REEFER CONTAINER PROSBUY & RENT

REFRIGERATED SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Buy & Rent Refrigerated Shipping Containers Chicago, IL

New & Used Reefer Container Sales & Rentals

One Trip 40 ft Reefer Containers

One Trip 40 ft Reefer Containers

Refrigerated Storage Container Rentals

20-foot refrigerated container with its refrigeration unit facing forward

20' Reefer Rentals

$1,000-$1,500 /mo.
  • Recently Updated Rental Fleet
  • Ground Level Delivery
40-foot refrigerated container with its refrigeration unit facing forward

40' Reefer Rentals

$1,000-$1,500 /mo.
  • Recently Updated Rental Fleet
  • Ground Level Delivery

Reefer Container Dimensions

Dimensions comparison for 20-foot standard and 40-foot high cube refrigerated containers
20' Reefer Container Dimensions

20-foot standard refrigerated container dimension diagram

40' High Cube Reefer Container Dimensions

40-foot high cube refrigerated container dimension diagram

Have Questions About Reefer Specifications?

Contact one of our refrigerated container sales specialists for more information.

We Need Some Space for Ground-Level Delivery

20-foot container delivery requires 60 feet of straight clearance and 16 feet of overhead clearance

Please make sure you have at least 60' of available space to delivery a 20' reefer container (40' for the fully extended truck, and 20' for the refrigerated container itself, plus space to maneuver). Please also ensure there is space for air to circulate around the reefer unit (at the end opposite the container doors).

40-foot container delivery requires 100 feet of straight clearance and 16 feet of overhead clearance

Please make sure you have at least 100' of available space to delivery a 40' high cube reefer container (60' for the fully extended truck, and 40' for the refrigerated container itself, plus space to maneuver). Please also ensure there is space for air to circulate around the reefer unit (at the end opposite the container doors).

Things to Know Before You Buy or Rent a Refrigerated Storage Container:

Make Sure You've Got the Correct Electrical Setup

Required power setup: 460V, 3-phase, 40A and 15KVA service; step-up transformers also available

Make Sure You're Close to Power: Cords are 50'-60' Long

Reefer power cords are 50–60 feet long; position the container near its power source

The Delivery Trucks are Heavy

Truck, trailer and container can weigh up to 45,000 lbs; delivery requires a firm surface

The Delivery Trucks are Big

20-foot container delivery requires 60 feet of straight clearance and 16 feet of overhead clearance

40-foot container delivery requires 100 feet of straight clearance and 16 feet of overhead clearance

Cool Your Unit Before Loading It (a Reefer is not a Blast Freezer)

Cool the container before loading; a reefer maintains temperature and is not a blast freezer

Make Sure You Have Room for Airflow by the Reefer Unit

Keep the area around the refrigeration unit clear for airflow

We Do Not Supply Shelving

Shelving is not supplied; customers must manage their own storage

Reefer Containers Run on R134A Refrigerant

Units run on R134A refrigerant; do not use other refrigerant types

Reefer Containers Have Aluminum T-Floors (Easier to Wash, More Hygenic)

Reefer interior with watertight, washable aluminum T-floors

Reefer Container Door Specifications

Container door diagram identifying handling instructions, CSC plate, locking rods, ID number, specifications and gasket

Safe Handling Instructions

A sticker or plate to identify such things as High Cube containers, etc. All 40' Reefer Containers are High Cubes, and will also have yellow decals at the top of the frame on each end, to make the extended height more noticeable. High Cube containers have an outside height of 9'6" (one foot taller than standard 20' reefer containers, which are 8'6" tall).

Locking Rods & Handles

Locking rods are bolted to the exterior of the shipping container cargo doors and frame, that seal the door tightly when twisted closed and clasped. A broken or bent locking rod can mean that a door won't seal properly.  For a reefer container to stay cool, it's important that the container doors seal properly so that cold air doesn't escape.

Container ID Number

Each shipping container has a unique identification number. The first three letters represent the container owner (registered with the Bureau International des Containers "BIC"), and those are followed by a "U" for dry containers, and then six more numerical digits for the unit number.  The 7th number is a "check digit" used by calculating the value of each letter and number in the ID. Check your check digit with BIC.

CSC Plate

The Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) Plate includes information on the date and location of manufacture, as well as other specifications.  Learn more about the Convention for Safe Containers on the International Maritime Organization's website. And make sure to purchases CSC survey if you need to use your shipping container for export.

Size & Capacity Specs

To ensure safe handling, and stacking on ships, containers should not be loaded heavier than the weight specifications listed on the door and CSC plate.  Please note, however, that local shipping weight regulations may be much lower than the maximum payload of the container. For instance, many shipping containers can handle over 65,000 lbs of cargo, but loading them that heavy would exceed FMCSA regulations.

Door Gasket

Each of the shipping container cargo doors is fully surrounded by a rubber gasket.  The gasket allows the steel doors to be shut tightly to prevent both weather getting into the the container. It also helps keep cargo from spilling out if the freight shifts or pallets fail during transport. Good gaskets are essential to a refrigerated cargo container being wind/water tight, as well to ensuring that cold air doesn't escape the reefer unit.

How Are Reefer Containers Different from Standard Shipping Containers:

40-foot high cube reefer at a container depot

Reefer Containers Are Cooler Than Standard Containers

Reefer containers have a refrigeration unit on the bulkhead end of the container.  While it's not a blast freezer, most reefer units are capable of maintaining temperatures as low as -20F. Refrigerated shipping containers are also insulated, and usually painted a light color (like white or grey).

Refrigerated Containers Have Aluminum Floors

Refrigerated shipping containers, have the same basic outside dimensions as standard shipping containers. However, because all refrigerated containers are insulated, reefer containers have smooth sides. Reefers also have aluminum floors (unlike standard containers, with wood floors).

Used Refrigerated Shipping Container Sample Photos

One Trip (like new) Reefer Containers

Professionally Certified Used Reefer Containers

Compare Refrigerated Shipping Containers to Reefer Trailers for Cold Storage

Comparison of reefer containers and refrigerated trailers

Are Reefer Trailers or Refrigerated Containers Better for Cold Storage?

Refrigerated shipping containers are a little smaller than reefer trailers, which usually come in 48' and 53' lengths (as well as some other smaller sizes), however reefer containers have a lot to offer.  Whether you buy or rent, refrigerate shipping containers offer a low maintenance cold storage solution.  As long as you've got the appropriate electrical hookups, it's almost as easy as plug and play.

Reefer containers also offer ground level entry (something you won't get with a refrigerated semi-trailer). And if you need dock-height storage, we can help you find a chassis trailer to rent or buy.  You'll also notice a noise difference, because refrigerated shipping containers have electric reefer units. Reefer trailers run on diesel fuel, which means you're always one overlooked refueling from your cold storage no longer being cold.

Refrigerated Storage Container Uses

Farmers Market Cold Storage Rentals

Fresh produce displayed at a market

We offer food-grade refrigerated storage container rentals in 20' and 40' lengths. Perfect for temporary storage of perishable goods at a Farmers Market, or anywhere else cold storage rentals are needed.

Rent refrigerated storage Buy a reefer container

Cold Storage Rentals for Events & Festivals

Drinks being served at an outdoor event

Need somewhere cold to keep the beer before the show? Reefer Container Pros offers temporary cold storage for festivals, events, and more. Our reefer container rentals are a clean and reliable option for event cold storage rentals.

Rent refrigerated storage Buy a reefer container

Refrigerated Storage for Floral Shops

Cut flowers displayed in a florist's shop

We understand that flowers can be highly sensitive to temperature fluctuation. Our refrigerated storage containers offer climate controlled storage for florists and flower shops. We can also offer on-site rentals for special events and weddings.

Rent refrigerated storage Buy a reefer container

Refrigerated Storage Containers for Restaurants

Fish and shellfish on ice

Whether you need a cold storage rental to replace or expand your walk-in, or need somewhere to store your seafood before you prep it, Reefer Container Pros has the refrigerated storage solution for any size restaurant.

Rent refrigerated storage Buy a reefer container

Climate Controlled Pharmaceutical Storage

Pharmaceutical vials on a production line

Reefer Container Pros offers refrigerated storage containers for pharmaceutical companies that need climate controlled storage.  Our reefer containers can keep all of your medical supplies at a constant temperature.

Rent refrigerated storage Buy a reefer container

Food Shelf Cold Storage Containers

Meals being served at a food kitchen

We understand that there are seasonal changes for food shelves and soup kitchens, so we offer refrigerated storage container rentals to help with excess donations, renovations of existing spaces, and more.

Rent refrigerated storage Buy a reefer container

Refrigerated Storage for Grocery Stores

Refrigerated shelves in a grocery store

Flexible cold storage for any size supermarket. Whether you're remodeling your grocery store, or just need the extra space, we've got food-grade refrigerated containers that offer temperatures as low as -20F.

Rent refrigerated storage Buy a reefer container

Industrial Chemical Plant Cold Storage

Industrial processing equipment

We're here to help industrial chemical facilities with a cold storage or climate controlled storage need. Our refrigerated storage containers can keep your equipment cool, or just ensure that a steady temperature is maintained.

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Oil & Gas Industry Climate Controlled Storage

Oil and gas processing facility

Reefer Container Pros has the professionals you need to ensure your petrochemical facility has climate controlled storage options. Cold storage container rentals that can meet the high requirements of the oil and gas industry.

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Reefer Container Pros: Coming Soon

Nationwide reefer container sales and rentals, coming soon...

Professionally certified refrigerated containers seal
Chicago skyline along Lake Michigan