How to choose a refrigerated container: dimensions, weight and pallets

A refrigerated container is an insulated shipping box, with or without a refrigeration unit, that holds a set temperature to store food, medicines or perishable goods. In the collection, the internal volume ranges from 12.45 m³ to 68.26 m³ and the capacity from 4 to 25 Euro pallets. Choose the length according to the pallets you need to store, then check the electrical power required, the weight and the space to put it down.

The types

• 40 ft refrigerated container. The largest size, for high volumes. See the 40 ft refrigerated container. A new high cube version is also available.
• 20 ft refrigerated container. New or used, suited to medium volumes. Example: the new 20 ft model.
• 10 ft refrigerated container. The compact size, for small volumes or tight spaces. See the new 10 ft model.
• Insulated or isothermal container. An insulated box that shields the contents from the outside. Unlike the refrigerated container, it does not necessarily have a refrigeration unit: check the product page. Example: the new 40 ft insulated container.

How to choose by job

First work out how much cargo you need to keep cold, expressed in pallets, then where you can place the box and what power supply you have. The length follows the number of pallets; the rest depends on the site.

The features to look at

• Length. From 2,831 mm to 12,192 mm. The main values are 6,058 mm (20 ft) and 12,192 mm (40 ft).
• Width. 2,294 or 2,438 mm depending on the model. Check on the product page whether it is the internal or external measurement.
• Height and usable loading height. 2,273 or 2,591 mm of height, and from 2,173 to 2,469 mm of usable loading height. Check on the product page what each value refers to: you need it to know whether pallets and packages will fit through.
• Internal volume. From 12.45 to 68.26 m³. The higher it is, the more goods you can store.
• Euro pallet capacity. From 4 to 25.
• Empty weight. From 2,600 to 4,650 kg. It tells you what crane you need.
• Maximum gross weight and maximum payload. The maximum gross weight goes up to 34,000 kg, the payload up to 30,480 kg. Do not exceed them.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting the power supply. The refrigeration unit needs a dedicated line of the required power.
• Blocking the space in front of the unit. It needs air exchange, otherwise the cooling does not perform.
• Loading warm goods. Goods must be loaded already at the right temperature, with the box at temperature.
• Cramming the packages in. Air must be able to pass between the packages.
• Neglecting cleaning. The condenser, drains and seals must be cleaned and checked.
• Exceeding the maximum payload. Maximum gross weight and maximum payload are two different values and both must be respected, also for the crane and the truck.

Frequently asked questions

How many pallets will fit?

It depends on the model: from 4 Euro pallets in the smallest to 25 in the largest.

What is the difference between a refrigerated and an insulated container?

The refrigerated container has a unit that cools. The insulated container is lined with insulation but does not always have one.

Can I use it only for transport?

It depends on the model. Some are designed to stay in place as a cold room, others are insulated boxes meant to be transported: read the product page to find out whether an electrical supply is provided and how.

When is a new one worth it?

When the goods are delicate or you use it every day for years. A used one needs a closer look, especially at the refrigeration unit and the door seals.

Does it need a dedicated power line?

Yes, for the refrigeration unit. Check the power required on the model's product page.

You will find all the models in the Refrigerated Containers collection: to ask for a quote or advice, write to the AMES technicians.