New and Used Refrigerated Container Buying Guide
New and Used Refrigerated Container Buying Guide
It is very likely that a second-hand refrigerated container has been repaired during its life and will have some dents and scratches. However, they will still work well and cost less, the choice is yours.
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In China, the price of a suitable 40-foot refrigerated container is around $6,047; while in Northern Europe, the same box can be bought for only $5,231.
Next, we will give you an in-depth introduction to the size, function and corresponding price of refrigerated containers. There are three main types of refrigerated containers on the market: 20 feet, 40 feet and 40 feet high cabinet.
1. 20-foot refrigerated container
20-foot refrigerated containers are very suitable for shipping small goods. Its effective load capacity is 27,400 kg and its volume is 28.3 cubic meters.
If you want to buy a 20-foot cargo refrigerated container, its average price in China, the United States and Northern Europe is US$3,836, US$6,585 and US$8,512 respectively, with a huge price difference.
2. 40-foot refrigerated container
40 feet is the most common container refrigerated container size. Its storage space is twice that of 20 feet, and the price is usually only about 30% higher, which is very cost-effective!
The effective load capacity of a 40-foot refrigerated container is 27,700 kg and its volume is 59.3 cubic meters.
In the United States, a 40-foot cargo refrigerated container costs US$6,704; in China and Northern Europe, you only need to spend US$6,047 and US$5,231 to buy it.
3. 40-foot high cabinet refrigerated container
The length and width of the 40-foot high cabinet are the same as those of the 40-foot cabinet. The biggest difference is that its height is increased by 1 foot (about 30.48 cm). These containers are ideal for transporting goods that cannot fit into a 40-foot container.
A 40-foot high-cube reefer container has a payload of 29,520 kg and a volume of 67.3 cubic meters.
In terms of price, this type of container is sold at the lowest price in China, at only $5,362 (for suitable goods); the average price in the United States and Northern Europe is $5,600 and $5,967 respectively.
Although reefer containers are durable, they have more refrigeration units than standard containers, including generator sets, fans and insulation materials. These special units also use electricity, and the cost of use and maintenance is much higher than that of standard containers. Any failure may create a huge risk and the goods will also face damage.
If you buy a good reefer container, you will get a good return on your investment. This is because, if properly maintained, they can last up to 15-20 years. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reputable and honest seller.
Of course, even for a good reefer container, you will spend much more on repairs and maintenance than a standard container. You must take this into account when considering building your own container fleet.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Shipping Container Guide - Boxhub
Despite popular belief, reefers don’t actually cool your products. Instead, they maintain the temperature of the products at loading, whether cool or hot. Simply put, if you load warm products into a reefer set to a colder temperature, it's not going to cool them down very well.
Picture this: you load ice cream at 40°F into a reefer set to 20°F. Chances are, that ice cream's going to stay at 40°F, and you're risking some serious melty mess. The golden rule? Always pre-cool your products to the temperature you want before loading them up.
Refrigerated containers are used to ship medicines and vaccines that require extreme precision in temperature control. In these instances, a few degrees of difference can be a matter of life and death.
Medicines and Vaccines: Many medications, such as insulin, need to be kept between 35°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) to remain effective. Reefers ensure these life-saving products maintain their stability and potency right up until they reach the patient.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Beverage Chiller. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Biotech Products: Biotech products include sensitive items like gene therapies, cell cultures, and lab-grown proteins, all of which require ultra-cold storage to preserve their molecular structure. These products are often used in advanced medical treatments and research, and any temperature variation could compromise their effectiveness. Reefers provide the precise, low temperatures needed to safely transport these delicate materials across long distances.
Tare Weight: That's how much the empty container weighs (it varies depending on the size).
Maximum Payload Capacity: The most weight you can safely place into the container without breaking it (or the law).
Overloading Risks: Packing too much in a reefer can jeopardize the cooling and damage the refrigeration unit. Not to mention, it's a safety hazard. Better to play it safe than sorry!
Looking to buy a specialty container? Boxhub is the place for you. We are the nation’s number one online marketplace for buying containers, with personalized buying support at every turn and delivery within 5-7 business days.
Advantages:
• More Flexibility: Renting a container gives you the flexibility to choose the size and type of container depending on your current need. And when you are done using it, you can return the container without having to worry about reselling it.
• Lower Upfront Costs: Renting reefers could be a good deal if you have short-term shipping requirements or you’re working on a bootstrapped budget. Lower upfront costs save you from burning cash.
• Maintenance: Rental companies often take care of maintenance and repairs of the containers. So, that's one less headache for you, both in terms of money and time!
Disadvantages:
• Higher Long-Term Costs: If you keep renting for a long time, say for several months, then it can end up costing you more than buying.
• Dependency on Rental Companies: Every time you want to ship cargo, you have to rely on a rental company and the availability of their reefer containers. Plus, you’ll also have to depend on these companies for the container’s maintenance and service. It’s a risk!
• Limited Customization: You can’t outfit your container with modifications (like man-doors)if you’re renting it.
For businesses that always need temperature-controlled shipping, buying a reefer (or several) can save you money in the long run. For instance, a pharmaceutical company that's always shipping temperature-sensitive products might find that buying reefers is a smart investment, giving them better control and saving money over time.
Advantages:
• Long-Term Savings: Look at it like an investment. Once you own a reefer, you don’t have to pay monthly rental fees anymore, saving you money in the long run.
• Freedom of Customization: You can kit out a purchased reefer to fit exactly what you need—be it an extra insulator, shelves or, even extra doors.
• Asset Ownership: When you buy a reefer container, it becomes part of your business assets, which can be a financial plus. And if you no longer need it, you can sell it and take advantage of their strong resale value (there's even a strong market for non-working reefers, thanks to their insulated properties)
• Additionally, you have complete control over its maintenance and repairs, ensuring that the reefer stays in good condition and you know exactly what’s traveled in it.
Disadvantages:
• High Initial Investment: Buying a refrigerated container requires an upfront investment that may be difficult for small businesses with a limited budget.
• Maintenance Responsibility: Though you have complete control, you will also have the added responsibility of maintenance and upkeep of the reefer.
• Limited Flexibility: Once you’ve purchased a reefer, it’s yours to keep, which means you’ll need to allocate storage space for it. While owning a container is an asset, it can become challenging if your business needs change and you find yourself needing a different type or size of reefer - or simply more room to store it.
Ready to buy a reefer container? Browse our inventory or consult with one of our specialists today.
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