As demand for cold storage grows across industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and florals, more businesses are turning to refrigerated shipping containers to keep products safe and compliant. But not all containers are created equal — and understanding refrigerated shipping container sizes is essential to choosing the right fit for your operation.
Whether you’re storing frozen meat, vaccines, or fresh produce, choosing the right container size is key. Too small, and you risk product loss or multiple rentals. Too large, and you’re wasting energy and paying for unused space.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about refrigerated shipping container sizes — including standard options, how to choose the right fit, who uses them, what they cost, and what to consider before you commit.
What Is a Refrigerated Shipping Container?
Let’s start with the basics. A refrigerated shipping container — also known as a reefer container — is a pre-insulated storage unit equipped with a built-in refrigeration system that maintains consistent internal temperatures, typically between -20°F and 70°F. These containers are used to transport or store temperature-sensitive goods across road, rail, or sea — but many businesses also rely on them as stationary cold storage solutions on-site.
What They’re Known As: “Reefer”
In the logistics and cold chain industries, these units are commonly referred to as reefers. While technically short for “refrigerated container,” the term is used interchangeably and often indicates a portable, plug-in cold storage solution.
The global reefer container market was valued at $9.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $19.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.5%.
Common Types of Refrigerated Containers
Not all refrigerated containers operate the same way. While they share the same goal — maintaining a stable internal temperature — there are a few different types of reefer containers, each designed for specific use cases:
- Closed Refrigerated Container (Standard Reefer): This is the most common type of refrigerated container. It has a single, fully enclosed insulated structure with a built-in refrigeration unit. These containers are ideal for transporting goods that require a consistent temperature and are used across most industries for both shipping and stationary storage.
- Modified or Controlled Atmosphere (MA/CA) Container: These containers go beyond temperature control by regulating the internal atmosphere — including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity levels. This slows down the respiration process in fresh produce, extending shelf life and reducing spoilage during transport. MA/CA containers are commonly used in the agricultural and floral industries.
- Automatic Fresh Air Management (AFAM) Container: AFAM containers use smart sensors and automated controls to adjust ventilation based on the cargo’s condition and external climate. These advanced reefers help maintain optimal freshness for sensitive goods like fruits, vegetables, or flowers, without manual intervention. They’re especially useful for long-haul shipping across changing environments.
How Refrigerated Containers Work
Refrigerated containers are equipped with an integrated refrigeration unit powered by electricity or, in some cases, diesel generators. The refrigeration system circulates cooled air throughout the container using fans and vents, maintaining a consistent, uniform temperature throughout.
Most units use mechanical compression cooling, where warm air is drawn out and cold air is circulated continuously. Some containers also offer humidity control, fresh air exchange, or alarm systems for monitoring fluctuations.
The container’s insulated steel walls help maintain temperature even in extreme external conditions, making reefers reliable for both short-term transport and long-term storage.
Who Uses Refrigerated Shipping Containers?
Refrigerated containers are used across a wide range of industries. If your operations involve perishable, sensitive, or climate-regulated products, reefers are often the simplest, most cost-effective way to preserve them.
Common users include:
- Food & Beverage Distributors – For storing dairy, meat, produce, or frozen goods.
- Restaurants & Caterers – For extra storage during peak seasons, festivals, or renovations.
- Pharmaceutical Companies – For maintaining temperature control on vaccines, biologics, and medications.
- Florists & Nurseries – To store cut flowers and delicate plants that require cooler temps.
- Construction & Industrial Sites – For storing temperature-sensitive adhesives, chemicals, or tools.
- Grocery Stores & Retailers – When extra back-of-house storage is needed due to seasonal demand.
- Event Organizers – To keep perishables cold during multi-day events, fairs, or expos.
No matter the industry, refrigerated containers offer flexibility, portability, and scalable cold storage — all without needing to construct a permanent facility.
Standard Refrigerated Shipping Container Sizes
Let’s get into the main question: What sizes are available, and what are they best suited for? There are four commonly used sizes in the refrigerated container world, each serving a different storage need:
10-Foot Refrigerated Container
- External Size: ~10’ L x 8’ W x 8’6” H
- Capacity: ~560–600 cu. ft.
- Best For: Small businesses, farmers markets, breweries, test labs, or event vendors.
Why Choose It:
The compact size is ideal for tight spaces or temporary storage needs. It’s perfect for businesses that don’t have a loading dock or need mobile cold storage for off-site events.
20-Foot Refrigerated Container
- External Size: ~20’ L x 8’ W x 8’6” H
- Capacity: ~1,000–1,100 cu. ft.
- Best For: Mid-sized businesses, grocery stores, job sites, or meal prep services.
Why Choose It:
This is the most popular and versatile size. It fits in a standard parking spot and offers solid internal capacity for daily use, without the footprint or cost of a 40-foot unit.
40-Foot Refrigerated Container
- External Size: ~40’ L x 8’ W x 8’6” H
- Capacity: ~2,000–2,300 cu. ft.
- Best For: Bulk storage, long-term commercial use, and export logistics.
Why Choose It:
This size is best for businesses with high-volume cold storage needs. It can serve as a walk-in freezer or semi-permanent cold warehouse solution.
40-Foot High Cube Refrigerated Container
- External Size: ~40’ L x 8’ W x 9’6” H
- Capacity: ~2,500–2,600 cu. ft.
- Best For: Stacked pallet storage, tall product loads, or businesses with limited ground space.
Why Choose It:
You get all the storage benefits of a standard 40-footer, with an extra foot of vertical space — perfect for high-volume or industrial storage needs where racking is used.
Cost of Refrigerated Shipping Containers
Let’s talk numbers — because refrigerated containers are an investment, whether you’re renting or buying.
Here’s what to expect:
Rental Costs (Monthly):
- 10-Foot Container: $300 – $500/month
- 20-Foot Container: $500 – $800/month
- 40-Foot Container: $900 – $1,400/month
Rental includes basic refrigeration, but fees for delivery, setup, and pickup may apply.
Purchase Costs:
- 10-Foot Container: $8,000 – $10,000
- 20-Foot Container: $10,000 – $18,000
- 40-Foot Container: $18,000 – $30,000+
- High Cube: Typically $2,000–$4,000 more than standard
Costs vary depending on age, condition, power supply (single vs. 3-phase), and refrigeration brand.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Size
Choosing a container size isn’t just about “how much stuff do I have?” Consider these factors to make a smart decision:
Your Storage Volume
Estimate how many pallets, cases, or bulk items you’ll need to keep cold. Will inventory rotate daily or sit for weeks?
Available Space On-Site
Make sure your lot or worksite can accommodate the container size you’re considering — plus enough clearance for safe loading and unloading.
Power Source
Larger units require more power. Make sure your location supports the electrical needs (often 3-phase power), or budget for a generator if off-grid.
Mobility vs. Permanent Setup
Need to move the unit between locations? Stick to 10- or 20-foot options. Planning to leave it in place for years? A 40-foot or high cube may offer better value.
Compliance & Access Needs
Check local regulations for temporary structure permits and ADA access. Also, consider door clearance, flooring, and whether you need shelving or racking systems.
Refrigerated Shipping Container Sizes: Which is Right for You?
So, how do you know which refrigerated container size is right for your business?
The truth is — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best container size depends on how you plan to use it, what you’re storing, how much product you’re moving, and what type of space you’re working with.
Here are a few scenarios to help guide your decision:
- Short-Term, On-Site Use (Small Volume):
A 10-foot container is often the best choice for small businesses, event vendors, or companies needing backup storage for short durations. It’s easy to place and cost-effective. - General Business Storage Needs (Moderate Volume):
A 20-foot container strikes a strong balance for most small to mid-sized businesses. It’s large enough for bulk storage or rotating inventory, but small enough to fit in tight spaces or standard parking areas. - High-Volume or Long-Term Cold Storage:
For large-scale operations — like distributors, warehouses, or exporters — a 40-foot standard or high cube container offers the most value. The extra capacity allows you to consolidate more inventory, use pallet racks, and minimize cost per cubic foot. - Stacking or Unusual Loads:
If your items are tall, bulky, or you’re using racking systems, a high cube container provides essential vertical clearance without increasing the footprint.
Still unsure? Start with your average inventory volume and consider how often you’ll be accessing the container. It’s better to plan for moderate growth than outgrow your container too quickly.
And remember — it’s not just about storage. It’s about keeping your products cold, consistent, and compliant without overpaying for space you won’t use.
Final Thoughts on Refrigerated Shipping Container Sizes
Choosing the right refrigerated shipping container size can save you time, money, and hassle down the line. From compact 10-foot units to full-scale 40-foot high cubes, there’s a reefer that fits your needs — but getting the size wrong can lead to overspending or operational headaches.
By assessing your storage needs, site conditions, and growth plans, you’ll be better equipped to pick a container that delivers both efficiency and ROI.
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