Refrigerated Shipping Containers: Your Guide to Reefers in Gloucestershire
Acorn Containers specialises in supplying new and used 20ft and 40ft refrigerated shipping containers, commonly known as reefers, specifically for the transport and storage of temperature-sensitive goods. Our extensive operational network across the UK ensures we continuously refresh our stock to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our clientele. For the most current and accurate availability of refrigerated containers within the Gloucestershire area, we strongly recommend contacting us directly. This ensures you receive the most precise information regarding our current inventory and delivery capabilities in your specific location.
Whether your operational requirements necessitate a new or pre-owned reefer unit, we consistently provide equipment offering reliable performance and precise temperature control. Our solutions cater to a broad spectrum of industries, including but not limited to food processing and distribution, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, and other sectors handling cargo sensitive to environmental conditions. Our unwavering commitment to quality and rigorous pre-delivery inspections means you can place absolute trust in our refrigerated containers to effectively protect your valuable goods throughout their transit and storage phases. You can learn more about the specific refrigerated containers we have available for the Gloucestershire region by visiting the dedicated section of our website.
To facilitate a detailed discussion regarding your specific operational requirements, cargo types, and necessary temperature parameters, or to request comprehensive technical information, we encourage you to contact our expert team. You can reach us by telephone on 0330 027 1420 or by email at
Understanding Refrigerated Containers: Specifications
Selecting the appropriate refrigerated container necessitates a thorough understanding of its specifications. These dimensions and capacities are critical for planning logistics, ensuring compliance with transport regulations, and optimising cargo loading. Below, we detail the standard specifications for both 20ft and 40ft refrigerated units commonly available through Acorn Containers. Please note that minor variations can occur depending on the specific manufacturer and model year.
20ft Refrigerated Container 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 |
40ft Refrigerated Container 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 |
The specifications tabulated above provide a valuable general reference. For precise technical details relevant to your specific application and to ensure the container meets your exact requirements, please contact our team directly. We can provide detailed specifications for individual units within our current stock holding in Gloucestershire.
Key Features and Operational Benefits of Acorn Refrigerated Containers
Our selection of refrigerated containers is engineered and constructed to reliably withstand the demanding conditions inherent in international shipping and long-term storage. They incorporate features designed to ensure the integrity of your temperature-sensitive goods. Key features and the resulting operational benefits for businesses in Gloucestershire include:
- Robust Construction: Our containers feature wind and waterproof construction, utilising high-grade steel cladding and robust sealing mechanisms. This inherent durability ensures the protection of contents from external environmental factors, maintaining optimal internal conditions regardless of external weather.
- International Standards Compliance: All units comply with stringent international shipping standards, including ISO regulations. This compliance is fundamental for facilitating seamless transport across national borders and ensuring adherence to global logistics protocols. This is particularly important for businesses in Gloucestershire involved in importing or exporting temperature-controlled goods.
- Superior Security Features: Each refrigerated container is equipped with secure locking systems. These include robust locking bars and often provisions for additional high-security padlocks. This enhances the protection of your valuable cargo against unauthorised access, theft, or potential damage during transit or storage. Explore our range of cargo containers for sale or hire in Gloucestershire, many of which feature enhanced security options.
- Heavy-Duty T-Bar Flooring: The internal flooring features a T-bar aluminium profile. This design provides exceptional strength and rigidity, specifically engineered to support heavy loads, facilitate air circulation beneath palletised goods, and provide a stable, non-slip base for forklift operations during loading and unloading.
- Precise Temperature Control Systems: The core functionality of a reefer lies in its advanced refrigeration unit. These systems offer precise digital temperature control, typically maintaining temperatures within a range of +25°C down to -25°C, and in some specialised units, even lower. This capability ensures the preservation of product integrity and quality for highly sensitive cargo, preventing spoilage or degradation. We offer a range of sizes to suit your specific volume needs, including 20ft containers in Gloucestershire and 40ft containers in Gloucestershire, both available with temperature control capabilities.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern reefer units are designed for energy efficiency, utilising advanced compressor technology and high-quality insulation materials. This minimises power consumption while maintaining stable temperatures, contributing to lower operating costs for your business.
- Alarm Systems and Data Logging: Many units are equipped with integrated alarm systems that alert operators to potential temperature deviations. Data logging capabilities provide a continuous record of internal temperature, offering crucial documentation for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
- Flexible Applications: While primarily used for shipping, refrigerated containers serve numerous static storage applications in Gloucestershire. Businesses use them for temporary or long-term cold storage, extending capacity for seasonal peaks, managing inventory, or providing temperature-controlled environments on-site for events or projects. They offer a highly versatile solution compared to constructing permanent cold storage facilities.
- Reliable Power Requirements: Refrigerated containers require a reliable power source, typically a 3-phase electrical connection. Acorn Containers can provide guidance on the power requirements for specific units, ensuring you have the necessary infrastructure in place for seamless operation in your Gloucestershire location.
- Availability in Gloucestershire: Our strong presence and logistics network in the Gloucestershire area mean we can facilitate prompt delivery and positioning of refrigerated containers to your required site, whether for short-term hire or long-term purchase. We also offer delivery services, including HIAB delivery in Gloucestershire for precise placement.
Beyond refrigerated units, Acorn Containers offers a variety of other container types to meet diverse business needs in Gloucestershire, such as flat-racks for oversized cargo and open-top containers. We serve a wide range of sectors, providing container solutions for community sports clubs, construction sites, farming operations, local councils, educational institutions, NHS facilities, and self-storage businesses across the county.
Investing in Refrigerated Container Solutions for Your Business in Gloucestershire
Acquiring or hiring a refrigerated container represents a strategic investment for businesses in Gloucestershire dealing with temperature-sensitive products. These units provide a mobile, secure, and reliable method for maintaining specific environmental conditions, essential for preserving the quality, safety, and efficacy of your goods. Whether you require a unit for international shipping, temporary cold storage during peak season, or a permanent cold storage solution on your premises, a reefer offers significant operational flexibility.
Choosing Acorn Containers means partnering with a supplier committed to providing high-quality, well-maintained units and expert support. Our team possesses extensive knowledge of container specifications, operational requirements, and logistics, particularly within the Gloucestershire area. We assist you in selecting the most appropriate container size and type for your specific application, ensuring it meets both your operational needs and budgetary considerations. We also offer advice on power connections and site preparation.
We maintain a dynamic inventory of both new and used refrigerated containers. New containers offer the latest technology and maximum lifespan, ideal for long-term investment and critical applications. Used containers provide a cost-effective alternative, rigorously inspected and refurbished to ensure reliable performance and temperature control, suitable for various storage and less demanding transport needs. The availability of both options allows us to cater to a wide range of business requirements and investment levels in Gloucestershire.
Acorn Containers stands ready to support your business in Gloucestershire with reliable refrigerated container solutions. We provide detailed quotations, arrange efficient delivery to your specified location, and offer ongoing support to ensure your unit operates effectively. Trust us to provide the temperature-controlled environment your valuable cargo demands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerated Containers in Gloucestershire
What is a refrigerated shipping container used for?
Refrigerated shipping containers, or reefers, are primarily used for transporting and storing goods that require precise temperature control. This includes perishable food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy, as well as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other sensitive cargo that must be kept within a specific temperature range to maintain quality and safety.
What temperature range can a reefer container maintain?
Standard reefer containers can typically maintain temperatures ranging from approximately +25°C down to -25°C. Some specialised units can achieve even lower temperatures for deep-frozen goods. The precise range can vary depending on the unit's make, model, and power supply.
Do you supply both new and used refrigerated containers in Gloucestershire?
Yes, Acorn Containers supplies both new and used refrigerated shipping containers for sale and hire in Gloucestershire. New containers offer the latest technology and longest lifespan, while used units provide a cost-effective solution with reliable performance, all thoroughly inspected before delivery.
What sizes of refrigerated containers are available?
The most common sizes for refrigerated containers are 20ft and 40ft. These sizes offer versatility for different cargo volumes and are standard within the international shipping industry. Acorn Containers typically stocks both 20ft reefers and 40ft reefers in Gloucestershire.
What power source do refrigerated containers require?
Refrigerated containers require a stable and reliable power source to operate their cooling units. This is typically a 3-phase electrical connection (e.g., 440V/32A). When hiring or purchasing, ensure your site in Gloucestershire has access to the correct power supply or discuss alternative power options, such as generators, with our team.
Can refrigerated containers be used for static storage on land?
Absolutely. While designed for maritime transport, refrigerated containers are frequently used for static, on-site cold storage. They provide a flexible and readily deployable solution for businesses needing temporary or permanent temperature-controlled storage without the need for constructing a traditional cold storage facility. This is a popular use for businesses in sectors like food service, farming, and events in Gloucestershire.
How are refrigerated containers delivered in Gloucestershire?
Acorn Containers arranges delivery of refrigerated containers to your specified location in Gloucestershire. Delivery is typically carried out using specialist vehicles, often with HIAB cranes, which allow for precise placement of the container on your site. We coordinate delivery logistics to ensure a smooth process.
Are the specifications listed exactly the same for every container?
The specifications provided serve as general guides based on standard container types. Minor variations can exist between different manufacturers, specific models, and the age of used containers. For precise specifications of a particular unit currently in stock in Gloucestershire, please contact Acorn Containers directly.