Fast Delivery
Competitive Prices
Sales Available Nationwide
Rentals Available in California
Fast Delivery
Competitive Price
Sales Available Nationwide
Rentals Available in California
20 Foot Refrigerated Shipping Container
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About 20 Foot Refrigerated Shipping Container
A 20 foot refrigerated shipping container gives you secure, temperature-controlled storage in a footprint that fits most yards, lots, and job sites. Aztec Container has supplied storage and shipping containers since 1969, and our reefer units are built for businesses that need reliable cold space without committing to a permanent walk-in cooler.
Each unit can be set as a cooler or a freezer, so the same container handles chilled produce one season and frozen inventory the next. The refrigeration system runs on industrial 3-phase power and is wrapped in heavy insulation, keeping the interior at a consistent set temperature for perishable, pharmaceutical, or sensitive goods.
Call 1-800-399-2126 or request a quick quote to check pricing on new and used 20 ft refrigerated containers. Sales are available nationwide and rentals are available in California.
Key features
- Cooling unit: ThermoKing Magnum refrigeration unit holds a precise set temperature and ships with a 1-year warranty.
- Cooler or freezer: A single container handles both chilled and frozen storage — adjust the setpoint to the load.
- R30 insulation: Insulated walls, ceiling, and floor help the unit hold temperature and run efficiently.
- 3-phase power: Operates on 220V or 440V, 3-phase electrical service, or a compatible generator.
- Aluminum T-bar floor: Grooved aluminum floor channels cold air beneath cargo and wipes down easily for food-grade use.
- Heavy steel frame: 8-gauge steel frame and Corten steel body for a rigid, secure, long-service structure.
- Security lockbox: Built-in lockbox shields the padlock and adds a layer of protection for stored inventory.
- Custom options: Modify doors, electrical, shelving, and finishes to match how you load and run the unit.
Dimensions & specifications
| Specification | Measurement |
| External Length | 20′ 0″ (6.10 m) |
| External Width | 8′ 0″ (2.44 m) |
| External Height | 8′ 6″ (2.59 m) |
| Internal Length | 19′ 8″ (5.99 m) |
| Internal Width | 7′ 8.5″ (2.35 m) |
| Internal Height | 7′ 10″ (2.39 m) |
FAQ's
Can one 20 Foot refrigerated container be used as both a cooler and a freezer?
Yes. The same unit does both, you set the temperature you need. Dial it into the chilled range for produce, dairy, or beverages, or drop it into freezing temperatures for frozen inventory. Because the setpoint is adjustable, a lot of businesses run one container as a cooler in one season and a freezer in another without changing equipment.
What kind of power does a 20 foot reefer need to run?
The refrigeration unit runs on 220V or 440V, 3-phase power. Most commercial sites already have a suitable hookup, and if yours doesn’t, the unit can be run from a compatible 3-phase generator. It’s worth confirming your available voltage before the container arrives so the electrical side is ready to go.
What's the difference between a refrigerated container and an insulated container?
An insulated container has thick insulated walls but no powered cooling — it slows temperature change and is great for keeping things stable. A refrigerated container has that same insulation plus an active refrigeration unit, so it actually creates and holds a cold temperature. If you need to keep goods frozen or reliably chilled, you want the refrigerated version.
What can you store inside a 20 Foot refrigerated container?
Pretty much anything that needs to stay cold: fresh produce, dairy, seafood and meat, packaged frozen goods, beverages, floral inventory, and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical or lab products. Restaurants, caterers, growers, breweries, and clinics all use them as overflow or seasonal cold space.
How much usable space is actually inside a 20 ft reefer?
Less than a standard dry container of the same outside size — and that surprises people. The insulation and the built-in cooling unit both take up room, so the interior length, width, and height are all a bit tighter. The outside footprint is still 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in, which is what matters for placement, but plan your shelving and pallet layout around the smaller interior.
What does R30 insulation mean, and why should I care?
R-value measures how well insulation resists heat transfer — the higher the number, the better it holds temperature. R30 is a solid rating for a cold-storage container. In practical terms, good insulation means the refrigeration unit doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your setpoint, which helps with consistent temperatures and lower running costs.
Should I buy a new or a used refrigerated container?
It comes down to budget and how the unit will be used. New containers cost more but come in top condition with the longest service life ahead of them. Used units are more affordable and often perfectly suited for general cold storage, especially if you’re testing demand or need extra space seasonally. We can walk you through both based on your goals — just call for a quote.
Why does it have an aluminum T-bar floor?
The floor is made of grooved aluminum T-bars rather than the plywood you’d see in a dry container. Those grooves let chilled air flow underneath and around your cargo, so cold reaches everything evenly instead of just the top of the load. Aluminum also wipes down easily, which matters for food-grade and pharmaceutical storage.
Does the refrigeration unit come with a warranty?
Yes — our reefer units use a ThermoKing Magnum refrigeration system, and it comes with a 1-year warranty. ThermoKing is a long-established name in transport refrigeration, so parts and service support are widely available if you ever need them down the line.
Can I rent a 20 ft refrigerated container instead of buying one?
You can. Rentals are available in California, and sales are available nationwide. Renting is a good fit for short-term needs — a busy season, an event, or a temporary gap in cold-storage capacity — while buying makes more sense when you’ll use the space year-round. Tell us your timeline and we’ll point you to the right option.
No matter what type of shipping container you need Aztec Container can help you find the right solution!
Call us at 1-800-399-2126 for a quick quote
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