Insulated container
Also known as: IN · 20' IN · Thermal container · Porthole container · Conair
An insulated (thermal) container has insulated walls, roof, floor, and doors, but no cooling unit of its own. It slows down temperature changes inside.
Specifications
Typical figures — exact figures vary by shipping line and manufacturer.
| Internal length | 5,770 mm |
|---|---|
| Internal width | 2,260 mm |
| Internal height | 2,240 mm |
| Door opening width | 2,260 mm |
| Door opening height | 2,240 mm |
| Tare weight | 2,650 kg |
| Max payload | 27,830 kg |
| Capacity | 29.2 m³ |
| Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm) | 10 |
| Standard pallets (1200 × 1000 mm) | 9 |
Typical cargo
Goods that need protection from heat or cold but not exact temperature control: chocolate, some chemicals, wine, and electronics on short trips.
In plain words
The insulation keeps the inside temperature more stable when the outside is very hot or cold. Some older types, called porthole or Conair containers, have two openings at the front so a ship or terminal can blow cold air in from an outside system.
Today, insulated containers are rare on most routes, because reefers with their own cooling units are widely available and give exact temperature control. Insulated containers can still help for short trips or for goods that only need protection from extreme heat or cold, not a fixed temperature.
Example from real shipping
A chocolate maker sends products on a short trip in spring. The goods must not get very hot, but they do not need a fixed temperature. The forwarder offers an insulated container, and the chocolate stays within a safe range for the two-day trip.
Related terms
- Reefer containerA reefer is a refrigerated container. It has its own cooling unit and keeps the cargo at a set temperature during the journey.
- Ventilated containerA ventilated container is a dry container with small openings along the top and bottom rails. Air flows through it, which helps stop condensation (“container rain”) on organic cargo.
- 20' RFA 20' RF is a 20-foot refrigerated container. It has its own cooling unit and is used for heavy temperature-controlled cargo.
- Container typesA side-by-side comparison of the common shipping container types: sizes, weights, capacity, pallet places, and typical cargo.
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