What is a refrigerated container, and why use one at an event?
A refrigerated container, often called a reefer container, is an insulated steel box with its own cooling unit. It gives you cold storage where you need it. Event teams, caterers and food vendors use them for drinks, produce, prepared food and other perishables.
The big advantage is capacity. One unit holds far more than a stack of coolers. Mobile Modular Portable Storage lists reefers in 10, 20, 24 and 40 foot lengths. A 20-foot unit has an interior of about 17 ft 8 in by 7 ft 5 in by 7 ft 5 in, per that page.
A reefer does not make its own power. It needs a source. That is the first thing to plan.
What temperature should the unit hold?
Hold cold food at or below 40 degrees F. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says to keep cold food cold, at or below 40 °F, and not to leave food out of refrigeration for over 2 hours. Above 90 °F, the limit drops to 1 hour.
Reefer settings are wide. Mobile Modular Portable Storage lists standard units from -30 °C to +30 °C (-22 °F to +86 °F). It lists chilled storage at 0 °C to +5 °C (+32 °F to +41 °F) and standard frozen at -18 °C to -10 °C (0 °F to +14 °F).
Your local health department may set its own rules for events and food service. Check them before the day.
What power does a refrigerated container need?
Most reefers need three-phase power, not a standard wall outlet. Conexwest says many U.S. commercial units run on 460-volt, three-phase, 60 Hz power, though some are set up for 208V, 230V or other service. The unit nameplate shows the maximum current.
Mobile Modular Portable Storage lists a 30-amp circuit as the standard configuration. It also lists a single-phase option at 220V and 50 amps, offered on some 20-foot units.
Your options are:
- Site power. A licensed electrician connects the unit to a suitable service and installs a disconnect.
- Generator. Rental is listed at $50 to $150 per day, plus fuel. Mobile Modular Portable Storage estimates diesel use at roughly 4 to 8 gallons per day.
- Provider setup. Some providers deliver the generator and cables. Ask.
Conexwest gives clear safety tips. Never force a plug or use an improvised adapter. Do not use extension cords that are not rated for the load. Route cables where doors, forklifts and foot traffic will not damage them.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary by size, term, distance and market. Mobile Modular Portable Storage lists monthly rental rates of $1,000 to $3,000. Add delivery, pickup, generator, fuel and the electrician if you need one.
Short event rentals may be priced by the day or week. Ask for the full price in writing. A good quote lists these items:
| Line item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Unit rental | Size, daily, weekly or monthly rate |
| Delivery and pickup | Charge each way, time window |
| Power | Generator, fuel and cable included or extra |
| Setup | Who places the unit and connects it |
| Damage and cleaning | Deposit, damage waiver, cleaning fee |
| Extra days | Daily rate if the event runs long |
Talk to your insurance agent about coverage for the contents and the unit.
What is the difference between a reefer container and a refrigerated trailer?
Both give you cold storage on site. A reefer container is built from a shipping container. A refrigerated trailer is a wheeled trailer with a cooling unit. The right choice depends on your site and product.
Neither type is better for every event. Ask each provider:
- How big is the unit inside?
- How does it get to the site, and how much room does the truck need?
- Is the floor level with the ground or at dock height?
- What power does it use?
- How is the temperature monitored?
What is the planning checklist?
Work through this list in order. Start as soon as your dates are firm.
- Count what you must keep cold and how much space it needs.
- Choose the target temperature for each product.
- Pick the spot. Conexwest advises a level surface that can support the loaded container, with room for staff to reach the unit and its electrical connection.
- Confirm power at that exact spot: voltage, phase, amps and plug type.
- Choose site power or a generator. Hire a licensed electrician if needed.
- Ask the provider how long the unit takes to reach temperature. Pre-cool before you load. Conexwest warns that loading warm product slows pull-down.
- Leave space around cargo for air flow. Do not block return-air paths.
- Set a temperature check routine. Conexwest suggests checking set points, supply and return-air temperatures and alarms. It also suggests remote monitoring for unattended sites.
- Confirm delivery and pickup times, and who is on site.
- Check local permit and health rules for events.
Mobile Modular Portable Storage notes that a well-insulated, loaded reefer can hold safe temperatures for about 4 to 6 hours after power loss with the doors closed. Treat that as a general guide, not a promise for your unit.
How early should I book?
Book as soon as your dates are firm. Providers have a limited number of units and generators, and busy seasons fill up. Lead times vary, so ask when you request your quote. Reefers need site prep, so allow time for power work.
You can read more about refrigerated units on this site. For food, also see the guide on what not to store in a portable storage container, and learn about temperature-controlled storage.
Next step
Tell us your dates, location and what you need to keep cold. An NPSA member company near you will contact you with options. Request a quote.