Shipping Containers Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Refrigerated Containers’

Like most shipping containers, refrigerated containers are available for hire.   Christmas time with many suppliers needing additional storage is the most popular time period for refrigerated container hire.   Perhaps this is not surprising given all the traditional goodies from turkeys to cheese, smoked salmon to luxury icecreams that we eat during the holiday period.   Supermarkets and small producers in keeping up with this demand, hire the refrigerated containers between October to January just to fill orders.

Refrigerated containers are ideal as they are easily transportable and can be set at any temperature between -20C to +20C.   Most require 3 phase electricity although they can be run off diesel fuelled generators or “gen-sets”.  The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft containers.

For those who have never hired a refrigerated container before there are a few important points to remember.  

• The length of the hire has an impact on the weekly rental cost of the container itself - normally there is a minimum hire period of at least 4 weeks - with the longer the period of hire being the most economic.   This is partly due to the fact that the refrigerated container itself needs a pre-trip inspection (PTI) by a refrigeration engineer which ensures that the container itself will be in good running condition prior to being delivered.
• Haulage.  Most hires require that the cost of the haulage from the depot to the delivery site as well as the cost of the haulage back from the delivery site to the depot is paid in advance.   This acts as a guarantee that should the customer default on payment the container can be collected.
• Breakdown.   In case of the unit failing, breakdown cover should be provided as part of the hire contract.   The speed of this is important as you don’t want to be left with a whole load of frozen turkeys defrosting at the beginning of December.

For those of you considering hiring a refrigerated container for Christmas it would be a good idea to start looking for a company to supply this now if you have not done so already.   Many companies have already hired out most of their containers and may therefore be unable to help.

Second hand 10ft refrigerated container

If you are considering buying a 10ft refrigerated container the following facts may be useful:-

INTERIOR

    Length        245cm    Width         224cm    Height        222cm

    Cubic Capacity 13 cu m

    Door opening width 224cm      Door opening height 218cm

    Tare weight 1500kgs     Max gross weight 15000kgs

    Pallet capacity 5 to 6 depending on type

 EXTERIOR

    Length  300cm      Width  243cm      Height 259cm

The downside of 10ft containers is that they are normally more expensive than the more widely available 20ft and 40ft containers as they are not built in such numbers and do not have such a demand in the commercial marketplace.

Most refrigerated containers (reefers) sometimes known as ambient temperature containers, need a 3 phase power supply to run effectively.   This is often found on farms, industrial estates as standard but not in normally in a domestic setting.    Most suppliers of refrigerated containers will have the capability of  commissioning the container on the customer’s site.   However, sometimes, a  engineer known to the customer personally might be called in.  

It is important to be able to give the following information:-

• The power requirements for 3 phase are 380/440VAc with a current rating of 32 amp. 
• The circuit should be protected by an RCD (Residual Current Device) with a leakage trip level of 30mA
• The socket should suit a  5 Pin Ceeform 32A  conforming to BS4343
• A minimum of 8m of cable should be supplied for a 20ft unit and 10m of cable for a 40ft unit

New Refrigerated Containers

Often customers ask for single phase powered refrigerated containers.   The most common size found for this is 10ft.   However it is important to note that the 10ft refrigerated containers are often more expensive than a 20ft or even a 40ft.   This is because it is not a size commonly used in shipping and any 10ft  containers are normally purposely built for the domestic market.  

Whilst 10ft refrigerated containers can chill and freeze using a single phase supply, 20ft and 40ft refrigerated containers often struggle to freeze successfully.   This is because in order to become single phase the 3 phase refrigeration units are often taken out and replaced with single phase ones that often do not have the capacity to freeze the cubic meterage of a 20ft or 40ft container.   As a result the single phase 20ft or 40ft units are often just referred to as chiller containers.

If a 3 phase supply is not (or even no electricity supply at all) available on site but a freezing capacity is still required clip on generators can often offer a solution.  In a future post we will discuss the basic facts of clip on generators and what to look for when purchasing.

How on earth can a shipping container be of use at any of the many festivals going on in the UK this Summer?  Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is the fact that shipping containers are so easily transportable and adaptable, which has meant that they have been used in a variety of different ways from Glastonbury to the Game Fair.

Perhaps the most obvious way in which they are used is in the form of refrigerated shipping containers.   The fact that goods, such as drinks or food can be kept in the temperature controlled environment of a refrigerated container which can be run either from a generator or connected to an electricity supply means that they are in great demand.   They are available for hire or for purchase.

Shipping Container Conversions such as those use to house cashpoints are also extremely popular.  As well as containers converted into stands or bars.  The coffee shop here is taken round the various festivals in Italy, although there are plans to build some in the UK.

Shipping container coffee shop closed

But of course, the most common use is as storage containers.   Keeping stock secure yet easily accessible  is vital both when travelling or when the stand at the festival is set up when the container becomes a store room.

These are just some of the ways in which you might see a shipping container used should you visit a Festival this year.   Let us know if you see any more - and send us a photograph!

So, carrying on from the questions we answered yesterday on refrigerated containers, we have the more technical aspect here.  A big thanks to Kev for getting these through to us in a way that we had a chance of understanding.

What power does a refrigerated container require?
Most marine units run on 3 phase electricity.   The actual requirements depend on the type of machine i.e. Carrier, Thermoking, Daikin, Misubishi, Zanotti etc., the ambient temperature, set point of the machine and the product placed inside.  But to give an idea based on a Carrier machine set to chill in this country it would require 40/60 amps per phase on start up and on running will pull between 10/15 amps.
I don’t have a 3 phase electricity supply; can I still run my refrigerated container?
Some refrigerated shipping containers have been adapted to run from the single phase domestic electricity supply.  These are normally more expensive than the 3 phase models due to the additional work involved in converting them.  Alternatively, all refrigerated containers can be run off diesel powered gen-sets which clip onto the front of the machine.

What length is a cable on a refrigerated container?
On average the length of cable is 18 metres but this varies depending on the type of machine.

How often should I service my refrigerated container?

Every 6 months is recommended although this does depend on where the refrigerated shipping container is sited.  In a very dirty or dusty environment if not cleaned out regularly it will affect the operation of the unit and so a much more frequent servicing programme is recommended.

Hope you now know everything you need to know about refrigerated units - and I suspect many of you will know much more than you ever thought possible - so that tomorrow we can return to less technical stuff!

If you don’t have enough garage space, or are looking for a secure, easily transportable solution for storing your car maybe shipping containers could provide the answer.

The roads at the weekends at the moment, are filled with vintage cars driving to various rallies and shows.  They look immaculate and well cared for but what happens to them during the winter months when safe, dry storage must surely be paramount.  Years ago, you would have found them stored in old barns and lock ups, perhaps even under converted railway arches and taking pride of place in people’s garages.   However, these days, many of these spaces will have other uses.   Barns have been converted into houses.   Most railway arches seem to be businesses of one kind or another.  Garages, are often converted into additional space or granny flats as people can not afford to move.  

Vintage cars have so much historical, and often financal, value these days.   They are, after all, irreplacable.   As such the security aspect of storage is of paramount importance.   A steel shipping container, fitted with locking rods and lock cowls provides inexpensive and secure storage containers.  A car will fit into the container and kept in weatherproof conditions until it is required.   If the car is extremely valuable, additional security can be provided in the form of monitors that will transmit to a mobile phone - or computer or similar device - when the container is moved  (and use satellite trackers so you know exactly where the container is!) or even inform the owner when the container doors are opened.  

Condensation can be controlled by using moisture traps so that there is no possibilty of mould to the leather and rubber in the car.

TVR Griffith

TVR Griffith being loaded into shipping container

If there are concerns about adding additional mileage to the car, don’t forget that the vintage car can even be transported to the location within the shipping container itself.   After all shipping containers are often used to ship cars abroad - or even into this country.  Chocks are placed under the wheels and the car is secured to the lashing rings in the container to provide stability.

But vintage cars are not the only vehicle that can make use of shipping containers.   Refrigerated containers can be used to test prototypes of cars at various temperatures.   Range Rover recently tested their latest model at a temperature of -20C using a refrigerated shipping container to provide a controlled environment.

Self Storage Depots have seen a rise in the number of cars that are stored in their containers.   Often 20ft containers are used to store the owner’s car  at a reasonable cost whilst their driving ban is in force.   With 24 hour security they provide an ideal solution.

Whatever the reason for needing to store your car, shipping containers could provide an economic, secure and practical solution to your problem.

There are many different reasons for hiring a shipping container rather than getting involved in shipping container hire.   Mostly this is to do with the length of time you need the container for or using the container on a trial basis to see if it is the solution for you.   If you are considering hiring a shipping container for over 9 months it may well be more economic to consider buying a shipping container.   If you no longer require your container after this time you can either ask the company you bought it from to buy it back or sell it on ebay.

Whatever your decision here are some useful things to consider

1. To hire a container you will be asked to pay the delivery and collection charges up front.  Therefore you need to try and source your steel container from a depot near to you.   You want the haulage charge to be as small as possible in order to reduce costs.
2. The minimum hire length of a shipping container will normally be 28 days.   Even if you want your shipping container hire to be for less time than this you will still probably be asked to pay for the full 28 days.   This is normally paid per month in advance.
3. Very few companies will hire containers if they are to be used for export shipping.   This is because of the costs involved in reclaiming a container once it has left the country should you default on payment.
4. It is important that you ask about the notice you need to give when you no longer require your shipping container.   Most companies require a weeks notice.  As you will have already paid for the collection up front no further fees should be payable.
5. If you decide you want to buy the shipping container whilst you have it on hire, you should have the collection charge taken off the overall cost of the container.   If you have hired the container for over a year, most companies will give you a discount on the final purchase price.
6. The condition of the container is very important.  If you want to hire a second hand container then you should ensure that it is guaranteed to be wind and watertight and structurally sound.
7. If you wish to hire a new/once used container generally the minimum period of hire is for 2 years.
8. Refrigerated containers are also available for hire as well as storage/shipping containers.
9. Consider where you are going to place your container, as you really need a level surface in order to open the doors without difficulty.
10. Finally, you need to consider the security of your shipping container.  Ask for a lock cowl (lockbox) and a CISA heavy duty container padlock to prevent illegal access from bolt croppers and angle grinders.

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to discuss your needs with the company you intend hiring from.   There are many different options available and they may be able to suggest different answers to your particular needs.

We have been looking at how shipping containers make good homes and so today I thought that it would be fun if we had a look at some of the more eclectic uses that shipping containers have been put to.

Adam Kalkin’s developed the absolutely amazing concept above showing what can be done with shipping containers.  It was originally used in Italy at the 52nd Venice Biennial as a coffee stand by Illy but has subsequently traveled to the USA and elsewhere where it always makes an impact!  Not many cargo containers are able to do this at the touch of a button!

At the other end of the scale - at least technologically speaking - we have an example of a high rise building in Zürich which looks exactly like what it is - 17 old and rusty cargo containers.

The company has a strong ecological product ethos and so have used a shipping container conversion to make their 85ft high Freitag Shop.  It is connected by staircases and has a viewing platform at the top.

But shipping containers of whatever size don’t have to always be converted into anything quite as spectacular as the examples pictured above.  They are often found in much more everyday settings.  Our local garage has converted a 40 foot ISO container into a car wash which works very well.  Simon, our website guy, was out and about this weekend when he spotted this 20 foot shipping container providing shelter and security for a cash machine.  Thank you to him for taking a photo with his mobile!

But let us not forget the more everyday cargo container conversions.  These include chemical stores, refrigerated containers, smoking shelters, insulated containers, recording studios, tack rooms, p.e. equipment stores, offices, classrooms, roadside cafes, mess rooms and canteens to name but a few!

So, from the extraordinary to the everyday shipping containers can provide solutions on many different levels as a ecologically friendly, adaptable and highly transportable option for whatever conversion you are considering.

We are all getting used to seeing shipping container conversions of  amazing h0uses, art galleries and classrooms but, in order to prove that uses of shipping containers and container conversions are really is only limited to yor imagination, here are some of the more unusal requests we have had over the last few months.

1. Rogrigo the human cannon ball wants to be able to transport his cannon over to Australia and needs to be able to secure his cannon for the trip.   This enquiry is  relatively simple to do but how could anyone resist including such a request?   7 metres in length,  2 metres in width and 2.5 metres high it weights 2000-2500 kg so is a substantial piece of kit!   Luckily shipping containers are used to taking a lot more weight than that so, providing the cannon is kept anchored in side securely it should not prove to be a problem.
2. Refrigerated shipping containers are often put to the most unusual uses.   Have you ever thought of them as being useful for bug extermination?   A well-known country house uses them to put in their antique carpets and turns down the temperature to kill off all the nasties that are trying to chomp through the carpet fibres.  Apparently if you keep the carpets at -20C for two weeks, let them slowly come back to normal ambient temperature for another two weeks before repeating the process again, this solves the problem.  These carpets are priceless so the refrigerated containers have to be kept in a bonded warehouse or somewhere equally as secure to make sure the carpets don’t get stolen.
3. Talking of creatures with more than 2 legs, we have also been asked for a shipping container conversion of a refrigerated container so it could be used as a climate controlled holding tank for crabs for a sea aquarium whilst the crabs were breeding.   The floor had to be bunded to hold 1 metre depth of water at a constant temperature and have a ledge for the crabs to be able to climb up on.   At the same time the refrigerator motor had to be totally secure so the crabs could not get into it!
4. One of our refrigerated containers has been used to test a Range Rover!   Regulations apparently required that the car underwent a series of tests at -20C and these were carried out in one of our containers that we hired out for 16 weeks.   Amazing!
5. Maybe not such an unusual shipping container conversion - but rather an unusual use - was the request for a shipping container to be converted into a mobile on-line auction room.   Fitted out to a luxury spec it was to provide a place where clients would feel happy to bid for luxury yachts in all parts of the world be this at  the Boat Show at Earls Court or  St Tropez or even Florida!   With the different power requirements, lots of glass, sofas and expensive rugs, as well as the need for air conditioning and heating (depending on where the conversion was sited at any particular time) it certainly proved to be a detailed job to undertake!

So there you are, next time you look at a shipping container you can think of these requests and see them in a whole new light!

We mostly think of refrigerated containers as being purely commercial and of no interest to us cooking at home.   It is true, of course, that most of us will not have a 20ft or 40ft refrigerated shipping container sitting in our garden waiting for us to put our shopping in!   But in all likelihood many of the fresh ingredients that we buy have probably been in a refrigerated container before we ever get them home.

It isn’t fashionable now to admit that your ingredients have not all been sourced locally or been grown in your allotment or back garden.  Truth is most of the food we eat has travelled from various parts of the country or, indeed, various parts of the world.   Whether our lamb comes from our local farmer, or from Wales or New Zealand the truth is it has still probably been transported at some point in a refrigerated container.

These industrial containers  that we call refrigerated containers, work by keeping their contents at a different temperature than the surrounding environment.  Sometimes this involves the temperature being set at higher than that outside -which, if you think about it, means that calling them “refrigerated containers” could be inappropriate!    In fact the range that these so called refrigerated containers can be set at is between -20C and +20C.    This gives the opportunity to store a whole range of different products.   After all, different food stuffs will require different temperatures for storage.    Icecream, for example is going to need to be kept at a much lower temperature than lettuces!  Indeed the temperature controlled environment of the refrigerated shipping container means that everything can be kept fresh at the optimum temperature. 

So how is all this relevant to you at home and the stuff that you cook with everyday?   Shipping containers have bought the price of food down, and have made it possible for it to be transported from all over the world.   The majority of our food travels at some point by sea, road or train.   The standard size of a shipping container is 20ft or 40ft and it is these very sizes of  shipping containers, refrigerated or otherwise, which has brought down the price of transportation considerably.   The fact that standard shipping containers are either 20ft or 40ft  means that handling of all the containers could be done simply rather than using a variety of different machinery and lots of man power thus saving money.

So next time you are on the road travelling to the shops and pass a lorry taking food to the supermarket or to your local greengrocer you know exactly why that refrigerated container you have just overtaken has helped you with the meals you are planning to prepare.