Coldtainer USA, providers of portable containers that can be used for precise temperature control in any transportation application, announced that a wide range of customers, from LTL to business and residential delivery providers, are reporting significant savings in capital and operating costs utilizing Coldtainer units.

“With Coldtainer refrigerated containers we are saving between $7,000 and $9,000 per vehicle upfront compared to the cost of insulated, refrigerated vans,” said Jehad Hannoush, an Edible Arrangements franchise owner with six locations in the Orlando area. “They also lower our operating costs because they are installed in vans that that get much better fuel economy, and they are virtually maintenance free compared to refrigeration units.”

Hannoush has now replaced eight larger insulated vans with refrigeration units at his franchise locations with Nissan vans and 32 cubic feet (242 gallon) front opening refrigerated model.

Palace Vending, a Kingsport, Tenn.-based supplier of snacks, beverages, office coffee, water, and catering services to businesses and schools in Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina, has outfitted a Ford Transit cargo van with a 25-cu ft front opening model. 

“Coldtainer refrigerated containers allow us to transport products over longer distances for a lower capital investment, and with double the fuel economy for those vehicles at significantly reduced operating costs,” said John Nottingham at Palace Vending. “Our maintenance costs are also lower than those for medium-duty trucks with coolers and cold plate refrigeration systems, and the containers are easy to install, and we can also easily move them to a different truck.”

At a lower initial cost than $25,000 for a frozen food truck, a 32-cu.-ft. front opening Coldtainer model designed for transporting frozen products down to -6°F and a cargo van are providing Kool Beans, the operator of five Italian ice franchises and the provider of catering services for corporate events, with frozen carrying capacity during transit and for storage.

“Coldtainer gives us the ability to keep expanding our business cost effectively and efficiently,” said Gregory J. Rhoads, the owner of Kool Beans Inc. “With the portable container for transporting and storing frozen products we were able to open a ballpark concession stand, and at a much lower cost than for a frozen food truck. That’s capital we can use to grow our franchises and our catering business.”

Coldtainer portable containers are a highly versatile solution for the transportation of perishable goods that require precise temperature control and freeze protection. Available in front opening or top loading models in a range of capacities and with numerous cooling, freezing and heating options, Coldtainers can use battery, shore and solar power sources on vehicles and at facilities to operate on AC or DC power. 

Equipped with refrigeration units designed to withstand vibrations related to vehicle use, Coldtainer standalone containers are made from highly durable molded polyethylene and food-grade materials, are easy to clean and are in compliance with health and safety standards.

All Coldtainer temperature-controlled models feature an integrated battery monitor and a user-friendly digital display to view temperature and status, and for precise temperature set point control. The portable cooling containers also record temperatures and have a mobile Bluetooth capability for downloading data to meet recordkeeping requirements.

"We’re seeing interest from companies that need temperature control for some portion of their loads,” said Terry Koerner, general manager of Coldtainer USA. “Those businesses rely on trucks for deliveries of fresh grocery, prepared meal, vending machine, pharmaceutical and other products and their loads also often include a mix of dry goods and perishable items that need to be maintained at precise temperatures.