What are Thermotainers?
Thermotainers are insulated roll containers used to move chilled and frozen goods without breaking the cold chain. This guide explains what thermotainers do, the sizes available, who uses them, and how refurbishment and repair can cut costs.
What do thermotainers do?
Put simply, thermotainers are containers that regulate temperature. They let you transport temperature-sensitive goods, whether ambient, chilled or frozen, from A to B at a steady temperature. In an insulated container cooled with a cold eutectic plate system, for example, the temperature can be maintained for 24 hours or more.
Thermotainer sizes and specifications
The refurbished Olivo thermotainers we supply have a heavy duty, double walled polyethylene construction and run on 125mm castors. Two sizes are available:
| Specification | Olivo 500L | Olivo 900L |
|---|---|---|
| External size (W x D x H) | 715 x 850 x 1700mm | 800 x 1200 x 1900mm |
| Internal size (W x D x H) | 545 x 665 x 1380mm | 610 x 1000 x 1493mm |
| Volume | 500 litres | 900 litres |
| Tare weight | 95kg | 136kg |
| Castor diameter | 125mm | 125mm |
| Product code | DMU 12 | DMU 7 |
Both are ideal when a standard roll cage is not suitable because the load must stay chilled or frozen.
Who uses thermotainers?
Thermotainers are widely used to deliver from distribution centres to stores and other points of sale. Typical users include:
- Food distribution and grocery retail
- Catering and contract food services
- Healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics
- Any multi-temperature delivery round
Because each thermotainer holds its own temperature, one delivery vehicle can carry dry, chilled and frozen goods on the same round. Read more about insulated containers in logistics.
Thermotainer vs standard roll cage
A standard roll cage is an open mesh frame for ambient goods. A thermotainer is a fully enclosed, insulated container on wheels. Choose a thermotainer when the load must stay chilled or frozen in transit, and a roll cage for everything else.
Refurbished vs new thermotainers
Buying a refurbished thermotainer, or repairing your existing units, costs significantly less than buying new equipment. Our refurbished units are restored to a clean and safe working condition by trained engineers to Olivo standards, so they give you the same cold-chain performance at a lower cost.
Thermotainer repairs and spare parts
We provide a maintenance and thermotainer repair service on your site or at our repair centre. We are one of the only repair companies in the UK certified and registered by Olivo to repair and maintain Olivo thermotainers and other insulated containers, including polyethylene welding. Our engineers were trained at Olivo’s manufacturing site in France, and all Olivo thermotainer parts are readily available from us.
We also offer roll cage repair and refurbishment, new roll cages, refurbished thermotainers, other associated equipment and accessories. With volume discounts and competitive rates, we can have orders ready for delivery or collection within 24 hours, depending on peak periods.
Thermotainer FAQs
What is a thermotainer?
A thermotainer is an insulated roll container used to transport chilled or frozen goods while keeping them at a steady temperature.
How long does a thermotainer keep goods cold?
With a cold eutectic plate system, the temperature inside an insulated container can be maintained for 24 hours or more. Actual times depend on the load, the starting temperature and how often the door is opened.
What sizes do thermotainers come in?
We supply refurbished Olivo thermotainers in 500 litre and 900 litre sizes. Full dimensions are in the table above.
Can damaged thermotainers be repaired?
Yes. Damage to the doors and body can usually be repaired with polyethylene welding. As an Olivo-certified repairer, we can restore damaged units and supply spare parts. See our thermotainer repairs page.
Get in touch with us today to talk through your needs. Why not Chat to us online, call us on 01279 883 286 or send a message to ben@distributionmaintenance.com. Further information about our full service range can be found on our website.
