Ref containers: an overview of manufacturers

GCS works only with refrigeration equipment that has proven itself on the container transportation market in the best possible way. We know which brand of reefer works best for a specific industry: Carrier, Thermo King, Daikin or StarCool. Refrigerated containers of these brands efficiently handle the assigned tasks — proven by many years of experience.

In this article, we will talk about the main manufacturers of refrigeration units, and we hope this information will help you make the right choice.

Carrier Refrigeration Units

The brand’s history began in 1902 with the development of air conditioners and the sale of climate-control systems for museums and libraries. Today, Carrier offers its own line of refrigeration units for reefer containers:

• PrimeLine — features unique microprocessor control, unmatched deep-freezing capabilities, and fast defrosting due to a special evaporator design;
• ThinLine — these Carrier reefer units operate on environmentally safe refrigerant, equipped with an efficient three-phase motor, and include an automatic defrost function;
• NaturaLine — uses CO₂ as a refrigerant, ensuring minimal emissions; performance is enhanced thanks to a multi-stage compressor;
• EliteLine — saves up to 40% energy due to the built-in Micro-Link® 3 microprocessor controller and allows transportation of highly sensitive goods.

In our catalog, you can find any Carrier reefer container — we’ve already explained who manufactures them and what their advantages are.

Thermo King Reefer Containers

The first refrigeration units by Thermo King engineers were developed back in 1938. Today, the company is considered a global leader in the production of temperature-control systems for shipping containers, railcars, trailers, and more.

Main series and types of Thermo King reefer containers:

• SL — due to innovative technologies, they can operate in extreme conditions while maintaining temperatures from -35°C to +25°C;
• Magnum — the highest efficiency in the industry, simple design, and strong energy-saving performance;
• Magnum Plus — operated through the MP-4000 controller, ensures even cold-air distribution and maintains temperatures down to -40°C;
• Super Freezer — maintains internal temperatures down to -60°C regardless of environmental conditions.

Today the manufacturer operates around 10 factories in seven countries, where Thermo King containers are produced.

Daikin Reefer Containers for Temperature-Controlled Cargo

Who produces Daikin containers? Experienced Japanese specialists successfully handle this — the brand itself appeared back in 1924. The first Daikin reefer unit was released in 1997, and today production volumes reach several hundred thousand units.

On the Ukrainian market, the following series have proven themselves particularly well:

• LXE — temperature range from -9°C to +25°C, convenient LCD control panel, efficient operation, and easy maintenance;
• Zestia — equipped with an innovative inverter-technology compressor, ensuring reliability and energy efficiency whether cooling or heating is required.

An important advantage of Daikin containers is their high-quality anti-corrosion coating, which ensures durability under any operating conditions.

StarCool Refrigeration Units

The company was founded in Denmark in 1991. Initially, the manufacturer produced dry cargo containers for maritime transport, but a few years later the product line expanded to include refrigerated containers. The company focuses on reducing the weight of the construction without sacrificing performance.

Every reefer container produced by StarCool features the following advantages:

• reduced electricity consumption by up to 50%;
• efficient performance regulation via a two-stage compressor;
• a modern system that controls both temperature and internal humidity levels;
• minimal heat loss thanks to well-designed insulation;
• high environmental standards, minimal emissions, and complete safety for stored goods.

To determine the volume of a StarCool reefer, all you need are its dimensions. The most common internal capacities are: 28–30 m³, 56–60 m³, 67–68 m³, 75–76 m³.

More information about how to choose a reefer container of any manufacturer is available from a GCS manager. Answers to this and many other questions can be found in our blog.