NEWS & TIPS

THE EVOLUTION OF CONTAINERS FROM SIMPLE DRY STORAGE TO REFRIGERATION

Innovation is necessary in every business, but in some cases, minimal changes can lead to a genuinely revolutionary expansion of usability. This is what happened with industrial shipping containers – which were initially designed to standardise dimensions of packaged goods and simplify trans-modal loading. Today they serve in a wide variety of roles and are used across numerous business sectors.

Their usefulness expanded due to the introduction of refrigeration, which made containers suitable for the storage and transportation of goods that are sensitive to heat and moisture. Here is a summary of this interesting development and what it means for UK businesses:

Standard Dry Containers and Their Benefits

Industrial containers are made of durable metal and come in standardised dimensions. The simplicity of loading and handling is one of their most important characteristics, which is why they are traditionally used in the shipping industry. Suitable for transportation via road, air, or sea, containers have been used in international commerce for many decades. With several sizes available, containers can be stacked to accommodate practically any volume of cargo. Since they are inexpensive to produce and easy to maintain, they facilitate the cost-effective storage of a wide range of goods at virtually any volume.

The Mechanical Upgrade that Transformed Dry Containers

The inclusion of a built-in, compact system for controlling the temperature inside of the unit lead to the creation of a refrigerated container, or reefer as it’s often called by those in the business. Suddenly, the range of applications for containers was wholly redefined, with companies as diverse as hospitals and event organisers utilising them to great effect. Modern reefers are more energy-efficient and practical to use in a wide range of environments, reliably maintaining set temperatures for long periods with little maintenance. This is why they are increasingly used for stationary storage, either as primary storage facilities or as a short-term boost to the standard holding capacity of goods.

Using Reefers to Increase Economic Opportunities

Reefers bring much-needed flexibility to the table and make handling perishable goods much more cost-effective. It’s becoming common among small and medium companies to lease containers for all kinds of purposes. This trend has a solid economic basis, as containers are not expensive to hire and can be returned for long and short periods.