Refcontainer 45 feet new PW

How to correctly choose a 45‑foot Pallet Wide refrigerated container

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a 45-foot Pallet Wide refrigerated container:

First of all, it is important to note that most containers used by shipping companies have scratches, rust, minor patches, and dents. This occurs due to sea transportation and loading/unloading at ports and on ships. These defects are not critical.

However, if the container's outer shell peels off and air pockets form between the polyurethane insulation and/or repairs have been poorly performed without adhering to IICL / CARGO WORTHY standards.

Below you will find a list of criteria affecting the choice of a 45-foot Pallet Wide refrigerated container. We recommend paying attention to the following:

Body

• Doors — must open/close easily, tightly, and without excessive effort; all seals should be intact and in place, fit snugly, and there should be no cracks or visible deformations.
• Floor — must be rigid, not sag, not shift, and not have a rotten threshold.
• Ceiling — without sagging, holes, or leaks at points of attachment to the side walls.
• Walls — must be rigid, without insulation peeling, and should produce a dull sound when tapped. Peeling allows moisture to enter and compromises the thermal insulation properties of polyurethane, leading to increased electricity consumption.
• Roof — must be intact and free of punctures. If there are patches, check the quality of the repair.
• Load-bearing beams — may show signs of repair; carefully check the quality of any work performed.

Refrigeration unit

• Presence/absence of oil leaks in the refrigeration circuit; if present, this indicates freon leakage.
• Condenser — must be rigid and free from crumbling.
• Control cabinet — must be fully equipped with electronics.
• Compressor — often has rust from sea salt, which does not affect its operation. Pay attention to compressor noise and any unusual sounds or knocking for a more detailed inspection.

During inspection with the container powered on, there should be no errors on the display; any errors indicate a malfunction.

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

Be sure to check all documents the seller is required to have. The most important document is the Cargo Customs Declaration, which protects against fines and confiscation of illegally imported containers. This document should usually have an official seal and match the container exactly (container number on all walls, plate, and doors).

In conclusion, when choosing a 45-foot Pallet Wide refrigerated container, it is essential to carefully check its external appearance, the functionality of the refrigeration unit, and the competence and honesty of the seller. Purchasing a 45-foot Pallet Wide refrigerated container is a serious step, and no one wants to make a mistake. Remember that a refrigerated container is equipment that requires experience in handling and maintenance. Our specialists are always ready to consult you, both when purchasing such equipment and if any questions or situations arise with your equipment.