40ft Refrigerated Containers Felixstowe

40ft refrigerated container dimensions

A published standard-height 40ft refrigerated container specification gives external dimensions of approximately 12.19m long, 2.44m wide and 2.59m high, or 40ft by 8ft by 8ft 6in. Its internal dimensions are approximately 11.99m long, 2.34m wide and 2.39m high.

Specifications vary with manufacturer, machinery, age and construction. Confirm the measurements of the actual unit if pallets, equipment or racking will be a close fit. A reefer has less usable internal space than a dry container of the same nominal size because insulation and refrigeration equipment take up room.

40ft high cube refrigerated containers

A 40ft high cube reefer keeps the nominal 40ft by 8ft footprint but increases the external height to approximately 2.90m, or 9ft 6in. The extra height increases internal cubic capacity and can provide more useful stacking clearance.

High-cube reefer specification gives external dimensions of 12,192mm by 2,438mm by 2,896mm. Internal dimensions are 11,588mm long, 2,290mm wide and 2,547.5mm high, with a door opening 2,294mm wide by 2,569mm high. Its internal capacity is listed as 67.6m³, or 2,387ft³.

Other high cube reefer specifications give different internal measurements, so these figures should be used for comparison rather than treated as universal. The refrigeration machine fitted can also affect tare weight and other specifications.

Choose high cube where the additional clearance solves a real storage problem. If the goods are relatively low and floor area is the main requirement, the extra height may provide little practical benefit.

Non-operational 40ft refrigerated containers

A non-operational refrigerated container is different from an operational reefer. The refrigeration machinery has been removed or is not intended to provide active temperature control, so the container should not be chosen for goods that depend on powered chilling or freezing.

The remaining insulated construction can still make a non-operational reefer useful where an insulated enclosed space is wanted. Published examples retain insulated walls, ceiling and sub-floor, metal T-bar flooring and lined internal surfaces.

One published 40ft non-operational reefer specification gives external dimensions of 12,192mm long, 2,438mm wide and 2,896mm high. Internal dimensions are approximately 11,563mm by 2,290mm by 2,508mm, with an internal capacity of about 66.5m³ or 2,348ft³.

Do not describe a non-operational reefer as refrigerated storage simply because it was originally built as a reefer. Without working refrigeration equipment, it cannot maintain a controlled temperature. Ask what machinery has been removed, what remains at the machinery end and whether the resulting configuration suits your intended use.

How a working reefer controls temperature

An operational refrigerated container uses powered machinery to circulate conditioned air around the cargo. Many units use T-bar flooring, which creates channels for air movement beneath the load. Blocking those channels or packing goods without allowing suitable airflow can affect temperature distribution.

Published equipment examples use refrigeration machinery from manufacturers such as Carrier, Thermo King and Daikin. Operating ranges vary with the machinery. Some used units are specified around -30°C to +30°C, while other equipment has different limits.

A reefer is generally intended to maintain goods at the required temperature rather than rapidly chill a large quantity of warm product. Tell the supplier what will be stored, the product temperature at loading and the set point required so the equipment can be discussed against the actual job.

Power supply and operating access

Refrigeration machinery needs a suitable electrical supply. Published 40ft reefer equipment includes three-phase systems, but voltage, current and connection requirements vary. Confirm the specification of the actual refrigeration unit before arranging electrical work.

Use a suitably competent person for the electrical installation and make sure the connection arrangement suits the site. Position cables so they do not create avoidable trip, vehicle or loading hazards.

The machinery end also needs clear access for inspection and maintenance. Do not place it hard against a wall, fence or other obstruction if that would prevent air movement or access to controls and components.

Buying or hiring a 40ft reefer

Buying can suit a continuing requirement where you expect to retain the container and are prepared to manage servicing and repairs. Check the refrigeration machinery as carefully as the container structure. Ask about the controls, operating condition, previous use and any inspection information available.

Hire can suit seasonal demand, temporary projects or a period when additional temperature-controlled capacity is needed. Confirm who is responsible for routine checks, faults, repairs and damage, as well as what happens if the refrigeration system stops operating.

For either option, inspect or discuss the doors, seals, interior, T-floor, insulation, electrical connections and machinery. A broad description such as used or one-trip does not confirm that the refrigeration system meets a particular temperature or operational requirement.

Prepare the Felixstowe site

A 40ft reefer needs a large, firm and reasonably level position. Uneven settlement can affect door operation, while poor drainage can leave standing water around the base, entrance or electrical equipment.

HIAB delivery also needs space for a large vehicle and lifting operation. Check gate width, turning room, ground conditions, overhead cables and branches, crane reach, and the intended door orientation before delivery is agreed.

Keep enough working space at both ends. The cargo doors need room for loading, while the machinery end needs access for servicing. If the unit is hired, make sure the delivery route can remain available for later collection.

The guide to proper shipping container placement covers the main positioning checks in more detail.

Shipping and CSC considerations

If the reefer will be used for international transport rather than static storage, confirm its current CSC status and suitability for the proposed cargo movement. A working refrigeration system does not by itself confirm that a container will be accepted for shipping.

Check VGM, temperature instructions, carrier requirements, customs documentation and cargo procedures with the relevant shipping line, freight forwarder or customs agent. Insurance, Incoterms 2020 and responsibility for delays, storage, detention or demurrage should also be checked with the appropriate adviser.

Choose the right 40ft refrigerated option

Use an operational reefer where temperature control is required. Consider high cube where additional internal height is useful. A non-operational reefer may suit insulated storage where active refrigeration is not needed.

If you need less capacity, compare a 20ft refrigerated container. You can also review the wider container equipment range before deciding.

When you request a container quote, include the goods, required temperature, sale or hire preference, expected period, power available and details of the Felixstowe site. State clearly if you are considering high cube or non-operational equipment so the enquiry can be assessed against the right type.