If your business needs cold storage on-site or on the move, you’re probably asking: how much does a refrigerated shipping container cost?
Refrigerated containers, often called reefers, are a dependable solution for storing perishable goods. Whether you’re in food service, pharmaceuticals, construction, or event planning, the right container can help you protect your inventory and stay compliant. But pricing can vary based on size, rental versus purchase, features, and location.
To help you find the best fit for your needs and budget, this guide breaks down what impacts the cost of refrigerated shipping containers and what to expect based on how you plan to use one.
Refrigerated Shipping Container Sizes
One of the biggest factors that influences refrigerated shipping container cost is size. While all containers are designed to provide temperature-controlled storage, the volume they can hold—and the space they require—varies significantly.
Below is a breakdown of the most common refrigerated shipping container sizes, what they’re typically used for.
10-Foot Refrigerated Container
The 10-foot reefer is the most compact option available and is commonly used by small businesses, local food vendors, caterers, florists, and event organizers. It offers a convenient cold storage solution when space is limited. Making it popular for urban job sites, small lots, or short-term storage needs. While it doesn’t offer the capacity of larger models, it’s ideal for those who need a flexible and mobile refrigerated space. Without committing to a full-size container.
Best for: Small businesses, temporary storage at events, tight jobsite locations
20-Foot Refrigerated Container
A 20-foot container is one of the most popular and versatile sizes available. It strikes a balance between capacity and space efficiency, offering enough room to store palletized goods, packaged foods, or sensitive materials. While still fitting in a standard parking spot. This size is widely used in the grocery, food service, and construction industries for both short- and long-term cold storage needs. If you need a cost-effective unit that’s easy to place and manage, this size is often the go-to.
Best for: Mid-size storage needs, grocery stores, food service providers, construction companies
40-Foot Refrigerated Container
For businesses with higher storage demands, the 40-foot refrigerated container offers significantly more space—often used in warehouse overflow, export/import operations, and large-scale food distribution. This container size allows for storing a large volume of goods at a consistent temperature and is ideal for longer-term use. Because of the larger capacity, it can reduce the need for multiple smaller units and often results in a lower cost per cubic foot of storage.
Best for: High-volume cold storage, logistics centers, long-term use
40-Foot High Cube Container
The 40-foot high cube container offers all the same advantages as the standard 40-foot model, with the added benefit of an extra foot in height. That additional vertical space can be extremely useful for businesses storing tall equipment, stacked pallets, or building out custom shelving inside the unit. High cube containers are especially popular among distributors who need to maximize their storage density while maintaining accessibility and airflow throughout the space.
Best for: Bulk storage with racking, tall inventory, vertical clearance needs
Refrigerated Shipping Container Costs Based on Size
At this point, you’re probably thinking — so how much does it actually cost?
The truth is, it depends. Refrigerated shipping container pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most suppliers do not publicly list prices because costs can vary based on factors like location, container availability, condition, and add-on features. Instead, the industry typically operates on a quote-based model.
That said, we don’t want to leave you guessing. While exact pricing requires a direct quote, the chart below provides a general range you can expect when discussing options with suppliers. Think of it as a starting point to guide your budget and expectations.
Refrigerated Shipping Container Cost by Size
| Container Size | Best For | Monthly Rental | Purchase Cost |
| 10-Foot Container | Small businesses, events, tight spaces | Low | Mid |
| 20-Foot Container | Mid-size storage, grocery, job sites | Mid | Mid-High |
| 40-Foot Container | High-volume, warehouses, exporters | High | High |
| 40-Foot High Cube | Bulk storage, tall inventory, racking | High+ | Highest |
Pricing varies by region, container condition, supplier, and features. Always request a custom quote for the most accurate cost.
Should You Rent or Buy? A Key Refrigerated Shipping Container Cost Decision
One of the most important decisions you’ll face when calculating refrigerated shipping container cost is whether to rent or buy. Each option comes with distinct financial and operational implications—so it’s critical to consider how long you’ll need the container, how often it will be used, and whether you want flexibility or ownership.
Renting a Refrigerated Container
Renting is a popular choice for businesses that need short-term cold storage or are operating on a tight capital budget. It requires a much lower upfront investment and offers flexibility to scale up or down as needed. This makes it ideal for seasonal storage, event-based operations, or emergency use when your permanent storage capacity is maxed out. However, renting isn’t always as simple as paying a flat monthly fee. Many suppliers charge for delivery, setup, pickup, and cleaning—and if your usage extends beyond the original rental period, fees can quickly add up.
- Lower upfront cost
- Ideal for short-term use, seasonal needs, or emergency backup
- Common for event companies, pop-up food service, or renovation projects
- Watch for add-on costs like delivery, setup, pickup, cleaning, and extended rental periods
Buying a Refrigerated Container
Buying a refrigerated shipping container is typically more cost-effective in the long run—especially if your business requires cold storage on a daily or ongoing basis. Ownership gives you full control over layout, modifications, and scheduling, and eliminates recurring rental charges. However, upfront costs are significantly higher, and buyers are also responsible for maintenance. This can include refrigeration unit servicing, electrical upkeep, and replacing worn components over time. Some suppliers offer service plans or warranties, but others may require you to hire third-party technicians if problems arise.
- Higher upfront cost
- Better for long-term use or regular daily operations
- Offers customization and full control over equipment
- May include a warranty or require a separate maintenance plan or service agreement
What Impacts Refrigerated Shipping Container Cost?
Once you’ve decided on a size and whether to rent or buy, there are still several other factors that can influence the final refrigerated shipping container cost. From how far the unit needs to be delivered, to what brand of refrigeration system it uses, each element can add or reduce overall expenses. Understanding these variables helps you make smarter decisions and avoid hidden costs.
Age and Condition
The age and condition of a container play a major role in determining its cost. New containers — especially “one-trip” units that have only made a single cargo run — offer the longest lifespan and most up-to-date components, but they come at a premium. Used or refurbished containers are more affordable upfront and are often sufficient for temporary or budget-conscious operations. However, they may require more frequent maintenance and could have outdated insulation, worn seals, or older refrigeration systems that are less energy efficient. If reliability and long-term use are your priorities, investing in a newer unit may provide better value over time.
Refrigeration Unit Features
Not all refrigeration units are created equal. Some offer more advanced temperature control, better energy efficiency, and easier maintenance than others — all of which can impact the overall cost. Containers with specialized features such as dual temperature zones, smart monitoring systems, automatic defrost cycles, or ultra-low freezing capabilities will typically come at a higher price. However, these features may be essential for businesses handling sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals, seafood, or specialty foods. When evaluating refrigerated containers, it’s important to consider not just the size and structure — but also the capabilities of the refrigeration system itself.
Power Requirements
Most refrigerated containers require a consistent electrical connection to operate, often running on 3-phase, 460-volt power. If your site doesn’t support this setup, you may need to invest in a compatible generator, which can add several hundred or even thousands of dollars to your total cost. In rural areas or temporary event setups, power access can be a limiting factor that affects both the feasibility and cost of using a reefer. Additionally, higher-powered containers with ultra-low temp capabilities may consume more electricity, which can impact your monthly utility bills in a long-term setup.
Delivery Location
Where the container is going plays a big role in its overall cost. The farther it needs to be delivered, the more you’ll pay in transportation fees — especially for larger 40-foot units that require special equipment and permits. If you’re located in an urban area or tight-access site, you may also need to pay for crane delivery or forklift services. Some suppliers include delivery in your rental or purchase quote, while others break it out as a separate line item. Be sure to confirm what’s included before signing anything.
Customization or Modifications
If your operation requires a container with shelving, additional lighting, roll-up doors, side access, temperature alarms, or racking systems, expect those modifications to impact the final price. Shipping container customizations can greatly improve functionality and efficiency, but they also require more time and labor from the supplier. In most cases, the more tailored the container is to your needs, the higher the upfront refrigerated shipping container cost — though for many businesses, the long-term convenience is worth the investment.
How to Get the Best Refrigerated Shipping Container Cost
Refrigerated shipping containers are a significant investment, whether you’re renting for a short-term project or buying for long-term use. The good news is there are several smart strategies that can help you reduce unnecessary costs, avoid hidden fees, and make sure you’re getting the most value for your money.
Compare Quotes from Multiple Suppliers
Prices can vary significantly depending on the supplier, even for containers with similar specifications. Be sure to request quotes from at least two to three vendors and compare not just the base price, but what’s included in the total cost — such as delivery, setup, or basic modifications. This can save you thousands, especially on larger or long-term rentals.
Understand the Full Cost Structure
Some suppliers advertise low base rates but leave out critical expenses like transportation, power setup, leveling, or pickup fees. Before committing, ask for an itemized estimate and review any additional service charges that might apply based on your location or usage. Knowing the true total cost up front will help you avoid budget surprises later.
Choose the Right Size for Your Needs
It’s common to overestimate how much space you need and pay for more container than you’ll actually use. A 20-foot unit might be perfectly sufficient for rotating inventory, while a 40-foot container could result in wasted space and higher monthly power consumption. Matching the container size to your actual storage requirements is one of the easiest ways to lower cost without sacrificing performance.
Negotiate Long-Term or Seasonal Contracts
If you know you’ll need the container for multiple months — or during the same busy season each year — ask about bulk rental rates or recurring-use discounts. Many suppliers offer lower monthly pricing for long-term rentals or will bundle delivery and pickup into a seasonal package to encourage repeat business.
Ask About Warranties and Maintenance Plans
If you’re purchasing a refrigerated container, make sure to ask whether it comes with a warranty and what level of support is offered. Some sellers include service plans or inspection schedules, while others may require you to manage maintenance independently. Clarifying these terms in advance can save you time, money, and stress if issues arise after delivery.
Final Thoughts on Refrigerated Shipping Container Costs
Refrigerated containers aren’t one-size-fits-all — and neither is the cost. The right solution depends on how you plan to use it, how long you’ll need it, and what your space or storage demands look like. Whether you’re renting short-term or investing in long-term storage, understanding the cost factors can help you make a smarter, more confident decision.
And as demand for cold storage continues to grow, the global refrigerated container market is expected to more than double — from $9.7 billion in 2022 to $19.8 billion by 2032. This growth signals more suppliers, more options, and the importance of comparing costs before making a purchase or rental decision.
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