Can Refrigerated Containers Be Used For Transport?

Refrigerated containers are intermodal or shipping containers used in international or long haul freight transport. They have their own cooling systems, making them suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. Apart from storage, they can be used for transport, too. There are solutions that ensure constant cooling within the container to keep the contents fresh and prevent them from spoiling.

Also known as 'reefers', refrigerated containers usually have an integral refrigeration unit, but they need external power to run. Electrical power points are installed in the container ship, the quay, or a land-based site.  During road transport, a diesel-powered generator may also be used.  Most refrigerated containers rely on an integral refrigeration unit to control the temperature within, arranged in a manner that the container's external dimensions meet the ISO standards. However, an integral refrigeration unit may take up space, causing a loss of internal payload and volume. Keep that in mind when choosing the size of the container that has an integral refrigeration unit.

There are refrigerated containers that use a water cooling system especially when they are stored below deck, where ventilation is limited. Generated heat can be removed, but water cooling systems tend to be expensive. As a solution, new-generation vessels utilise ventilation to eliminate heat from the cargo holds.

The most common sizes of refrigerated containers are 20 feet and 40 feet long, and eight feet high. If you are looking for refrigerated containers to transport temperature-sensitive products, you need to make sure that it is CSC-plated. CSC-plated shipping containers are suitable for international shipping. They need to be certified as water and wind-tight, too. There are companies providing refrigerated shipping containers for hire and for sale, and they are available in different sizes that match your needs, budget, and the size of your cargo.