Refrigerated Containers

Pac-Van works with you to learn your needs and find the right refrigerated container to meet them.

Available at some of our Pac-Van office locations, our refrigerated shipping containers are high-quality shipping units that run on electricity. They are available in 20′ and 40′ sizes, and are able to hold temperatures from -30 to 70 degrees F. See our Electrical Requirements section below for detailed specifications.

Our experienced technicians will inspect your site, deliver your container and help you start the unit. These refrigerated storage containers are a great alternative to outside cold storage facilities or the standard refrigerated transport trailer. Because these units run on electricity, you will not be billed for any additional handling, hour meter or mileage charges.

We offer 24/7 emergency service for your refrigerated container, as well as preventive maintenance and repairs when needed. See our FAQ’ section below for suggestions on site preparation and container maintenance options.

Refrigerated Container Features

We have recently added new units to its refrigerated container inventory with one-of-a kind features:

• FLAT Floors Now Available
• Interior Lighting
• Emergency Egress
• Easy Open Doors
• Remote Monitoring Systems
• Your Choice of Sizes: New 10’ Size Is Now Available, Along With Our Standard 20′ and 40′ Refrigerated Containers

Do you have questions about refrigerated containers for sale or rent? Click here to contact your local branch location.

Reefer container units require a three-phase electrical system with a supply voltage of 440/460 volts.

• Some units are available with three-phase 208/230 volt transformers.
• Units are available to run on 50 or 60 Hz.
• The power supply must be grounded and have circuit breakers with a minimum of 30 amps.  For power supplies using 208/230 volts, then the circuit breakers must have a minimum of 50 amps.
• Electrical system supports a voltage variance of (+) or (-) 15 percent.
• Standard units are delivered with a 460-volt cable and an ISO standard CEE power plug (59 feet/18 meters).  The 230-volt cable does not have a power plug.
• Refrigerated containers must be protected from electrical power surges. The unit is equipped with internal circuit breakers in case of power surges. The 460-volts circuit breaker (CB1) trips at 29 amps and the 230-volts circuit breaker (CB2) trips at 50 amps. The unit contains fuses that protect the fan motors and control circuits. Internal circuit breakers do not eliminate the need for protection at the electrical supply side. Circuit breakers and surge protectors at the electrical source are mandatory.
• Do not arc weld on any components of the container or to any metal or conductive material on which the container is sitting. The electronic circuits of the unit’s microprocessor control system are very sensitive.

Printable version here

No. The containers are insulated and equipped with an “all electric” cooling system which makes them a great alternative to a diesel trailer.  There are no diesel charges or engine run-time charges added.

How do I monitor the temperature inside the unit?

Depending on the application and container setup, it may be helpful to install a thermometer to monitor both return and discharge air temperature.  This helps monitor highly-sensitive perishable items.  A service technician can provide assistance with this installation.

If I have multiple products to load into the container every day, should I turn the temperature down to keep the stored items cooler?

No.  Actually, the insulated walls of the container will keep items cold for many hours and the unit should always be turned OFF when the doors are open.  A plastic curtain may be installed to keep cool air inside when the doors are open.

Will a refrigerated container freeze my fresh bakery items?

Eventually, but a refrigerated container is designed to maintain temperatures of 0 degrees to 70 degrees.  They are not designed to freeze items that are not already frozen.

Can I set a container inside my warehouse?

Yes.  You will need to have space around all sides of the container for adequate air flow and a device placed at the rear of the unit for water drainage that may accumulate during the defrost cycle.

What if I need the container to be at dock height so that I can load it from my warehouse?

We can provide a chassis (at an additional charge) that will bring the container to dock height.  Call your sales representative for a schedule of delivery charges.

Can you deliver my refrigerated container to my home?

Yes.  We have many different types of delivery trucks and trailers to accommodate all types of delivery needs.  We can deliver to almost any location in the PNW and beyond.

What kind of power do I need for the refrigerated container?

The refrigerated containers require either 230V or 460V 3-phase power to operate efficiently.  Please see our Electrical Requirements tab for more detailed information.