the 20ft unit, making it an excellent choice for businesses with significant cold storage or transportation requirements. These units are commonly used for larger shipments and offer substantial capacity for various temperature-sensitive goods. Below are typical specifications:
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 |
For businesses in Chorley with larger capacity needs, our range of 40ft refrigerated containers in Chorley provides an effective solution for managing significant volumes of temperature-controlled goods.
Key Features of Refrigerated Containers
Modern refrigerated containers incorporate several key features designed to ensure reliable performance and cargo protection. These features contribute to the effectiveness and security of temperature-controlled logistics and storage operations:
- Wind and Waterproof Construction: The container structure provides a completely sealed internal environment, protecting contents from external weather elements like rain, wind, and humidity.
- ISO Compliance: Full adherence to international shipping standards (ISO) ensures compatibility with global transportation networks, facilitating seamless shipping and handling across different modes of transport.
- Secure Locking Systems: Robust door locking mechanisms deter unauthorised access, maintaining the security and integrity of the cargo during transit and storage.
- Heavy-Duty Flooring: The internal flooring is engineered to withstand the weight and movement of heavy palletised loads, ensuring durability and safety during loading, unloading, and storage.
- Precise Temperature Control: The integrated refrigeration unit allows for setting and maintaining a specific temperature range, crucial for preserving the quality and safety of perishable and sensitive goods. Advanced units offer sophisticated temperature logging capabilities.
- Insulated Structure: Walls, roof, and floor feature high-quality insulation, significantly reducing thermal transfer and the energy required to maintain the internal temperature.
- Internal Lighting: Many units include internal lighting for improved visibility during loading and unloading operations.
- Alarm Systems: Some models feature alarms that activate if the internal temperature deviates from the set point, providing immediate notification of potential issues.
While specifications provide a general overview, specific features can vary between models and manufacturers. For precise details and tailored solutions, consulting with our team ensures you receive a container that perfectly matches your operational requirements.
Applications for Refrigerated Containers in Chorley
Businesses across various sectors in Chorley find refrigerated containers indispensable for their operations. Common applications include:
- Food Industry: Storing and transporting fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen foods, and other perishable food items, maintaining quality and safety from farm to table.
- Pharmaceuticals: Ensuring strict temperature control for transporting and storing vaccines, medications, and other sensitive pharmaceutical products requiring specific temperature ranges to remain effective.
- Chemicals: Transporting and storing certain chemicals that require controlled temperatures to prevent degradation or reaction.
- Events and Catering: Providing temporary cold storage for food and beverages at festivals, events, and catering operations.
- Retail: Offering additional cold storage capacity for supermarkets and food retailers, particularly during peak seasons or promotions.
- Horticulture: Storing and transporting plants, flowers, and other horticultural products requiring controlled temperatures.
- Laboratories: Providing temperature-controlled environments for storing samples, reagents, and sensitive equipment.
These versatile units offer flexible and reliable temperature-controlled solutions for a wide array of business needs in the Chorley area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerated Containers
What temperature range can a refrigerated container maintain?
Standard refrigerated containers typically maintain temperatures between -25°C and +25°C. The exact range can vary depending on the specific unit and manufacturer.
Do I need a special power supply for a reefer?
Yes, refrigerated containers require a consistent external power source, typically a 3-phase electrical connection (380V/440V). During transport, a diesel generator set (genset) provides power.
Are refrigerated containers suitable for both transport and static storage?
Absolutely. Their design makes them ideal for international shipping and domestic transport, and they function equally well as static cold storage units when connected to a suitable power supply.
Are used refrigerated containers reliable?
When sourced from a reputable supplier like Acorn Containers, used reefers undergo thorough inspection and testing to ensure they are fully operational and capable of maintaining required temperatures. They offer a cost-effective solution for many applications.
How quickly can a reefer cool down to the required temperature?
The time taken to reach the set temperature depends on factors such as the initial temperature, the ambient temperature, and the specific refrigeration unit. Modern units are designed for efficient cooling.
What is the difference between a standard dry container and a reefer?
A standard dry container is simply a sealed box for transporting general cargo and does not have temperature control. A reefer is insulated and equipped with a refrigeration unit to maintain a specific temperature for sensitive goods.