If you’re looking for a reliable, temperature-controlled storage or transport option, the refrigerated container is a fantastic choice. Across New Zealand, businesses have required dependable, temperature-controlled environments for either storing or moving goods across the country. Often referred to as a “reefer”, the refrigerated container has been the go-to solution. This specialised container has been expertly engineered to function as either a mobile walk-in cooler, a secure frozen storage unit or a consistent temperature-controlled space for relocating sensitive goods. Available in a range of sizes, from 20 to 40 feet, these purpose-built units offer a great deal of versatility for maintaining the integrity of perishable items. So, whether the need is short or long-term, these refrigerated containers provide a reliable method to keep valuable goods at their optimal temperature. Let’s take a close look at what makes them so useful, and how to best utilise them. The Use of Refrigerated Containers New Zealand has a range of diverse industries – from its thriving agriculture sector to its highly popular food and beverage exports. All of these sectors, plus more, rely heavily on effective temperature management. Maintaining the integrity of perishable goods throughout the supply chain is paramount, and the refrigerated containers play a vital role in achieving this. At ContainerCo, we understand that there’s sometimes a critical need to protect the goods being stored or transported from one location to another, so we offer a variety of temperature-controlled shipping container solutions that are designed to meet different business demands. Each reefer container offers a reliable, and cost effective way of ensuring that a business’ products – whether chilled or frozen – reach their destination in the best possible condition. We offer three types of refrigerated containers, each one a unique solution to problems that businesses may face when trying to store or move goods. Single Phase Reefers The 20-foot Single Phase refrigerated container offers practical and economical storage. Its compatibility with a standard 15A plug allows for straightforward integration with typical sockets, which makes it significantly easier for smaller operations or temporary set-ups. The adaptable temperature range of -20℃, to +10℃ opens up a number of applications. For instance, a local market gardener could use this style of reefer to store freshly harvested berries or leafy greens – maintaining their chill and extending their shelf life before market days. Similarly, a small-scale artisan cheese producer may rely on it for precise temperature control during the ageing process, or for storing finished products before distribution to local restaurants and farmers’ markets. The frozen storage capability down to -20℃ is also highly useful for businesses like boutique ice cream makers in Auckland, providing crucial space to hold their frozen treats during summer months, or while the products wait to be delivered to stockists. Even catering companies that are preparing for large events could benefit from temporary storage with a single phase reefer, using them for chilled ingredients or pre-prepared meals to ensure food safety and quality. The 21m³ loading capacity offers ample room for these smaller-scale operations, while the personnel door with safety features offers easy and secure access for staff managing their contents. Three Phase Reefers (20-foot) The 20-foot Three Phase refrigerated container offers a step up in power and versatility, catering to Kiwi businesses with more demanding temperature requirements. Requiring a 32A four-pin plug, these robust containers offer a significantly expanded temperature range, from a deep -40℃ which is ideal for long-term frozen storage, to a warm 30℃ for specialised applications. This wider spectrum proves to be super useful for sectors like commercial fishing, where freshly caught fish, like tuna or hoki, may need to be rapidly frozen and maintained at ultra-low temperatures to preserve their quality for export markets. Similarly, meat processing plants throughout the country can utilise these reefer containers for blast freezing and storing large quantities of lamb or beef, before distribution to supermarkets nationwide or for international shipment. The ability to maintain a precisely-controlled chilled environment also benefits industries beyond just freezing. Consider a wine producer that may use these reefers to cold-stabilise their wines before bottling, ensuring clarity and preventing the formation of crystals. The larger 28m³ loading capacity allows for its user to store much larger quantities of product, making it a practical solution for businesses with higher levels of output. The powerful cooling, which can be maintained for long periods of time, can be particularly helpful when shipping products up and down New Zealand, or sending them overseas. Three Phase Reefers (40-foot) For the large scale operations, there is the 40-foot version of the Three Phase refrigerated container. Requiring a high-power connection via either a four-pin or five-pin plug, these substantial units offer a huge 67m³ loading capacity. It also boasts a wide temperature range, from a deep-freeze of -30℃ up to a 30℃. These mega units are particularly useful for larger businesses that work with larger quantities of stock and intend to keep them temperature controlled. Imagine a dairy cooperative like Fonterra, which may use these reefer containers to transport thousands of litres of milk, or pallets of butter from their processing plants to ports for international export. Similarly, a kiwifruit exporter may rely on these units to maintain the precise chilled temperature that’s required for their valuable fruit, during its journey to overseas markets. Domestically, these reefer containers are also essential for the distribution of perishable goods to supermarket chains nationwide. Furthermore, the robust construction makes them ideal for the rigors of long-distance transport, whether it’s by road or by rail. These reefer containers truly are the workhorses of the temperature-controlled supply chain for New Zealand’s largest primary producers, processors and logistics businesses. Making Use of a Modified Reefer Container Since some businesses may have highly specific requirements, ContainerCo also offers modified reefers. These are specifically-adapted refrigerated containers that are customised to meet unique operational needs. Our modification capabilities include: Dehydration / Drying Rooms – which are precisely controlled environments for removing moisture from various products. This may come in handy for industries like timber processing, or specialty food production. Blast Freezers and Chillers – which rapidly reduce the temperature of goods, essential for preserving quality and extending shelf life in the food processing sector. This tech aligns with New Zealand’s focus on food safety & quality. 50/50 Rooms – which are half freezer and half chiller, helping businesses that need to handle a diverse range of temperature-sensitive goods. Processing Rooms – which create a controlled temperature environment suitable for specific processing, such as food preparation or packaging. The importance of a reliable refrigerated container cannot be overstated. New Zealand’s significant agricultural and horticultural exports, including dairy, meat and seafood, rely heavily on maintaining strict temperature control throughout the supply chain. Delays or temperature fluctuations may lead to significant losses and impact the business’ reputation for high quality produce. Furthermore, the increasing focus on sustainability in logistics is driving demand for efficient and reliable temperature-controlled solutions. Modern reefers are designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining optimal temperature control. Choose ContainerCo for a Quality Refrigerated Container Whether you need a short-term rental for seasonal peaks, or a long-term investment in your own refrigerated container, ContainerCo offers a comprehensive range of refrigerated shipping containers to meet your needs. Our selection of single phase, three phase and modified containers will ensure you find the right solution or your frozen storage or transport needs. Backed by our commitment to quality and customer service, ContainerCo is a trusted partner for all things refrigeration. Contact us today to discuss how a refrigerated container can benefit your business.
