Used 20ft Refrigerated Shipping Container
Overview
A trusted solution for on-site cold storage or temperature-sensitive transport, the Used 20ft Refrigerated Shipping Container (commonly called a “reefer”) offers versatility, reliability, and cost-efficiency for businesses needing a mobile or stationary cold storage unit.
Professionally inspected and tested before delivery, our used reefers maintain strong insulation performance, functional refrigeration systems, and structural integrity — all at a fraction of the cost of new units.
Ideal For:
✅ Restaurants, grocery stores & food distributors
✅ Florists, agriculture & seafood operations
✅ Construction sites needing on-site cold storage
✅ Pharmaceuticals, labs, or medical storage
✅ Event organizers requiring temporary cooling space
📐 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 20′ L × 8′ W × 8′6″ H |
| Internal Dimensions | 17’10” L × 7’6″ W × 7’5” H (approximate) |
| Door Opening | 7’6″ W × 7’5″ H |
| Cubic Capacity | ~1,000 – 1,100 cubic feet |
| Tare Weight | ~6,500 – 7,000 lbs |
| Power Requirements | 460V 3-phase / 220V optional units |
| Temperature Range | -20°F to +75°F (varies by unit) |
| Floor Type | Aluminum T-bar (anti-slip & drainable) |
| Material | Insulated steel or aluminum exterior |
| Condition | Used, structurally sound, pre-tested |
❄️ Why Choose a Reefer Container?
In industries where temperature consistency is non-negotiable — like food storage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, or biotech — the used 20ft refrigerated container offers a cost-effective, portable, and reliable solution. Unlike traditional walk-in freezers or stationary cold rooms, reefers deliver mobility, efficiency, and ruggedness all in one insulated steel enclosure.
These containers are built for tough environments — originally designed for cross-ocean shipping of frozen or chilled goods — which means they can withstand harsh weather, demanding site conditions, and long operational hours without compromising performance.
Whether you need a short-term cooling unit during peak season or a permanent cold storage solution on-site, a used reefer gives you the flexibility to scale, relocate, and adapt — without building infrastructure from scratch.
🔑 Key Advantages Explained
Each reefer container is a sealed steel fortress, designed to protect its contents from rain, dust, wind, and extreme temperatures. Whether stationed in a remote farm, urban parking lot, or construction site, your inventory remains protected — day and night.
The lockable double doors, reinforced walls, and anti-corrosive build ensure long-term use even in volatile weather. Plus, insulation panels act as a thermal shield to maintain internal climate and block external heat transfer.
These reefers don’t require special construction or complex infrastructure. Simply connect to a standard 3-phase 460V power supply (with 220V or 230V options available), and the container is operational. The refrigeration unit starts running within minutes.
No HVAC engineering. No permits. No delays.
Bonus: If you're running temporary operations, this plug-and-play setup keeps your site agile and responsive.
Some reefer containers come with pre-installed internal lighting, allowing for safe loading, unloading, and inventory checks at any hour — without needing a flashlight or external floodlight.
Lighting may include:
- Overhead LED or fluorescent fixtures
- Motion-sensor lights (in newer units)
- Optional wiring upgrades (available on request)
Used reefers are equipped with factory-grade refrigeration systems capable of maintaining precise internal temperatures — usually ranging from -20°F to +75°F depending on the model and ambient conditions.
This makes them suitable for:
- Flash-frozen seafood or meat
- Heat-sensitive medical supplies
- Delicate produce or flowers
- Event catering storage
And because they're well-insulated, they use power efficiently — saving on energy costs over time compared to running traditional cold rooms or trailers.
Setting up a commercial cold storage room can cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially when factoring in permits, insulation, refrigeration systems, and construction delays. Renting refrigerated trailers for events or seasonal spikes can also be expensive and logistically messy.
With a used 20ft reefer, you:
- Skip construction
- Avoid long-term lease contracts
- Save 30–50% vs. buying new units
- Get immediate access to cold storage when and where you need it
It's a smarter way to invest in temperature control without locking yourself into infrastructure-heavy commitments.
🧪 Our Quality Control Process – How We Ensure Performance You Can Trust
At 24/7 Container Inc., we recognize that reliability is non-negotiable when it comes to refrigerated containers. That’s why every used 20ft reefer unit goes through a multi-point quality control process designed to ensure that the container you receive performs exactly as promised — from day one.
Our inspection and testing workflow includes:
Before any unit is approved for sale, it undergoes a hands-on inspection by certified refrigeration and container technicians. This includes assessing the container’s exterior shell, frame, doors, vents, and insulation panels for structural integrity and weatherproofing.
- Frame checked for warping or stress damage
- Hinges and lock rods tested for proper function
- Doors evaluated for smooth opening and airtight closure
- Insulation panels inspected for integrity and moisture retention
Each reefer’s cooling unit — typically from trusted brands like Carrier, Thermo King, or Daikin — is powered on and operated for an extended cycle to evaluate core performance and ensure reliable cooling across the full temperature range.
- Compressor and evaporator performance checked
- Interior reaches target temperatures (-20°F to +75°F) under load simulation
- Thermostat, fans, and sensors evaluated for responsiveness and accuracy
- Cooling cycle and defrost sequence reviewed for proper timing
To prevent costly failures in the field, we check for:
- Refrigerant leaks using pressure and detection tools
- Proper refrigerant charge levels to manufacturer specs
- No evidence of oil discharge around line sets or valves
- Secure electrical wiring and grounded connections
Beyond cooling, the internal condition of the reefer is just as important. We evaluate:
- Door gasket seals to ensure cold air retention and moisture control
- Aluminum T-bar flooring for forklift compatibility, drainage, and grip
- Internal wall and ceiling panels for cleanliness, dents, or damage
- Condensation control features such as floor drains and vapor barriers
Every used reefer is plugged in and tested again prior to delivery to confirm no issues arise during transit, staging, or climate fluctuation. This final check helps us identify temperature irregularities, startup issues, or intermittent faults before the unit reaches your location.
- Units remain powered for several hours to mimic extended use
- Surface and ambient sensors checked across internal zones
- Electrical readings matched against safe operating thresholds
- Documentation logged with unit serial for traceability
💡 Note: These units are sold as used, meaning they may include cosmetic signs of wear such as surface rust, fading paint, or exterior dents that do not affect functionality. These imperfections are purely cosmetic — each container is fully tested, structurally sound, and functionally certified for continued cold storage use.
🧩 Applications of 20ft Used Refrigerated Containers
The versatility of a 20ft used reefer container lies in its compact footprint, reliable temperature control, and ability to adapt to both mobile and stationary cold storage needs. Our clients span multiple industries — from agriculture to pharmaceuticals — all leveraging reefers to bridge the gap between perishability and preservation, without relying on costly permanent infrastructure.
Here’s how various sectors put these containers to work:
Freshness is profit in agriculture — and used refrigerated containers provide a critical cold chain link right at the source. Whether you're harvesting seasonal produce, storing dairy, or preserving farm-to-market meats, these containers let farmers:
- Store crops immediately after harvest to reduce spoilage
- Hold temperature-sensitive goods for farmers markets or co-ops
- Bridge gaps in rural cold chain infrastructure
- Avoid reliance on shared or rented cold rooms
These reefers help agribusinesses scale seasonal operations, extend shelf life, and meet food safety standards affordably.
Temperature-sensitive storage is non-negotiable for pharmaceuticals, research labs, and medical suppliers. A deviation of just a few degrees can compromise entire shipments.
Used 20ft reefers are ideal for:
- Vaccine storage during rollout phases or mobile clinics
- Biological sample preservation in labs and testing centers
- Backup storage for hospital pharmacy departments
- Field research sites needing stable storage under variable conditions
With precise temperature settings and insulation performance, our reefers protect integrity and compliance for biotech and pharma clients.
From coastal docks to inland wholesale depots, reefers are essential for maintaining the cold chain in seafood logistics.
Distributors and fishers use them to:
- Store freshly caught fish and shellfish before shipping
- Chill seafood en route to processing plants or markets
- Operate pop-up seafood markets in warm climates
- Bridge gaps when port-side refrigeration capacity is limited
By using reefers, businesses avoid spoilage, maintain quality, and increase freshness retention — a key to premium pricing.
For mobile food vendors, wedding caterers, or festival organizers, on-site cold storage is a game-changer. These reefers allow:
- Advance prep of bulk perishable food
- Real-time temperature-safe storage during multi-day events
- Cooling beverages, desserts, meats, and produce on-location
- Use as mobile walk-in fridges during peak service hours
They provide a clean, power-ready, secure cold zone, giving hospitality teams the flexibility to scale their events without sacrificing food safety.
When you're far from urban infrastructure, refrigerated containers become mission-critical.
Clients operating in mining camps, oil fields, military outposts, or remote construction zones use reefers to:
- Store perishable rations for teams on rotation
- Hold medical supplies or temperature-sensitive components
- Operate temporary cold rooms for field kitchens
- Avoid daily reliance on refrigerated deliveries
Their plug-and-play design makes them easy to power and relocate as site conditions change.
📍 Nationwide Delivery – Cold Storage, Wherever You Need It
We deliver used refrigerated containers across the contiguous U.S., sourcing from strategically located depots and ensuring every unit is transport-safe, pre-tested, and ready to plug in.
| Region | Delivery Time Estimate | Depot Notes |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | 5–7 business days | Ports in NJ, GA, FL handle seafood & grocery |
| Midwest | 6–8 business days | IL, MO, and OH support farm and pharma |
| West Coast | 5–10 business days | CA and WA ports ideal for produce and seafood |
⏱️ Most deliveries complete within 7 days of full payment confirmation.
🚚 Delivery Options – We Make Cold Easy
At 24/7 Container Inc., we understand that every delivery site is different — from remote agricultural lots to dense urban streets. That’s why we offer flexible, site-specific delivery solutions tailored to your location, access conditions, and offloading capabilities.
Whether you’re placing your container behind a restaurant, on a construction site, or inside a distribution yard, we make sure your refrigerated unit arrives safely and is placed with precision.
This is our most commonly used delivery method for 20ft refrigerated containers. The container is loaded onto a tilt-bed (rollback) trailer, which tilts and allows the container to slide off the back onto the ground.
Best For:
- Sites with solid, level ground (gravel, concrete, asphalt)
- Moderate access width (minimum 10–12 ft)
- Straightforward placement where no equipment is available onsite
Advantages:
- No need for on-site equipment (we unload it for you)
- Cost-effective and simple
- Efficient for short lead times and direct-to-ground placements
With this method, your container arrives on a flatbed truck or step-deck trailer, and you (the customer) are responsible for unloading the container using on-site equipment such as a crane, forklift, or heavy-duty telehandler.
Best For:
- Commercial facilities or construction sites with cranes or forklifts
- Customers seeking faster offload in limited-access environments
- Sites needing precise container positioning after delivery
Advantages:
- Lower freight cost for long-distance deliveries
- Flexible drop-off scheduling
- Useful when crane repositioning is needed
Note: Flatbed deliveries require coordination with your team to ensure unloading equipment is ready at the time of delivery to avoid delays or demurrage charges.
For tight-access, urban, or elevation-restricted sites, we coordinate delivery using a crane-equipped truck or bring in a mobile crane alongside the flatbed. This method allows the container to be lifted and placed precisely — even over fences, onto platforms, or in compact lots.
Best For:
- Urban deliveries where tilt-beds cannot maneuver
- Rooftop placements or raised foundations
- Gated sites with no direct drive-in access
Advantages:
- Highly accurate placement control
- Capable of clearing walls, fences, or other vertical barriers
- Critical for downtown job sites or specialized logistics
To protect your container’s cooling system and prolong its lifespan, we strongly recommend placing the unit on a level, well-drained surface. Uneven terrain or soft ground can lead to:
- Compressor imbalance
- Door misalignment
- Poor water drainage, leading to internal moisture buildup
- Reduced energy efficiency and cooling performance
Recommended surfaces include:
- Compacted gravel
- Concrete pads
- Asphalt lots
- Raised timber or steel supports (for flood-prone zones)
If your location presents access challenges or unclear conditions, we’re happy to assist with a site readiness checklist or coordinate with your facility manager prior to dispatch.
💰 Pricing
Region | Price Range (Used 20ft Reefer) |
|---|---|
| East Coast (e.g., NY, NJ) | $6,000 – $7,000 |
| Midwest (e.g., IL, OH) | $6,200 – $7,200 |
| West Coast (e.g., CA, AZ) | $6,300 – $7,500 |
💡 Final price varies depending on insulation grade, reefer brand (e.g., Carrier, Thermo King, Daikin), depot inventory, and fuel surcharges.
Quotes valid for 72 hours. Power cables and lockboxes available upon request.
🧾 What You Get – A Complete Cold Storage Package, Not Just a Container
When you purchase a Used 20ft Refrigerated Shipping Container from 24/7 Container Inc., you’re getting more than just steel walls and a working cooling unit. You’re investing in a complete, dependable cold storage solution that’s been professionally inspected, prepared, and supported by a logistics team committed to quality and performance.
Here’s exactly what’s included in your purchase:
Every unit is ISO-certified and engineered for harsh environments. Built with industrial-grade materials and insulated panels, these reefers provide long-term durability whether used in a warehouse, on a farm, or at a remote work site.
We don’t guess — we verify. Each refrigeration unit undergoes a full power-up and cooling cycle test prior to dispatch. This ensures it reaches and maintains its intended temperature range (typically -20°F to +75°F) with stable performance under real-world operating conditions.
These containers are built to resist corrosion and withstand environmental exposure. Most feature marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel shells, protecting the unit from rust, salt air, and daily wear — even after years of service on docks, farms, or industrial yards.
Hygiene matters — especially when storing perishable or sensitive goods. The aluminum T-bar flooring includes integrated floor-level drain channels that allow for simple hose-down cleaning, liquid runoff, and spill control. This feature is especially critical for clients in the food, floral, and pharmaceutical industries.
Power configurations can vary. Whether you’re using a 460V 3-phase system or a more common 220V hookup, we provide the right power cable and adapter to match your site’s electrical setup — so your reefer is truly plug-and-play when it arrives.
From the moment your quote is approved, our team handles everything from depot release to doorstep drop-off. We work with you to assess site access, choose the right truck (tilt-bed, flatbed, or crane-assisted), and ensure seamless delivery. You’ll have access to real-time support, including phone and email assistance before, during, and after delivery.
🛡️ Limited Performance Guarantee – Confidence in Every Container
At 24/7 Container Inc., we understand that investing in a used refrigerated container means you’re relying on the cooling system to perform without fail from day one. That’s why we back every used 20ft refrigerated container (reefer) with our 30-Day Compressor Function Guarantee — a safety net designed to ensure your cold storage needs are met without unexpected setbacks.
This limited guarantee activates immediately from the date of delivery and covers critical refrigeration system performance for the first 30 calendar days. Our goal is to make your initial setup process as smooth and risk-free as possible.
We cover all essential cooling functions, including:
- ✅ Free Replacement of Key Components:
If the compressor, evaporator, or condenser unit fails within the first 30 days — and the failure is confirmed as non-customer-induced — we will supply the necessary parts at no additional cost. This ensures minimal downtime and protects your investment. - ✅ Remote Troubleshooting Support:
Our support team is available by phone and email to help you through setup, power connection, and troubleshooting. Whether it’s wiring a power cord, adjusting the thermostat, or checking breaker settings, we’ll walk you through it step-by-step. - ✅ Discounted Swap-Out Option (if needed):
In rare cases where the cooling system cannot be repaired onsite, we offer a swap-out option for a replacement unit at a discounted rate. This ensures you’re not left without a solution, even if something unexpected occurs after setup.
To stay transparent, here are a few things not included under this guarantee:
- Damage caused by improper electrical hookups (e.g., incorrect voltage or unsupported generators)
- Modifications made by unauthorized technicians
- Cosmetic flaws (e.g., surface rust, scratches, dings) that do not affect performance
- Compressor failures caused by extended power interruptions or environmental neglect (e.g., flooding)
- Your 30-day compressor guarantee begins on the day of confirmed delivery.
- Claims must be submitted within this 30-day period to qualify for coverage.
- Claims after this window may still be eligible for partial support or repair advice, but are no longer covered under the guarantee.
If you experience a performance issue, here’s how to begin a claim:
- Contact us within 30 days of delivery by phone or email
- Provide your invoice number, photos/video evidence, and a brief description of the issue
- Our team will evaluate the issue and either:
- Guide you through a fix
- Approve a part replacement
- Offer a swap-out solution (if applicable)
⚙️ Custom Add-Ons Available
For clients with specific operational needs, we offer:
🔧 Power conversion kits (for 220V or 3-phase switching)
🔧 Internal shelving & divider systems
🔧 LED lighting with motion sensors
🔧 Interior insulation touch-up or repair
🔧 External decals or business branding
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