Refrigerated containers provide an effective solution when it comes to storing goods that need to be controlled in terms of temperatures whether on short term or long term usage. Be it your business or a personal need to store things that require a refrigerated environment, a choice of purchasing or hiring a refrigerated container can have a big financial impact on your pockets and the ease of accessibility.
This article will discuss the advantages and factors to consider when purchasing and renting refrigerated containers in the UK so that you can make the appropriate decision regarding your requirements.
What are Refrigerated Containers?
A refrigerated container, sometimes referred to as a reefer, is an insulated container with a refrigeration system built in to maintain the contents at a given temperature, commonly to maintain perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
These containers come in different sizes and can preserve temperatures as low as -20 o C and as high as 20 o C, depending on the requirements of the goods stored.
Refrigerated containers sold and those refrigerated containers for hire are the same in functionality but the major determinant is the question of ownership and period of usage.
Purchase of a Refrigerated Container
1. Long-Term Investment
The first reason why you would want to purchase a refrigerated container is when you need it on a long term basis. The infinity option is best suited to any company that has ongoing requirements of temperature controlled storage facilities e.g. restaurants, food suppliers or pharmaceutical companies. It can be more economical in the long run to own the container out rightly particularly when you intend to use it over a number of years.
2. Customisation
When buying a refrigerated container you can be more flexible and make it such that it fits your own desire. You are able to make adjustments to the container’s size, shelving or refrigeration system should it be needed. It is advantageous when your company needs some special storage conditions or when you need a container of a certain size, which is hard to rent on the market.
3. Maintenance Control
When you own your refrigerated container, then you are the one who has to take care of it. Although this is good in the sense that you have total control, it also goes that you have to budget to have them regularly inspected as well as repaired or replaced. This may result in increased maintenance expenses and the services of experienced technicians to service the unit.
4. Upfront Cost
The most serious disadvantage of purchasing a refrigerated container is the initial investment. Depending on the size and model a refrigerated container can be a big investment when buying one. This start up cost might not be applicable to small businesses or businesses operating on a strict budget. Nevertheless, this expense can be justified in the long-term in case you are certain that you will require the use of the container over the long-term.
5. Limited Flexibility
When you buy a refrigerated container, then it is under your control. When your storage requirements vary or when your business situation alters, then you might find the container is no longer of use and when this happens, trying to sell it can be a burden. In addition storage space can also be a problem unless you have the room to keep the container when it is not in use.
Refrigerated Container Hire
1. Short-Term Needs
Hiring could be the most economical choice when the refrigerated container is only required short term. In the case of businesses with seasonal increases in storage requirements (e.g. refrigerated container hire by catering businesses during wedding seasons, or the additional cold storage space required by farms during harvest time) renting a refrigerated container can offer the flexibility to expand without a huge initial outlay.
2. Maintenance/ Repairs
A big benefit of renting a refrigerated container is that maintenance and repair is usually part of the hire agreement. This also avoids extra budgeting on emergency repair expenses or service charges. Other facilities such as Conrail which provide refrigerated containers on hire usually include regular checks, which mean that the unit is in optimum condition during the hire term.
- No Outlay
The refrigerated container does not involve a large initial outlay as is the case with purchasing. You pay a monthly or weekly rental price which may change depending on the size of the container, the period of hiring and other extra amenities. This may be significantly cheaper when the business or individual has limited funds or when it is a short term requirement.
4. Flexibility
Renting a refrigerated container is very flexible. Should your storage requirements vary you can simply upgrade to a larger unit or downgrade to a smaller one, subject to availability and your needs. There are numerous refrigerated container hire companies in the UK and these come in various sizes, small containers that are ideal for domestic purposes up to larger commercial containers.
5. No Ownership
As much as hiring is a flexible solution, you will not be the owner of the container. That is, when you do not need the refrigerated unit anymore you will be obliged to give it back to the company and the hire contract will be terminated. This absence of ownership will seem like a drawback to certain enterprises. But this may be an acceptable trade-off to people who do not require a long term solution.
Important Buy vs. Hire
When making a decision on whether to purchase or hire a refrigerated container, some factors need to be put into consideration:
1. Period of Usage
The required period of time you will need the refrigerated container matters the most. When you need it only a few weeks or months, it is better to hire. However, when your requirement is more permanent, then purchasing can prove to be cheaper in the long-term.
2. Financial Considerations
Lean hiring a refrigerated container can be a good alternative, as it has a lower initial outlay and more certain costs, so it is of interest to those businesses that do not want to make a large capital expenditure. Nevertheless, hiring a container can be expensive in the long run, and buying the unit may be more affordable in case of using it regularly.
3. Service and Maintenance
When you purchase a refrigerated container, then the maintenance and repair responsibility is on you. When you hire the container though the company usually maintains the container and keeps it in good working condition.
4. Storage Space
When you buy a refrigerated container, you have to think about where you will keep the container when it is not in use. When you hire the container, you just need to return it once you are finished with it and this eliminates the issue of storage.
5. Customisation
Purchasing will allow more options in customising. When you buy a container you can Customize It to your needs: In case you need some special features or have some special needs (e.g. additional insulation, shelving etc.) you canCustomize a container to your needs. Hiring could also restrict your custom features options, since rental firms mostly have standard models.
Conclusion: What Option is the Best?
In the end, the purchase or rent decision of a refrigerated container is according to your situation and requirements. When you are a company that has long-term and repeated storage requirements, then it might pay you to purchase a refrigerated container that will prove to be cheaper in the long run.
But when your requirements are seasonal or short term in nature then it might pay you to rent a refrigerated container which will give you the flexibility that you desire without having to invest in one which can be costly at the outset.
Conrail also has refrigerated containers for sale available to purchase and to rent to UK-based businesses and individuals, so you are bound to find the exact solution to your needs. So whether you are going to purchase or rent it is advisable to go with a well-established company which is able to deliver quality containers and good service.
To find out more about refrigerated containers, log onto Conrail Refrigerated Containers and see what choices are available to you.
