The Coolest Deals: Finding Your Perfect Refrigerated Shipping Container
Why Businesses Are Turning to Refrigerated Shipping Containers
Reefer shipping containers for sale offer businesses a flexible and reliable solution for temperature-controlled storage without the high cost of building permanent cold storage facilities. Here’s what you need to know when shopping for a reefer container:
Quick Buying Guide:
- Sizes Available: 20ft standard (1,006 cu ft) and 40ft high cube (2,387 cu ft)
- Temperature Range: -40°F to +70°F depending on unit type
- Power Requirements: 440V/460V, 3-phase electricity at 50-60 Hz
- Condition Options: New (one-trip), used operational, or non-operational insulated
- Primary Uses: Food storage, pharmaceuticals, events, floral preservation
- Service Life: 15+ years with proper maintenance
- Key Features: Aluminum T-bar flooring, stainless steel interior, heavy insulation
Whether you need to store perishable inventory, maintain pharmaceutical products at precise temperatures, or provide cold storage for special events, refrigerated shipping containers deliver ground-level access and plug-and-play operation that traditional cold storage facilities and reefer trailers can’t match. Unlike diesel-powered reefer trailers that require constant refueling and maintenance, electric reefer containers simply need a proper electrical hookup to maintain consistent temperatures for years.
The market offers both fully operational units with working refrigeration systems and non-operational insulated containers that provide passive temperature control. Operational reefers use sophisticated refrigeration units, control panels, and air circulation systems to maintain temperatures as low as -40°F. Non-operational units retain their thick insulation and can maintain more moderate temperatures without active cooling—perfect for less temperature-sensitive products or situations where you’ll add your own climate control system.
I’m Steve Hyndman, Vice President of Aztec Container, and over my 30 years in the industry I’ve helped countless businesses find the right reefer shipping containers for sale to meet their cold storage needs across California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Montana, and Nevada. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a refrigerated container—from understanding technical specifications to preparing your site for delivery.
Basic reefer shipping containers for sale terms:
Essential Guide to Reefer Shipping Containers for Sale
When you start looking for reefer shipping containers for sale, it is important to understand that these aren’t just standard boxes with an air conditioner slapped on the side. A “reefer” is a highly engineered, specialized piece of equipment designed to maintain a specific internal climate regardless of how hot it gets in the deserts of Nevada or how cold it gets in the mountains of Montana.
Standard dry containers are built with corrugated steel walls and marine-grade plywood floors. In contrast, a reefer features a stainless steel interior and an aluminum exterior. This construction is vital for hygiene and durability. The stainless steel walls are food-grade and easy to sanitize, while the aluminum exterior helps reflect heat and prevents corrosion.
One of the most distinct features you’ll notice inside a reefer is the T-bar flooring. These are raised aluminum floor slats shaped like the letter “T.” They are designed to allow cold air to circulate underneath the cargo, ensuring that the entire load stays at a uniform temperature. This is a massive upgrade over the flat floors of a standard container, where air can get trapped and cause “hot spots.”
Every container also comes with a unique identification number. If you are ever unsure about the validity of a container’s ID, you can Check your check digit with BIC to ensure it is registered correctly with the Bureau International des Containers.
Understanding Sizes of Reefer Shipping Containers for Sale
Choosing the right size is the first big decision. Most businesses look for either a 20ft or a 40ft unit. While 10ft units exist for very tight spaces, the 20ft and 40ft models are the industry standards for a reason: they offer the best balance of storage volume and transportability.
- 20ft Standard Reefer: These are perfect for smaller businesses, restaurants, or event planners. They offer about 1,006 cubic feet of space and are much easier to fit into tight parking lots or behind buildings.
- 40ft High Cube Reefer: In reefers, almost all 40ft units are “High Cube,” meaning they are 9’6″ tall instead of the standard 8’6″. This extra foot of height provides roughly 11% more storage space (about 320 extra cubic feet), which is a huge deal when you’re stacking pallets.
| Dimension/Capacity | 20ft Standard Reefer | 40ft High Cube Reefer |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 19′ 10″ | 40′ 0″ |
| External Height | 8′ 6″ | 9′ 6″ |
| Internal Capacity | ~1,006 cu. ft. | ~2,387 cu. ft. |
| Max Payload | ~64,242 lbs | ~65,212 lbs |
| Tare Weight | ~6,305 lbs | ~9,744 lbs |
It is worth noting that while these containers can handle massive payloads (over 65,000 lbs), you must always be mindful of local road weight regulations and the structural limits of your delivery site.
Key Industries Using Reefer Shipping Containers for Sale
We see reefer shipping containers for sale being used in almost every sector of the economy across the Western United States. Because they are portable and durable, they solve problems that traditional brick-and-mortar cold storage simply can’t.
- Food Service & Agriculture: From wineries in Idaho to produce distributors in California, reefers keep food fresh. They are used for seasonal overflows, harvest storage, and even as “blast freezers” to quickly lock in freshness.
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotech: Vaccines and medicines require exact temperature ranges. Reefers provide the stable, hygienic environment necessary for medical-grade storage.
- Floral Industry: Florists use them to keep delicate arrangements from wilting, especially during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.
- Event Management: Festivals and fairs use reefers to store food and beverages at ground level, making it easy for staff to restock without needing a loading dock.
- Chemicals & Aerospace: Some composite materials used in aerospace manufacturing require climate-controlled environments to prevent degradation.
Technical Specifications and Power Requirements
This is where things get a bit technical. A working reefer is an electrical powerhouse. Unlike your home refrigerator that plugs into a standard wall outlet, an operational reefer requires a serious electrical setup.
Most reefer units are designed to run on 440V/460V, 3-phase power at 50-60 Hz. They typically draw between 8 and 15 amps while running. If your site only has 220V/240V power, you will likely need a transformer to step up the voltage. We always recommend that you have a certified electrician verify your power supply and install a dedicated 30-amp circuit breaker before the container arrives.
The cooling units themselves—often manufactured by industry leaders like Carrier or Thermo King—are incredibly precise. You can set the temperature and, in many cases, control the humidity levels. This is vital for items like fruits and vegetables that need specific moisture levels to stay crisp. The control panel on the outside of the unit allows you to monitor the internal temperature without ever opening the doors, which helps maintain the “cold chain” integrity.
Choosing the Right Condition for Your Cold Storage Needs
When browsing reefer shipping containers for sale, you’ll encounter several different “conditions.” Understanding these terms will help you pick a unit that fits your budget and your needs.
- New / One-Trip Units: These are the “cream of the crop.” They have made a single journey from the manufacturer and are in nearly perfect condition. They offer the longest service life (15+ years) and the latest refrigeration technology.
- Used Operational Units: These are retired from international shipping but have been inspected and repaired. At Aztec Container, we ensure our operational units are “pre-trip inspected” (PTI) to confirm the motor and cooling systems are working perfectly.
- Cargo-Worthy (CW): These units are structurally sound enough to be used for international shipping. If you plan to ship your container overseas, look for the International Maritime Organization’s CSC Plate info. The CSC plate is like a car’s registration—it proves the container is safe for stacking on a ship.
- Non-Operational Insulated (Insulated-Only): These units have had the refrigeration motor removed or disabled. They are essentially giant, super-insulated thermoses. They are fantastic for storing items that just need to stay at a consistent, moderate temperature, or for DIYers who want to install their own HVAC systems.
Delivery Logistics and Site Preparation
Getting your container delivered is the most exciting part, but it requires some prep work. We use tilt-bed trucks that “slide” the container off the back of the trailer onto the ground.
Space is the biggest requirement.
- For a 20ft container, you need at least 60 feet of straight-line clearance (40 feet for the truck and 20 feet for the container to slide off).
- For a 40ft container, you need at least 100 feet of straight-line clearance.
The ground must be level and firm. While these containers are made of steel, they can sink into soft mud or asphalt on a hot Nevada day if they aren’t supported. We recommend a concrete pad, a gravel bed, or at the very least, heavy wooden blocks under the corners.
Also, don’t forget about air circulation. The refrigeration motor on the front of the unit needs space to “breathe.” If you tuck it too tightly into a corner or against a wall, the motor can overheat, leading to expensive repairs. Finally, always be aware of FMCSA regulations regarding weight limits if you plan on moving the container while it is loaded.
Customization and Specialized Accessories
One of the reasons businesses love working with us at Aztec Container is our ability to customize reefer shipping containers for sale. A standard reefer is great, but sometimes you need a little something extra to make it perfect for your specific workflow.
Some of our most popular customizations include:
- Butcher Doors: These are smaller, easy-to-open walk-in doors. Standard container doors are heavy and can be a workout to open and close multiple times a day. A butcher door allows for quick entry and exit while keeping the cold air inside.
- Internal Lighting: Reefers can be dark places. We can install vapor-proof LED lighting so you can safely navigate your inventory.
- Shelving Systems: To maximize your 2,387 cubic feet of space in a 40ft unit, we can install custom shelving that allows for better organization and airflow.
- GPS & Temperature Monitoring: For high-value cargo like pharmaceuticals, we can add remote monitoring systems that alert your phone if the temperature fluctuates or if the doors are opened.
- Side-Access Doors: If you need to access specific parts of your inventory without digging through the whole container, side-access doors are a game-changer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Refrigerated Containers
What is the difference between a reefer container and a reefer trailer?
This is a common question! A reefer trailer is the long trailer you see attached to a semi-truck. They are usually diesel-powered, which means they are noisy, require constant refueling, and have higher maintenance costs. A reefer container is a “plug-and-play” electric unit. It sits directly on the ground (no stairs or ramps needed!), runs quietly, and is much more cost-effective for long-term stationary storage.
Can a reefer container be used for both freezing and chilling?
Yes! Most modern operational reefers can maintain temperatures anywhere from -20°F (or even -40°F for specialized “Super Freezers”) up to +70°F. This means the same unit can be used to store frozen seafood one month and chilled wine the next. You simply adjust the settings on the control panel.
What are the electrical requirements for a working reefer?
To reiterate, you need 440V/460V, 3-phase power. Most units use a specialized four-prong “ISO” plug. You cannot run a working reefer on a standard 110V home outlet. If you don’t have 3-phase power at your site, you will need to discuss transformer options or generator sets (Gen-sets) with your sales representative.
Conclusion
Finding the right reefer shipping containers for sale doesn’t have to be a chilling experience. By understanding your size needs, power requirements, and the specific demands of your industry, you can secure a storage solution that will protect your products for years to come.
At Aztec Container, we pride ourselves on being more than just a box seller. We are your partners in cold storage. Whether you are looking to buy a new one-trip unit for your pharmaceutical lab in Utah or need a used operational reefer for your restaurant in California, we have the inventory and the expertise to help. While we sell nationwide, our rental options are currently exclusive to California.
We offer fast delivery across the West and custom fabrication that can turn a simple steel box into a high-tech cold storage facility. If you are ready to upgrade your storage game, we are here to help you find the perfect fit.