Refrigerated Containers

Refrigerated “Reefer” Shipping Containers Repurposed for Cold Storage Solutions

If you’re in the business of storing perishable goods, then you know the importance of maintaining a consistent temperature to ensure the quality and safety of your products. Running a business that deals with perishable goods can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to storage and transportation. Investing in a refrigerated container can be a game-changer for your business, allowing you to store and distribute your perishable goods in a safe and controlled environment.

What is a Refrigerated Container?

A refrigerated container or reefer is a temperature controlled intermodal refrigerated shipping container which is used in intermodal freight transport. A reefer container is capable of refrigeration for the transportation of temperature-sensitive, perishable cargo and goods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. Reefer containers are equipped with onboard refrigeration machinery which maintains a consistent temperature setpoint and humidity level, ensuring the quality and safety of the products being shipped and stored. Reefer containers come in various sizes, ranging from 6 meters to 12 meters and can be customized to fit the specific needs of your business, suitable for;

• Pharmaceuticals, drugs, medicines and vaccines at manufacturers and throughout the logistics cold chain prior to use.
• Bio and Life Science applications.
• Fresh produce including fish, meats, fruit and vegetables as well as dairy products.
• Processed foods of all types at manufacturers, distribution points, and point of sale outlets from farm shops to hypermarkets.
• Food and beverage storage at festivals and events
• PCM Phase Change Material cooling and freezing.
• Cold Testing of components, parts and finished products.
• Carbon fibre and other delicate materials requiring accurate temperature-controlled storage.

Reefer Rental and Hire:

If you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to store your perishable goods, “renting” a refrigerated container, can keep your products fresh and chilled, all while saving money and providing your customers with the best possible experience.

If you need additional storage space during peak season, or require a temporary solution while your permanent cold storage facility is undergoing maintenance, renting a refrigerated container can help you meet your storage needs cost-effectively, whether you run a catering business, a restaurant, or manage a pharmaceutical company, maintaining the quality and freshness of your products is crucial.

When renting a refrigerated container, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the most value for your cold storage solution.

Here is a few key considerations:

Size and Capacity: The size and capacity of the reefer container should align with your business needs. Consider the volume of perishable goods you need to store, as well as the frequency of deliveries and pickups.

Temperature Range: Different products require different temperature ranges for optimal storage. Ensure the reefer you rent can maintain the specified cold storage temperature range the necessary for your products

Rental Period: Consider the length of time you need the container for. Short-term rentals may be more cost-effective, while long-term rentals may provide more flexibility and cost savings.

Delivery, and Collection: Ensure the supplier offers delivery and collection services, as well as any necessary installation and setup. Maintaining the temperature of a refrigerated container is crucial to ensuring the quality and safety of your perishable goods.

Maintenance and availability of spares: Prior to delivery, we perform a PTI, a pre-delivery inspection on the reefer and we test to ensure that the reefer operates at optimum performance. After sales technical support and service is available.

PTI or Pre-Trip Inspection: PTI is an inspection and operational test conducted on an empty reefer container before delivery, to ensure the correct functioning of the cooling unit, temperature control and recording devices, and to ensure that the reefer is in a good operational condition. This test performs a diagnosis of the operation of the processes and cycles utilized by the reefer to reveal any failures and check the connection with the processor control unit. The completion of the PTI will confirm that the test was successfully passed and guarantee efficient performance of the reefer container.

Upon completion of the Pre-Trip we contract PPECB to perfrom an independent inspection and verify the cleanliness and pretrip result as per international and ISO Standards. This includes checking the cleanliness of the reefer, the temperature setpoint and vent settings.

The Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) is an independent service provider of quality certification and cold chain management services for producers and exporters of perishable food products. The PPECB provides a comprehensive service to exporters which includes the inspection and approval of equipment such as containers, specialised reefer vessels and cold stores; monitoring loading processes and the en-route temperature management of produce.

We are a supplier of Carrier Transicold, Thermo-King and Daikin Reefer containers.

Carrier Transicold is a manufacturer of reliable Reefer container machinery, and their ThinLine, PrimeLine, and EliteLine models have been field proven to provide a reliable cold chain solution. Carrier transport refrigeration equipment, cold chain monitoring solutions and replacement components ensure the safe, reliable transport of food and beverages, medical supplies and other perishable cargo to people and businesses around the world.

With over 50 years experience providing refrigeration equipment to the global container industry, Daikin brings world-leading Japanese technology and quality to the most demanding of temperature-controlled applications. Performance, quality and reliability. Carry your temperature-controlled container cargo confident in the knowledge it is receiving the ultimate care and attention by using a Daikin Reefer.

Thermo King creates innovative temperature control solutions. The TK Container Fresh & Frozen (CFF) unit is the culmination of their deep container refrigeration knowledge acquired from the intermodal use of reefer units on rough roads and even rougher seas. Chilled, fresh or frozen cargo calls for reliable perfromance.

Refrigerated “Reefer” Shipping Containers Repurposed for Cold Storage

provide an instant, moveable, cold storage solution for chilled or frozen products and produce. Temporary or permanent cold storage for foodstuffs or other temperature sensitive goods on your premises including events and functions

Renting a refrigerated container provides flexibility, allowing you to adjust your onsite storage capacity based on your business needs, without the commitment of a long-term investment. If your business experiences a surge in demand, you can rent additional reefer containers to accommodate the increased volume. Conversely, if your storage needs decrease, you can return the container without any long-term financial obligations.

Operational Considerations:

Temperature Checks: Perform regular temperature checks to ensure the reefer is maintaining the specified setpoint temperature. This can help identify any issues early on, preventing any product loss.

Loading, packing and unpacking: Correctly packing, and unpack the reefer container, observing the load line, to ensure even airflow and temperature distribution throughout the unit. This can help prevent hot spots and ensure consistent temperature control.

Additional features and accessories that can enhance the functionality and convenience of the unit. Shelving and racking can help maximize storage space and improve organization within the container. Lighting can help improve visibility within the container, making it easier to locate and access products. Security features, such as lockboxes and alarms, can help prevent theft and unauthorized access to the container.

Lighthouse Container Leasing is a supplier of new and used refrigerated shipping containers in Southern Africa and surrounding territories, on both a sale and rental basis.

Contact Lighthouse Containers today for an affordable reefer container solution.