Insulated Shipping Containers
An insulated container is not a refrigerated one. There is no compressor, no power feed and no thermostat — the insulation alone slows the rate at which the internal temperature drifts. That is the right tool more often than people expect: for pre-cooled cargo moving a short distance, for sites with no power available, and for anything that needs a stable temperature rather than an actively cold one.
For a lot of goods the insulation on its own is enough to hold condition end to end. It also makes these shells popular for storage and conversion work, because a 50 mm insulated envelope is exactly what you would otherwise have to build into a standard container before you could use it as an office or a workroom.
Two types available
Non-operational reefer (NOR) shells. Decommissioned refrigerated containers — the cooling plant no longer runs, but the full heavy-duty reefer insulation and the stainless steel floor remain. These give the best thermal performance of the two.
Purpose-built insulated containers. Standard shells insulated with 50 mm Bondor panelling, for goods that need steady temperature rather than refrigeration. A wall-mounted air conditioner can be fitted where the container is being used as workspace.
Both are available in 20 ft and 40 ft.
Specifications
| Specifications | 20′ Insulated Container | 40′ Insulated Container |
|---|---|---|
| Inside cubic capacity | 28.3 m³ (999 cu ft) | 57.8 m³ (2,041 cu ft) |
| Max gross weight | 22,111 kg (48,747 lb) | 26,120 kg (57,585 lb) |
| Tare weight | 3,290 kg (7,253 lb) | 4,360 kg (9,612 lb) |
| Dimensions | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ external | 6.06 m (19 ft 11 in) | 2.44 m (8 ft 0 in) | 2.90 m (9 ft 6 in) |
| 20′ internal | 5.43 m (17 ft 10 in) | 2.28 m (7 ft 6 in) | 2.26 m (7 ft 5 in) |
| 40′ external | 12.19 m (40 ft 0 in) | 2.44 m (8 ft 0 in) | 2.90 m (9 ft 6 in) |
| 40′ internal | 11.49 m (37 ft 8 in) | 2.27 m (7 ft 5 in) | 2.20 m (7 ft 3 in) |
| Door opening | — | 2.34 m (7 ft 8 in) | 2.58 m (8 ft 6 in) |
Build and fittings
- No power required — insulation alone maintains a steady internal temperature
- NOR shells retain full reefer insulation and a stainless steel floor
- Purpose-built units insulated with 50 mm (2 in) Bondor panelling
- Timber flooring on purpose-built units
- Available in 20 ft and 40 ft
- Solid steel structural components
- Full 270-degree door opening
- Standard double doors
- Wall-mounted air conditioning available for workspace use
- Security lockbox can be arranged
- Covered by our standard 12-month warranty
Insulated or refrigerated: which do you actually need?
If your cargo has to be brought down to a set temperature and held there, you need a powered reefer. If it arrives already cooled, or simply has to be kept away from daily temperature swings, an insulated container does the job with no power supply, no compressor and nothing to service. That single distinction decides most inquiries we take.
- NOR units keep the full reefer insulation package and the stainless steel floor, at a fraction of the cost of a working machine
- Purpose-built insulated containers use 50mm paneling over a standard shell, with timber flooring and the option of a wall-mounted air conditioner
- Both are available in 20ft and 40ft, giving 28.3 m3 and 57.8 m3 of internal capacity respectively
- Ventilation, lock boxes, lighting and electrical fit-out can be added before delivery
See the full insulated container range for current stock. If a decommissioned reefer shell suits you, look at the 40ft non-working reefer container or the wind and watertight 40ft HC non-working reefer. For a smaller insulated store, the 4m x 2m insulated COSHH flat pack unit is worth a look. Our container buyers guide covers sizing and site preparation, and you can reach the team on +1 385-202-8031.
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