How cold can freezer containers get?

Most refrigerated shipping containers can maintain temperatures as low as -30°C. The exact minimum temperature depends on the container specification and the refrigeration unit installed.

What's the difference between a refrigerated and insulated container?

A refrigerated container has an active cooling system that controls the internal temperature. An insulated container simply slows down the process of heat transfer, they rely heavily on the temperature of the cargo when it is loaded.

What is a reefer container?

A reefer container is another name for a refrigerated container. Essentially, its a shipping container with a refrigeration unit that helps maintain cool temperatures for sensitive cargo.

What’s the difference between a 20ft and a 20ft high cube container?

The main difference is the internal height: a standard 20ft container is about 8ft 6” tall, while a high cube is around 9ft 6”.

What temperature can a refrigerated container maintain?

A refrigerated container can maintain temperatures between -30°C and +30°C. This wide range is beneficial for accommodating different cargo types, perishables and food.

What power supply does a refrigerated container need?

Refrigerated containers require a continuous electrical supply to power the refrigeration unit. They can be connected to mains electricity, a ship's power supply, a port connection or a generator during transport.

Can refrigerated containers be customised?

Yes. Refrigerated containers can often be customised with features such as shelving, lighting, personnel doors, access ramps and other modifications to suit your storage or operational requirements.

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What Are Refrigerated Containers?

Refrigerated containers, also called reefer shipping containers or cold storage containers, are fitted with integrated cooling systems to maintain controlled temperatures during storage and transport.

Their role is to maintain the temperature for perishable and temperature-sensitive goods, such as food and drink items and pharmaceuticals.

They can operate across a wide range, from -30°C for frozen goods to +12°C for chilled items, but there are options for temperature ranges of -45°C for special super freeze requirements.

How Refrigerated Containers Work

Refrigeration unit

Climate controlled shipping containers maintain a consistent temperature. They feature a refrigeration unit that helps maintain a certain temperature as required, beneficial for perishables and certain medications.

Air circulation system

Container refrigeration relies on an integrated air circulation system to distribute cooled or heated air evenly throughout the container. This helps ensure all areas of a refrigerated container are cooled.

Temperature monitoring

Built-in temperature monitoring systems continuously measure internal conditions throughout the journey. Operators can check temperature readings and quickly identify any changes, helping ensure cargo remains within the required range.

Power requirements

Temperature controlled containers for shipping require a continuous electrical power supply. Power can typically be provided by ships, ports, trucks or generators to ensure temperature control is maintained.

Features of Refrigerated Shipping Containers

Insulated walls, floor and ceiling – High-performance insulation reduces heat transfer and improves energy efficiency.
Temperature controls – Adjustable settings to suit different types of temperature-sensitive cargo.
Airflow management – Controlled airflow ensures an event temperature is maintained to protect cargo.
Safety components – Reefer containers include a built-in emergency escape door, allowing anyone inside to exit quickly if necessary.
Control systems – Container freezers feature a programmable logic controller (PLC) that continuously monitors and controls the refrigeration system.
Tie-down points – These keep cargo in place and prevent it from colliding against the wall, excellent for preventing potential damage.

Cold storage container sizes

10ft Refrigerated Containers

10ft refrigerated containers are ideal where space is limited but reliable cold storage is essential. They're well suited for restaurants, cafes and pharmacies.

20ft Refrigerated Containers

20ft refrigerated containers offer increased storage capacity for businesses handling larger quantities of temperature-sensitive goods. They're a popular choice for food manufacturers, wholesalers, distribution centres, pharmaceutical companies and large-scale catering operations.

Refrigerated Container Temperature Ranges

Application	Average temperature range
Frozen food (meat, seafood, ice cream, frozen vegetables)	-30°C to -18°C
Chilled food (dairy, cooked meats, ready meals)	0°C to +5°C
Fresh fruit and vegetables	0°C to +13°C
Flowers and plants	+2°C to +8°C
Pharmaceuticals and vaccines	+2°C to +8°C (product dependent)
Biological samples and laboratory materials	-20°C to +8°C (depending on the material)
Temperature-sensitive chemicals	5°C to +25°C (according to the manufacturer's specification)
Chocolate and confectionery	+12°C to +18°C

Features of Refrigerated Containers

Temperature Control Systems – Advanced refrigeration allows precise temperature management from deep freeze to chilled conditions.

Insulated Walls – Also acting as insulated shipping containers, these cold-storage units maintain internal temperatures with the added benefit of featuring insulation, helping to improve energy efficiency.

Monitoring and Alarm Systems – Many freezer shipping containers feature digital monitoring and alarms to detect deviations or malfunctions.

Power Options – A reefer container can run on standard mains electricity, diesel generators and site power connections. Solar panels are also being added to provide sustainable and cost-effective power.

Durable Construction – Built to ISO shipping container standards, with corrosion-resistant materials suitable for repeated transport.

Bespoke Options – You can fit a refrigerated shipping container out with custom shelving, racking and other layouts to suit specific storage needs.

Do I Need a Refrigerated Container?

Refrigerated containers are typically bespoke because temperature requirements vary depending on what you need to store or transport. Whether you’re a retailer needing frozen food storage, chilled pharmaceuticals for the healthcare sector or perishable products maintained at specific temperatures, you will need a reefer for safe and compliant storage.

Interior of an refrigerated shipping container, also know as a reefer container

Why Our Customers Choose Refrigerated Containers

Reliable Temperature Control

Our refrigerated containers for sale at ModCon Cabins provide precise temperature management, ensuring goods remain fresh and compliant with safety standards. This reliability prevents costly spoilage and maintains product quality, giving businesses confidence during storage and transit.

Bespoke Configurations

We can quickly convert containers into refrigerated units and tailor the interior layout and temperature range to suit your perishable and sensitive goods. This flexibility ensures efficient use of space and accommodates specific product requirements.

Trusted by Many

ModCon’s refrigerated containers and services come with more than 25 years of experience, with our team crafting and supplying versatile storage solutions for a wide range of businesses and sectors. Each container is made with the highest-quality materials and technology, as well as being fully compliant with storage and safety standards.

Get a Quote With ModCon

ModCon Cabins offers bespoke refrigerated containers, including COSHH-compliant containers for chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Each reefer container can be tailored for your temperature, size and storage requirements.

Contact ModCon Cabins today for a quote and expert guidance to ensure your temperature-sensitive products are safely stored and transported.

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What can be stored in a Refrigerated Container?

Food and Beverage Products

Freezer shipping containers are excellent for storing fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood and chilled drinks. These secure shipping containers help support businesses in meeting food hygiene requirements under the Food Safety Act 1990 and HACCP principles.

Pharmaceutical Products

Pharmaceutical businesses can store medicines, vaccines, biological samples and other temperature-sensitive products safely. Refrigerated containers support cold chain management and help organisations comply with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines for medicinal products.

Chemical Storage

Storing temperature-sensitive chemicals requires stable conditions. Refrigerated containers are ideal for chemical storage and ensuring potentially hazardous substances are stored in accordance with COSHH Regulations and any manufacturer-specific storage requirements.

Event and Catering Supplies

Event organisers, caterers and hospitality businesses can safely store chilled food, beverages and floral displays on-site. Refrigerated containers are essential in maintaining food safety standards.

Refrigerated Containers with all the modifications

Shelving systems – Maximise available storage space with shelving systems designed to keep products organised and easily accessible.
Racking – Heavy-duty racking provides secure storage for boxed goods, containers and palletised products.
Partition walls – Partition walls allow you to divide the container into separate sections for different products or operational needs.

Personnel doors – Personnel doors provide convenient access without opening the main cargo doors, helping to reduce temperature loss.
Lighting – Internal LED lighting improves visibility when loading, unloading or managing stock, particularly in low-light conditions.