20ft Refrigerated Containers for Sale & Hire in Felixstowe

20ft refrigerated container dimensions

Published specifications for standard-height 20ft reefers give external dimensions of approximately 6,058mm long, 2,438mm wide and 2,591mm high. That is about 19ft 11in by 8ft by 8ft 6in.

Internal dimensions vary with the manufacturer, insulation and refrigeration arrangement. One published used reefer specification gives an internal length of 5,456mm, width of 2,290mm and height of 2,284mm. Another published specification gives very similar dimensions but a slightly different internal height, which is why close-fitting loads should always be checked against the actual unit.

Use these figures for initial planning rather than as a guaranteed specification. The refrigeration machinery and insulation take up space, and different reefer designs can have different floor, door and internal measurements.

How a refrigerated container works

A reefer uses an integrated refrigeration system to maintain the selected internal temperature while it is operating correctly and has a suitable power supply. The machinery can cool the air and, on suitable units, also provide heating within its operating range.

Reefer floors differ from the flat plywood floors commonly found in dry containers. Many use aluminium T-bar flooring. The channels help distribute conditioned air beneath and around the load, so blocking the airflow can reduce temperature consistency.

This is why loading practice matters. Goods should be arranged in a way that allows the refrigeration system to circulate air as intended. A reefer is primarily designed to maintain controlled conditions rather than rapidly pull a large quantity of warm product down to temperature, so discuss the starting product temperature and required operating conditions where this matters.

Temperature range and power supply

The available temperature range depends on the refrigeration equipment fitted. Published specifications for used 20ft reefers include ranges around -30°C to +30°C, while other equipment is listed with different limits. Newer or specialist units can offer other operating ranges.

Do not choose a reefer solely from a headline temperature figure. Confirm the required set point, expected ambient conditions, type of goods and machinery fitted to the actual container.

Power also needs planning before delivery. Some 20ft refrigerated containers require a 32 amp three-phase electrical supply, while requirements can vary with the refrigeration system. Have the proposed electrical arrangement checked by a suitably competent person and confirm the unit requirements before it arrives.

Position the machinery end where it can be reached for inspection and servicing. Avoid placing the refrigeration equipment hard against a wall, fence or stored materials if that would obstruct ventilation or maintenance access.

Buying a 20ft refrigerated container

Buying can suit businesses that expect to need temperature-controlled storage for an extended period or want to retain the container for repeated use. The decision should include the condition and serviceability of the refrigeration machinery, not just the steel container around it.

Ask what checks have been carried out and whether the unit has been tested before sale. On a used reefer, look at the doors, seals, interior lining, T-floor, insulation, refrigeration equipment and electrical connections. Previous repairs and general cosmetic wear can vary.

One-trip and used descriptions do not tell you everything about the machinery. A newer outer container can still have a particular refrigeration make or specification that needs to suit the job. Confirm the operating range and equipment details rather than assuming all 20ft reefers work in the same way.

Ownership also affects maintenance. If the unit will be retained long term, consider who will inspect, service and repair the refrigeration machinery and how quickly problems could be dealt with if stored goods depend on continuous temperature control.

Hiring a 20ft refrigerated container

Hire can suit seasonal demand, temporary overflow storage, events or projects where extra chilled or frozen capacity is only needed for a defined period. It may also avoid buying specialist refrigeration equipment for a short-term requirement.

Before hiring, confirm the hire period, permitted use, condition, operating responsibilities, damage responsibility and collection arrangements. Ask what happens if refrigeration equipment requires attention during the hire and what checks the hirer is expected to carry out.

The container still needs suitable electrical provision and site access. Do not assume that hiring removes responsibility for preparing the site or operating the unit correctly. The proposed location should remain accessible if the container will later need to be collected.

Loading and day-to-day operation

Frequent door opening introduces warmer outside air and can change internal conditions. Plan loading so the doors are open for no longer than necessary and avoid obstructing the air path inside the container.

Some refrigerated storage units can include features such as internal lighting, flat flooring, strip curtains or personnel-access arrangements, but features vary by unit. Confirm what is actually included where staff will enter the container regularly.

If people will work inside the unit, consider safe access and the ability to leave the container from inside. Do not assume a shipping-style cargo door arrangement is appropriate for regular personnel access without checking the particular unit and intended working method.

Temperature-sensitive goods may also have product-specific storage, hygiene, monitoring or regulatory requirements. Check these with the relevant responsible person, supplier or professional adviser rather than relying on the container specification alone.

Prepare the Felixstowe site

A refrigerated container needs firm, reasonably level support. Uneven settlement can twist the container and affect door operation, while poor drainage can leave standing water around the base and electrical equipment.

Check the delivery route, gate width, turning space, ground conditions and overhead obstructions. HIAB placement also depends on where the delivery vehicle can stand and the crane reach available from that position. The requested drop point should therefore be checked before delivery is agreed.

Leave clear working space at the cargo doors and refrigeration end. The machinery needs suitable access, while the electrical cable and connection should be positioned so they do not create an avoidable obstruction around the container.

Door orientation matters if goods will be moved frequently. Facing the doors towards the working area can make loading easier and reduce unnecessary handling. The guide to proper shipping container placement covers the main points to consider when choosing the position.

Using a refrigerated container for shipping

A reefer intended for international cargo transport needs more than working refrigeration machinery. The specific container must have the relevant condition and current certification for the proposed movement, and the carrier must accept the unit and cargo.

For export use, check CSC status, VGM, temperature instructions, documentation, customs requirements and shipping-line procedures with the relevant carrier, freight forwarder or customs agent. Insurance requirements and responsibility under the chosen Incoterms 2020 arrangement should also be checked with the appropriate adviser.

Transport requirements can differ from static cold-storage use, so tell the supplier from the start if the container is intended for shipping rather than remaining on site.

Planning considerations in Felixstowe

Planning and other site requirements can depend on the intended use, how long the refrigerated container will remain, the status and location of the site, neighbouring property, listed status, conservation areas, change of use and associated electrical or building works.

Do not assume planning permission is always required or always unnecessary. Check the current requirements with the relevant local council for the proposed Felixstowe site and use before committing to the installation.

Request a quote for a 20ft reefer

Provide more than the container size when enquiring. State what will be stored, the required temperature, whether the goods are already at temperature, how often the doors will be opened and whether you want to buy or hire.

Include the delivery postcode, proposed position, access restrictions and details of the available electrical supply. That gives a clearer basis for discussing a suitable unit and avoids discovering after delivery that the refrigeration system, internal space or power requirement does not suit the job.

You can compare other options in the container equipment range or request a container quote for a 20ft refrigerated container in Felixstowe.