10 Things to Check Before Hiring a Refrigerated Container hire

Hiring a refrigerated container is one of the most efficient ways to secure temporary or long-term cold storage for food, pharmaceuticals, events, agriculture, and many other industries. Whether you are a small business looking for additional storage during peak season, or a large logistics company needing scalable cold-chain support, choosing the right refrigerated container is crucial.

Before committing to refrigerated container hire, there are several important factors to check to ensure you get the right size, performance, reliability, and value for your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we cover the 10 essential things to check before hiring a refrigerated container, including industry insights and practical advice from providers like Conrail.co.uk, a trusted UK specialist offering refrigerated containers for hire and refrigerated containers for sale.

The first question you must answer is:
What temperature will your product or operation require?

Different products need different temperature ranges:

Chilled goods typically require +2°C to +10°C
Frozen goods require -18°C or lower
Deep-frozen or pharmaceutical goods may need -30°C to -40°C
Ambient control may require consistent temperatures around +15°C to +25°C

Before hiring, ensure the container can maintain the temperature consistently, even in challenging outdoor conditions.

Tip: High-quality units from companies like Conrail.co.uk include accurate digital temperature controls and energy-efficient refrigeration systems to maintain stable temperatures.

2. Check the Available Sizes and Dimensions

Refrigerated containers (also called “reefers”) come in standard sizes:

10ft containers – compact, great for small sites or events
20ft containers – the most common hire size
40ft containers – ideal for high-volume storage
High-cube versions – extra height for bulkier products

Before hiring, check:

Space availability on your premises
Access for delivery vehicles
Whether you need one large container or multiple smaller ones

If in doubt, a provider like Conrail.co.uk can advise based on your storage volume and site layout.

3. Inspect the Power Requirements

Refrigerated containers usually require a stable electrical supply. The most common power requirements are:

380-440V three-phase power
32A or 63A plug connections

You should confirm:

Whether your site has the right power supply
If you need an electrician to prepare your site
Whether the unit can operate in low-power mode if energy usage is a concern

Some refrigerated containers for hire also come with diesel generator options, which are ideal for events, remote locations, or emergency use.

4. Evaluate Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

The hire price is just one part of the cost.
The running cost of the refrigeration unit can vary significantly depending on:

The age of the unit
The efficiency rating
The insulation (often measured as “R-value”)
The type of refrigeration machinery

Modern refrigerated containers are highly efficient and can save your business money over time. Conrail.co.uk, for example, supplies energy-efficient units designed to reduce operating costs without compromising performance.

5. Ask About Delivery, Placement & Installation Requirements

Delivery is a major consideration because reefers are heavy, and their installation requires proper handling equipment.

Before you hire, ask:

Will the company deliver and position the container?
Do they use crane-equipped vehicles, or do you need a forklift onsite?
What are the ground requirements? (Ideally level, firm ground)
Are there access restrictions at your location?

How soon can they deliver?

A professional provider like Conrail.co.uk will carry out delivery planning, confirm access routes, and ensure safe installation.

6. Check the Condition & Age of the Refrigeration Unit

Not all refrigerated containers are equal. Older units may:

Consume more electricity
Struggle to maintain temperature in extreme conditions
Have higher risk of breakdown
Be noisier than modern models

When hiring, always confirm:

The age of the container
The service/maintenance history
Any recent upgrades to cooling units
Internal cleanliness and overall condition
Door seal integrity

Providers with high standards ensure containers are fully inspected before delivery, reducing the risk of downtime for your business.

7. Ask About Remote Temperature Monitoring

For businesses handling food, pharmaceuticals, or high-value goods, remote temperature monitoring is becoming increasingly essential.

Many modern refrigerated containers include:

24/7 temperature tracking
Alerts for temperature fluctuations
Digital logs for compliance (HACCP, GDP, etc.)

If your industry requires strict temperature records (such as healthcare or export food sectors), ensure the unit you hire has monitoring technology available.

8. Understand the Rental Terms and Support Services

A good hire agreement should include:

Clear weekly or monthly rental costs
Transparent delivery and collection fees
Maintenance and repair responsibilities
Emergency support availability
Minimum hire period
Insurance and liability terms

Reputable providers offer 24/7 breakdown support, meaning if the cooling unit experiences an issue, a technician will be dispatched promptly. This can be crucial for businesses storing sensitive goods.

9. Consider Whether Buying Might Be Better Than Hiring

Sometimes hiring is the best option, but there are cases where buying a refrigerated container is more cost-effective, especially for long-term use.

Hiring is best for:

Seasonal requirements
Temporary cold storage
Events and short-term projects
Emergency storage

Buying is ideal when:

You need cold storage 365 days a year
You want long-term cost savings
You prefer customisation options
You require operational independence

Since Conrail.co.uk offers both refrigerated containers for sale and refrigerated containers for hire, they can help you compare costs and benefits before deciding.

10. Ensure the Provider Is Trusted and Experienced

Your supplier matters as much as the container itself.
Choosing a reputable provider ensures:

Reliable, well-maintained equipment
Prompt delivery
Professional installation
Better after-sales support
Reduced risk of operational downtime

A trusted UK supplier like Conrail.co.uk has extensive experience in refrigerated container hire across sectors including:

Food & drink
Catering & events
Pharmaceuticals
Agriculture
Logistics
Manufacturing
R&D and many more

Working with an experienced team ensures your container is safe, compliant, and suitable for your specific industry.

A Final Thought: Hire Smart, Store Safely

Hiring a refrigerated container is a smart, flexible, and cost-effective solution for many businesses – but only if you choose the right unit from a reliable supplier. By checking the ten points above, you ensure your cold storage will be efficient, stable, and trouble-free.

Whether you’re looking for refrigerated container hire, refrigerated containers for sale, or refrigerated containers for hire, companies provide high-quality options backed by expert support and dependable service.

If you want a hassle-free, reliable cold-storage solution, taking the time to evaluate your needs and select the right provider will always pay off.