buy refrigerated shipping containers: Essential Features an price

Refrigerated shipping containers operate at remarkable temperature ranges from -65°F to 104°F. These versatile solutions excel at cold storage and transportation needs. Businesses that transport or store temperature-sensitive goods need the right cold storage solution. “Reefers,” as these specialized containers are known, deliver reliable temperature control. Their capabilities span from deep freezing at -76°F to moderate heating at 30°F.

Secondly, The search for refrigerated containers involves several vital features. Each component from insulation type to power compatibility helps maintain your target temperature. Many refrigerated storage containers feature water cooling systems for below-deck storage. Others use cryogenic systems that maintain temperatures up to 30 days during sea transport. 

The quality refrigerated shipping containers available today come with extensive warranty coverage – 5 years on machinery and 10 years on the shell. This detailed piece walks you through the essentials you need to know before buying refrigerated shipping containers at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ with free shipping.

How Refrigerated Shipping Containers Work

Firstly, The engineering behind refrigerated shipping containers uses advanced technology to keep temperature-sensitive cargo at exact temperatures. These specialized containers have a complex cooling system that runs non-stop to keep your goods in perfect condition.

Cooling system with integrated compressor and evaporator

Secondly, Refrigerated shipping containers use a continuous refrigeration cycle for cooling. The compressor acts as the core of the refrigeration unit. It compresses refrigerant gas into a high-pressure liquid to start the cooling process.

In addition, The compressed refrigerant flows to the condenser where it cools and becomes liquid. The liquid refrigerant then moves to the evaporator inside the container. The refrigerant expands and turns to vapor here, which pulls heat from inside the container to create a cooling effect.

The heated gas goes back to the condenser where it cools into liquid form and starts the cycle again. This ongoing process keeps the container’s interior at the right temperature.

Also, These containers use a bottom-air delivery system that distributes cold air evenly. Cold air flows along the container floor and rises upward to create uniform temperatures throughout the space—this protects sensitive cargo.

Power sources: shore power, gensets, and battery backup

These containers need reliable power to run without interruption. They typically use three main power sources:

1. Shore Power: Containers at ports, warehouses, or storage facilities connect directly to the main electrical grid. Modern ships and ports have special reefer points that can power many refrigerated units.
2. Generator Sets (Gensets): Diesel-powered generator sets provide power during transport when external power isn’t available. These compact units plug into the container’s electrical input and turn on automatically when shore power stops. Most gensets can run for up to 100 hours before needing more fuel, which makes them perfect for long trips through areas with limited infrastructure.
3. Battery Backups: Critical cargo needs constant temperature control, so battery backup systems provide power during unexpected outages. New technology like Thermo King’s E-COOLPAC electric battery genset allows diesel-free transport into zero-emission zones and quiet urban areas.

Some containers have automatic power switches that change between power sources as needed, along with monitoring systems that warn operators about any issues.

Temperature range: -65°F to 104°F

Thirdly, These containers offer amazing temperature control flexibility. Standard reefer containers keep temperatures between -30°C to +30°C (-22°F to +86°F). They can handle everything from frozen goods to temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Super freezer containers can reach temperatures as low as -60°C (-76°F) for ultra-cold storage needs. Advanced models can even hit an impressive -70°C (-94°F). This extreme cold makes them ideal for sensitive medical supplies, certain pharmaceuticals, and special research materials.

The containers have sophisticated control systems that let operators adjust temperature, humidity, and ventilation with great accuracy. Advanced models offer live tracking and remote monitoring to show cargo conditions throughout the entire trip.

FTshippingcontainers.com sells refrigerated shipping containers with these advanced features. They offer free shipping and help you find the right container that meets your temperature control needs.

8 Essential Features to Look for Before You Buy

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Buying the right refrigerated shipping container means looking at several key features that affect performance, efficiency, and cargo protection. Before you buy refrigerated shipping containers from ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping, take time to review these eight essential elements. This will help ensure your investment matches your needs perfectly.

1. Temperature Range and Control Precision

The container’s temperature capabilities should be your first priority. Standard refrigerated shipping containers keep temperatures between -30°C and +30°C (-22°F to +86°F). Super freezer containers can reach temperatures as cold as -70°C (-94°F) for specialized cargo. The control precision is just as crucial—look for units that come with microprocessor controllers. These track and monitor supply air, return air temperature, defrost activity, and power cycles. Your controllers should let you make precise temperature adjustments, down to 0.1°C increments.

2. Insulation Type: Polyurethane vs Polystyrene

Temperature stability and energy efficiency depend heavily on insulation quality. Most refrigerated shipping containers use either:

• Polyurethane foam – This material gives better thermal resistance, structural strength, and flexibility. The foam weighs less, lasts longer, and insulates better with thickness from 60mm to 100mm.
• Polystyrene panels – These cost less and install easier but don’t work as well. The panels might not insulate properly for extreme temperature needs.

Polyurethane insulation works best for long-distance shipping and valuable cargo. Polystyrene might work fine for shorter trips or items that aren’t as temperature-sensitive.

3. Power Compatibility: 220V Single Phase vs 480V Three Phase

Refrigerated shipping containers usually run on 460/480 volts, 3-phase power at 50 or 60Hz. You’ll need a transformer to step up the voltage if your facility uses 208V/230V single-phase power. The units need at least a 30-amp circuit breaker for 460V systems, while 208/230V systems require minimum 50-amp circuit breakers. Your site’s voltage needs checking before buying from ftshippingcontainers.com. Getting this wrong could damage your equipment and reduce its lifespan.

4. Floor Type: T-bar vs Flat Aluminum

The floor design plays a big role in airflow and cargo protection. T-bar floors let cold air flow freely beneath cargo. These work great for iced loads like meat and produce since meltwater can reach drain holes easily. Flat aluminum floors weigh about 500 pounds more but clean up faster and need less maintenance. Grocery warehouses often use them to move dry chill or frozen items. These floors last longer despite weighing more.

5. Door Seals and Locking Mechanism

Finally, Door seals create a weatherproof barrier between the container door and frame. This keeps water, dust, and air out. The seals must handle extreme temperatures while staying airtight. The lock needs to hold the door firmly without hurting the seal and apply even pressure to prevent gaps. Look for EPDM rubber seals that resist weather, UV rays, and extreme temperatures.

6. Remote Monitoring and GSM Integration

Today’s refrigerated shipping containers come with advanced monitoring systems that show your shipment’s location, temperature, and overall status in real time. GSM integration lets you check data logs remotely and watch for problems 24/7. Premium monitoring packages from ftshippingcontainers.com can include detailed container logs with humidity readings, ambient temperature data, GPS tracking, and unlimited data downloads to analyze everything.

7. Redundant Cooling Systems for Critical Cargo

High-value or hazardous cargo needs backup protection through redundant cooling systems. These containers have two separate refrigeration units. The dedicated controller triggers an alarm and switches to the backup unit if one fails. This backup system helps most when shipping pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive items. Some systems switch between primary and backup units to balance run-time and test themselves regularly.

8. ISO Certification and CSC Plate Validity

The container’s certification matters a lot. The CSC plate (Convention for Safe Containers) shows that it meets international safety standards. You’ll find important details on this plate including manufacturing date, maximum operating gross mass, allowable stacking weight, and inspection dates. The CSC plate needs checking—containers usually need inspection every 30 months unless they’re part of an Approved Continuous Examination Program (ACEP). Refrigerated containers should also have ISO certification that proves they meet refrigeration standards.

Types and Sizes of Refrigerated Containers for Sale from ftshippingcontainers.com

With ftshippingcontainers.com knows that choosing the right refrigerated shipping container size and type will give a business the best storage capacity, streamlined processes, and temperature control. You’ll find many options that match your specific cold chain needs.

20ft vs 40ft: Capacity and Use Case Comparison

Your choice between 20ft and 40ft refrigerated containers depends on how much cargo you need to move and where you plan to use it. The 20ft refrigerated container’s internal space measures 17’8″ length × 7’5″ width × 7’5″ height, which gives you about 1,000 cubic feet of storage space. This smaller unit holds up to 20 standard pallets or about 9-11 tons of refrigerated cargo.

The 40ft refrigerated container doubles the internal length to about 37’6″, with the same width and height, which creates approximately 2,390 cubic feet of storage capacity. You can fit up to 44 standard pallets or 25-26 tons of refrigerated goods in this larger unit.

Also, The 20ft units work best when you need:

• Limited space at delivery locations
• Regular transport of partial loads
• Shipping of heavy products with smaller volumes
• Different temperature zones for various products

The 40ft containers make more financial sense for:

• Large shipments of similar products
• Storage over extended periods
• Products that take up more space but weigh less
• Full loads that reduce overall shipping costs

Both sizes offer the same temperature control capabilities – the main difference lies in their capacity rather than cooling performance.

High Cube vs Standard Height

Standard refrigerated containers have an internal height of about 7’5″ (2.26m). High cube versions add another foot to reach 8’5″ (2.56m) inside. This extra space increases storage volume by 13% without changing the container’s footprint.

High cube refrigerated containers offer several benefits:

• Taller palletized goods fit without stacking
• Better temperature control through improved air flow above cargo
• Space for cargo tracking systems without losing storage area
• More options for specialized racks or hanging systems

These high cube containers keep the same external width and length as standard ones, so they work with existing transport systems. More companies choose them now, especially for high-value items like pharmaceuticals and fresh produce that need better air circulation.

Super Freezer Containers: -76°F Capabilities

Lastly, Super freezer refrigerated containers represent the latest in cold chain technology for cargo that needs ultra-low temperatures. While regular reefers usually go down to -20°F (-29°C), super freezers can reach and maintain temperatures as low as -76°F (-60°C).

These advanced units come with special features:

• Extra-thick reinforced polyurethane insulation
• Multi-stage compressor systems with cascade cooling technology
• Better backup power options for temperature-sensitive cargo
• Special gaskets and seals for extreme temperature differences

Super freezer containers are perfect for:

• Moving and storing valuable pharmaceuticals and vaccines
• Keeping biological samples and research materials fresh
• Specialized food products that need deep freezing
• Chemical compounds that must stay extremely cold

ftshippingcontainers.com also helps customize refrigerated containers with special voltage setups, custom shelving, and modified door locations that work for your specific needs. They include free shipping with all refrigerated containers, which makes it easier for businesses to get the temperature-controlled storage and transport solutions they need.

New, Used, or Refurbished: Which One Should You Buy from ftshippingcontainers.com

The choice between new, used, or refurbished refrigerated shipping containers depends on your budget, how you’ll use it, and how long you need it to last. Your choice will affect both your original investment and running costs when you buy refrigerated shipping containers at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ with free shipping.

New ‘One Trip’ Containers: Pros and Cons

New “one trip” refrigerated containers are in perfect condition with barely any wear. These units have only traveled once from where they were made to where they’re sold. Here’s what makes them great:

• Maximum lifespan – These containers usually last 10-15 years
• Full warranty coverage – You get detailed protection against factory defects
• Latest technology – Modern cooling systems that work better
• Pristine appearance – Perfect if customers will see them

But all these perks come with a higher price tag – about 40-60% more than used models. Companies with enough money and long-term cold storage needs often find this investment worth it. They spend less on maintenance and the containers last longer.

Used Refrigerated Shipping Containers for Sale: What to Check

Fourthly, Used refrigerated containers are budget-friendly and still reliable for many uses. Here’s what you should look at when checking out used containers:

• Refrigeration unit run hours – Like a car’s mileage, lower is better
• Door seal integrity – Look for damage that might let cold air escape
• Internal temperature tracking – Try to get past temperature records
• Power consumption records – Units using more power might have problems

Used containers between 5-10 years old are your best bet. They cost much less but still have plenty of life left with good maintenance. These containers are great for short projects or tight budgets.

Refurbished Units: Paint, Primer, and Component Testing

Thirdly, Refurbished refrigerated shipping containers get a complete makeover to work longer. A good refurbished unit should have:

• Fresh exterior with marine-grade primer and paint
• New gaskets, seals, and door hardware
• Fully serviced or replaced cooling system parts
• Pressure tests to make sure everything’s sealed tight

The makeover usually adds 3-7 years of service life. These units hit the sweet spot between new and used in both price and how long they last. They’re perfect for businesses that want reliable cold storage without paying top dollar.

Think about how long you’ll use it, how steady you need the temperature to be, and how it should look. Then head to ftshippingcontainers.com, where shipping is free whatever condition you choose.

How to Choose the Right Container for Your Needs from ftshippingcontainers.com

The right refrigerated shipping container depends on your specific operational needs. Your selection should match your cargo requirements, usage patterns, and any special customization you might need.

Pricing Breakdown and What Affects the Cost from ftshippingcontainers.com

Buying refrigerated shipping containers is one of the most important financial decisions that needs proper planning. Companies need to understand costs and pricing factors to make smart buying choices that line up with their needs and budget.

Base Price by Size and Condition

Size and condition are the foundations of refrigerated container pricing. New 20ft refrigerated shipping containers cost between $12,000-$18,000. The 40ft units cost from $18,000-$25,000 based on features and specs. High cube versions usually cost 10-15% more than standard height containers because they offer more space.

The age and condition of containers create big price differences:

• New “one-trip” refrigerated containers cost more but last longer
• Units 5-10 years old with well-kept cooling systems come at mid-range prices
• Containers over 10 years old are budget-friendly options

The outside look, inside cleanliness, and service records also affect the base price when you buy refrigerated shipping containers at https://ftshippingcontainers.com/ with free shipping.

Add-ons: Monitoring, Redundancy, Customization

Extra features add to the base price. Remote monitoring systems add $800-$2,500 depending on what they can do – from simple temperature tracking to advanced GPS monitoring with instant alerts. Backup cooling systems cost 30-40% more but are vital protection against breakdowns.

Custom changes affect the price too:

• Side doors cost about $1,500-$2,500
• Personnel doors run between $800-$1,200
• Custom shelving costs $500-$3,000 depending on materials and setup
• Interior lighting packages run $300-$800

Yes, it is true that each custom feature serves specific needs but adds to the total cost.

Free Shipping from ftshippingcontainers.com

Many sellers add big delivery fees to their listed prices. But ftshippingcontainers.com ships free to anywhere in the continental United States. This saves $1,500-$3,000 in hidden transport costs that depend on where you need delivery.

New buyers will find this clear pricing helpful to plan their budget. They’ll know exactly how much they need to invest in refrigerated containers. The free shipping works whatever container size or custom options you choose.

conclusion

This piece covers everything in refrigerated shipping containers – powerful climate-controlled units that keep precise temperatures between -65°F and 104°F. These versatile “reefers” serve as vital links in the cold chain for businesses that transport temperature-sensitive goods worldwide.

Buyers can learn about sophisticated cooling systems that power these containers. The container’s reliable function depends on power compatibility with shore power, gensets, or backup batteries.

Eight key features matter in choosing a refrigerated container. Temperature control precision, insulation quality, power compatibility, floor design, door seals, monitoring capabilities, redundant cooling systems, and proper certification all affect performance and longevity.

Your cargo needs and operational limits will determine the size and type decision – 20ft or 40ft, standard or high cube, regular or super freezer. The choice between new, used, or refurbished containers helps balance upfront costs against long-term value.

Three core factors should guide your selection: cargo temperature needs, usage patterns, and customization requirements. A careful review of these elements will give a container that performs best for your specific needs.

Refrigerated containers protect valuable cargo and serve as long-term assets, despite their substantial upfront cost. Size and condition determine the base price, while customizations and monitoring systems add to your investment.

Ready to buy refrigerated shipping containers? Ftshippingcontainers.com offers various models with free shipping across the continental United States. Their transparent pricing removes surprise delivery costs and simplifies budgeting. The right refrigerated container creates an efficient, reliable solution for cold chain logistics by matching your temperature control needs, operational requirements, and budget limits.

FAQs

Q1. What temperature range can refrigerated shipping containers maintain? Refrigerated shipping containers can maintain temperatures ranging from -65°F to 104°F (-54°C to 40°C), with some specialized super freezer containers capable of reaching as low as -76°F (-60°C).

Q2. What are the main power sources for refrigerated containers? The primary power sources for refrigerated containers are shore power (when stationary), generator sets (gensets) for mobile transport, and battery backups for short-term power during outages.

Q3. How do I choose between a 20ft and 40ft refrigerated container? Choose based on your cargo volume needs and space constraints. 20ft containers are ideal for smaller loads or limited spaces, while 40ft containers are more economical for large volume shipments and long-term storage.

Q4. What should I look for when buying a used refrigerated container? When evaluating used containers, check the refrigeration unit’s run hours, door seal integrity, internal temperature tracking history, and power consumption records. Containers between 5-10 years old often offer a good balance of cost and functionality.

Q5. How does customization affect the cost of a refrigerated container? Customizations like side doors, personnel doors, shelving systems, and monitoring equipment can significantly impact the final price. For example, side doors may add $1,500-$2,500, while remote monitoring systems can cost between $800-$2,500 depending on their capabilities.