Refrigerated Shipping Containers: A Comprehensive Guide for County Durham Businesses
Acorn Containers provides both new and used 20ft and 40ft refrigerated shipping containers, commonly known as reefers. These specialised units offer essential temperature-controlled environments for the secure transport and storage of sensitive goods. Our extensive inventory of reefers available in County Durham and across the wider UK is regularly updated to effectively address the varied requirements of our business clients. Whether your operations necessitate a single unit for a specific project or a larger fleet for ongoing logistical needs, we offer robust solutions designed to safeguard your valuable temperature-sensitive cargo. Contact us directly today to discuss your precise requirements and ascertain current stock availability.
Our commitment involves supplying reliable, high-quality refrigerated containers across a diverse range of commercial sectors. This includes critical areas such as food processing, the pharmaceutical industry, and the transportation of other goods demanding stringent temperature regulation throughout their journey or storage period. We maintain stock of both newly manufactured and pre-owned models, enabling your business to identify the optimal balance between consistent performance, cost efficiency, and long-term durability. To obtain further detailed information regarding our current stock of cargo containers for sale and hire in County Durham, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
Our experienced team stands ready to address your questions comprehensively and provide expert guidance throughout the container selection process. You can easily reach us by telephoning 0330 027 1420 or by sending an email to
Detailed Specifications: 20ft Refrigerated Containers
The 20ft refrigerated container serves as a highly versatile unit, suitable for smaller volume temperature-controlled requirements or where site access is a consideration. Its compact external dimensions belie a significant internal capacity, capable of maintaining precise temperatures across a designated range. This size proves particularly effective for businesses managing smaller consignments of perishable items, pharmaceuticals, or other goods where maintaining a consistent cold chain is paramount. The robust construction ensures durability during transit and static storage, providing a reliable solution for critical temperature-sensitive applications. Consider the following key specifications which outline the typical capabilities of a standard 20ft reefer unit.
| 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 |
Do you require a container of this specific size? We offer a comprehensive range of 20ft containers available in County Durham, designed to accommodate various business requirements beyond just refrigeration. Our knowledgeable and experienced team possesses the expertise to assist you in accurately determining the optimal size and precise specifications necessary for effectively handling your particular cargo types and volumes. This ensures you select the most appropriate container solution for your operational needs.
Detailed Specifications: 40ft Refrigerated Containers
For businesses managing larger volumes of temperature-sensitive goods, the 40ft refrigerated container offers significantly increased capacity compared to its 20ft counterpart. These units are indispensable for supply chains requiring the transportation or storage of substantial quantities of perishable items, bulk pharmaceuticals, or other products demanding strict climate control. The extended length provides ample internal space, allowing for greater cargo density and efficiency in logistics. Despite the larger size, these containers maintain the same rigorous standards for temperature regulation and security, ensuring the integrity of your goods throughout their lifecycle. Review the following detailed specifications for a typical 40ft reefer unit to understand its capabilities.
| 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 requiring significantly larger cargo capacity, we encourage you to explore our extensive selection of 40ft containers available in County Durham. These larger containers provide substantial internal volume, effectively accommodating greater quantities of cargo while consistently maintaining the same high standards of precise temperature control and inherent security features. They represent an ideal solution for scaling operations that depend on reliable temperature-controlled logistics.
Key Features and Operational Benefits of Our Refrigerated Containers
Our refrigerated containers, or reefers, incorporate a range of essential features designed to ensure reliable performance and provide significant operational benefits for businesses dealing with temperature-sensitive goods. Understanding these key attributes helps in appreciating the value and capability these units bring to complex supply chains and critical storage requirements. The design and construction focus on durability, environmental protection, and maintaining precise internal conditions, all critical for preserving cargo integrity.
- Robust Structural Integrity: Our reefers are engineered and constructed to endure the demanding conditions associated with both international transportation and prolonged static storage. This inherent durability safeguards your valuable cargo effectively throughout its journey and during storage periods.
- Comprehensive Weather Protection: Featuring a fully wind and waterproof design, these containers provide an impermeable barrier. This critical protection shields your sensitive cargo completely from adverse external environmental elements, including rain, wind, and extreme humidity changes.
- Adherence to International Standards: Every container in our fleet meets stringent international shipping standards and regulations. This compliance ensures they are fully approved and suitable for safe, efficient, and compliant transport across global logistics networks.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Each unit is equipped with advanced, secure locking systems. These robust security features provide essential peace of mind, significantly mitigating risks associated with theft and preventing any form of unauthorised access to your valuable contents.
- Heavy-Duty Internal Flooring: The containers feature durable, heavy-duty flooring capable of supporting substantial loads. This robust internal surface withstands the weight of packed cargo and the stresses of frequent loading and unloading operations without compromise.
- Precise Temperature Regulation Capabilities: The integrated refrigeration units allow for maintaining optimal and highly precise temperature conditions within the container. This capability is vital for sensitive cargo, ensuring the preservation of quality, efficacy, and overall integrity from origin to destination or throughout storage.
While the specifications provided here offer a general overview, obtaining precise details tailored specifically to your individual business requirements is crucial. We strongly recommend contacting our expert team directly for this purpose. We also maintain stock of other container types, including flat-racks available in County Durham, along with HIAB delivery services in County Durham, and open top containers in County Durham to effectively cater to a diverse range of specialised cargo handling and logistical needs. Our solutions support various sectors including community sports clubs in County Durham, construction sites in County Durham, farming operations in County Durham, local councils in County Durham, educational centres of learning in County Durham, the NHS in County Durham, and self-storage businesses in County Durham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerated Containers
What is the primary function of a refrigerated shipping container?
A refrigerated shipping container, or reefer, serves to transport and store temperature-sensitive goods within a precisely controlled environment. They maintain consistent low or high temperatures to preserve the quality and integrity of perishable items, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other climate-dependent cargo.
What types of businesses typically use refrigerated containers?
Businesses across numerous sectors utilise reefers. This includes the food and beverage industry (fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen foods), pharmaceutical companies (medicines, vaccines), chemical manufacturers, florists, and logistics providers handling temperature-sensitive cargo.
Can I purchase both new and used refrigerated containers from Acorn Containers in County Durham?
Yes, Acorn Containers provides both new and used refrigerated shipping containers for sale and hire in County Durham. We maintain a diverse stock to meet varied budget and requirement needs while ensuring operational reliability.
What temperature range can a refrigerated container maintain?
The specific temperature range can vary depending on the unit and its refrigeration machinery. However, standard reefers are typically capable of maintaining temperatures from approximately +25°C down to -25°C, and some specialised units can reach even lower temperatures.
How are refrigerated containers powered?
Refrigerated containers require an external power source to operate their cooling units. During transport on a ship, they connect to the vessel's power supply. For road or rail transport, or for static storage, they require connection to a generator set (genset) or a suitable shore power connection.
Are refrigerated containers suitable for long-term storage?
Absolutely. Refrigerated containers provide an excellent solution for long-term, temperature-controlled storage. They offer a secure, weather-resistant, and climate-controlled environment ideal for storing goods that require specific temperature and humidity conditions over extended periods.
What is the difference between a standard dry container and a refrigerated container?
A standard dry container is designed for transporting general cargo that does not require temperature control. A refrigerated container, however, incorporates insulation and an integrated refrigeration unit to actively control and maintain internal temperatures, making it suitable for perishable and sensitive goods.
What sizes of refrigerated containers are available?
The most common sizes for refrigerated containers are 20ft and 40ft. These sizes offer different internal volumes to accommodate varying cargo quantities, providing flexibility for different logistical requirements.
How do I ensure the correct temperature is maintained during transit?
Refrigerated containers feature sophisticated control panels that allow setting and monitoring internal temperatures. Regular checks and ensuring a continuous power supply are crucial. Many modern units also have data logging capabilities to record temperature throughout the journey.
How can I get a quote for a refrigerated container in County Durham?
You can easily obtain a quote by contacting Acorn Containers directly via phone at 0330 027 1420, emailing