Cross Cold Storage LLC — Keeping Your Products at the Right Temperature
Cross Cold Storage LLC — Keeping Your Products at the Right Temperature
At Cross Cold Storage LLC, we provide on‑site, temperature‑controlled refrigerated storage containers (both electric‑ and diesel‑powered) for short‑term or long‑term rental throughout the Northeast. Our 20′ and 40′ units maintain temperature ranges from −20 °F up to +70 °F, making them suitable for perishables, pharmaceuticals, special events, and more. (See our 20′ and 40′ unit specs on our website.) Cross Cold Storage+1
But to appreciate how we got here—to this flexible, containerized cold‑storage solution—it’s helpful to look back at how refrigerated storage containers evolved in the U.S. cold‑chain and shipping industry.
The precursor: ice, insulated rail‑cars & refrigeration
Before self‑contained refrigerated containers existed, the U.S. relied on a patchwork of ice harvesting, insulated rail‑cars, and early mechanical refrigeration systems.
In the early 19th century, companies harvested natural ice (for example in New England) and shipped it south and inland, relying on sawdust and insulation to preserve it. CrossDock Insights+1
By the mid‑ to late‑1800s, mechanical refrigeration started to be used in shipping and storage. For example, one vessel (the steamship Agnes) fitted a cold‑storage room around 1868/1869 to carry chilled beef to New Orleans using a compressor‑based system. Texas State Historical Association+1
The U.S. railroads and meat‑packing industry adopted ammonia‑cycle refrigeration methods by around 1900 in many cases. mfwc-cold.com
Commercial cold storage warehouses also began proliferating in the early 20th century. mfwc-cold.com+1
So the foundational technologies (insulation, refrigerants, mechanical refrigeration) were in place before the “container” concept was applied to cold storage.
The advent of containerization and reefer containers
A major leap occurred when standard steel shipping containers became widespread, and then when refrigeration machinery was adapted to those containers.
The general shipping container (intermodal container) was popularized in the U.S. in the 1950s by Malcolm McLean and others, enabling containers to be moved seamlessly between ships, trucks and rail. Hapag-Lloyd+1
The first self‑contained container refrigeration system that could bolt onto an insulated shipping container was introduced in 1968 by Carrier (Carrier Transicold). Carrier+1
Their “picture‑frame” unit design (a narrow frame approx 8×8.5ft) mounted on the front wall of a standard insulated container. Carrier
This innovation is considered to have revolutionized refrigerated containerized cargo: enabling full container units with independent refrigeration, stackable and transferable between modes (ship/truck/rail) rather than relying on specialized refrigerated ships. FreshPlaza+1
According to some sources, the first prototype of a refrigerated container (a “reefer container”) was developed around 1957 by engineer Keith Tantlinger based on a standard shipping container with added insulation and a self‑contained refrigeration unit; commercial use followed in early 1960s. shippingcontainertool.com
Thus, the timeline in summary:
1950s: containerization of general cargo begins.
1957 (prototype): first “reefer container” concept.
1960s: the first commercial refrigerated containers appear.
1968: Carrier’s self‑contained module becomes industry standard.
Commercial adoption and impact
Once refrigerated containers (“reefers”) entered commercial service, the transportation and cold‑storage industry changed significantly.
These units allowed perishable goods (seafood, fruits, vegetables, meats) to be moved long distances—by ship, rail and truck—with much better temperature control and less handling. Cross Cold Storage+1
The containerised model removed the need for specialized refrigerated vessels, holds or dedicated insulated boxcars—instead standard containers equipped with refrigeration could move in intermodal fashion. FreshPlaza
For cold‑storage businesses (like Cross Cold Storage), the evolution of containerised reefers means flexibility: you can deploy a 20′ or 40′ refrigerated container on‑site, rather than build a fixed cold‑storage warehouse.
The U.S. cold‑storage industry (warehouses, refrigerated transport, etc) expanded rapidly in the post‑World‑War II era, fueled by frozen foods, global trade and logistics improvements. CrossDock Insights+1
What this means for Cross Cold Storage LLC
By providing rental refrigerated containers, Cross Cold Storage LLC taps into this technological lineage:
We leverage the modular, containerised refrigeration model (20′/40′ units) that emerged from the 1960s reefer innovation.
We offer on‑site, flexible solutions—so clients don’t necessarily need a permanent cold‑storage warehouse; a container can be placed where needed.
The design and features of our units (e.g., the −20 °F to +70 °F range) reflect the evolution of refrigeration and containerisation into highly controlled environments. Cross Cold Storage+1
Understanding the history helps appreciate the reliability, efficiency and versatility of these containers: they are the product of decades of innovation in cold‑chain logistics.
Blog Summary and CTA
Refrigerated storage containers—what we at Cross Cold Storage LLC provide—are not just new gadgets. They are the result of more than a century of cold‑storage and shipping innovation: from ice‑houses and insulated boxcars, through mechanical refrigeration and containerization, to self‑contained reefer units in the 1960s. Today, you get the benefit of that evolution in a deployable, modular unit that can serve your business whether you’re storing produce, pharmaceuticals, or event space cooling.
If you’re looking for temperature‑controlled storage, contact Cross Cold Storage LLC today to request a quote for our 20′ or 40′ refrigerated containers, and let us help you find the right solution for your logistics and storage needs.
