New 40-foot reefer container

How to correctly choose a 40-foot refrigerated container

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a 40-foot refrigerated container:

First of all, it should be noted that most containers used by shipping lines have scratches, rust, minor patches, and dents. This occurs due to sea transport, loading/unloading in ports, and on the vessel. These defects are not critical.

However, if the container’s exterior coating peels off and air pockets form between the polyurethane insulation and/or there are poorly performed repairs without following IICL / CARGO WORTHY standards.

Below is a list of criteria affecting the choice of a 40-foot refrigerated container. We recommend paying attention to the following:

Structure

• Doors — should open/close easily, tightly, and without effort; rubber seals should be intact and in place, fit snugly, with no cracks or visible deformations.
• Floor — should be rigid, not sag, not move, and without rotten thresholds.
• Ceiling — no sagging, holes, or leaks at junctions with side walls.
• Walls — rigid, without insulation detachment; tapping should produce a dull sound. Detachment allows moisture penetration and reduces thermal insulation properties, increasing power consumption.
• Roof — intact, no perforations. If patched, check repair quality.
• Load-bearing beams — may show signs of repair; carefully check the quality of work performed.

Refrigeration unit

When inspecting the refrigeration unit, pay attention to:

• Presence or absence of oil leaks in the cooling circuit; if present, it indicates freon leakage.
• Condenser — should be rigid, without flaking.
• Control cabinet — fully equipped with electronics.
• Compressor — often has rust from sea salt, which does not affect operation. Pay attention to noise and unusual sounds for a detailed inspection.

When checking the container while powered on, no errors should appear on the display. Any errors indicate malfunctions.

Door plate — mandatory. It is the container’s passport with information about the manufacturer, year of production, identification number, etc. The plate must be original and comply with ISO standards.

Make sure all documents that the seller must have are available. In addition to transaction documents (contract, invoice, etc.), the most important is the Cargo Customs Declaration. This document protects against fines and confiscation in case of illegal import. Usually, it should have an official stamp and data that exactly match the container (number on all walls, plate, and doors).

In conclusion: when choosing a 40-foot refrigerated container, it is essential to inspect it carefully — from the external appearance and operation of the refrigeration unit to verifying the seller’s competence and reliability. Purchasing such a container is a serious step that requires caution. Remember that a refrigerated container is equipment that requires experience in handling and maintenance. Our specialists are always ready to advise you during purchase and operation.