---
title: "reefer container: Definition and Meaning | NPSA"
description: "A reefer container is a refrigerated container with its own cooling unit and temperature controls. It keeps cargo at a set temperature."
url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/reefer-container
publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)
phone: "(816) 960-6552"
email: info@npsa.org
---

Container basics

# reefer container (RF)

A reefer container is a refrigerated container with its own cooling unit and temperature controls. It keeps cargo at a set temperature. Carrier specs list reefers in 20-foot and 40-foot high cube sizes with smaller inside dimensions than dry containers.

## Why it matters

Reefers hold food, medicine and other items that must stay cold or frozen. They need power to run. Carrier listings show reefers with less inside room than a dry box because of the insulation and the machine. Portable storage operators also rent refrigerated units for events and restaurants. A common mistake is to treat a reefer like a dry box. It needs a power source, a plan for who monitors temperature, and care when loading so air can flow. Ask about power type, fuel or plug needs, and what happens if the power fails. Do not assume an insulated box can replace a reefer.

[Read: Refrigerated units](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/refrigerated-units)

Definition source: [one-line.com](https://www.one-line.com/container-information)

## Related terms

[### refrigerated trailer A refrigerated trailer, or reefer trailer, is an insulated trailer with a transport refrigeration unit. It keeps food, medicine and other temperature-sensitive goods cold or frozen. Unlike a refrigerated container, it attaches to a tractor and rides on its own wheels.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/refrigerated-trailer)[### temperature controlled storage Temperature-controlled storage is a space that holds goods within a set temperature range. It may be refrigerated, frozen or heated. Examples include a cold room, a reefer container or a refrigerated trailer used to keep food, medicine or other sensitive products safe.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/temperature-controlled-storage)[### insulated container An insulated container is a container with insulation on its walls and roof to slow heat transfer. In portable storage, insulation is often added to a standard steel box, for example with spray foam. It differs from a reefer, which has a refrigeration unit.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/insulated-container)[### dry van container A dry van container is the standard enclosed freight container for general cargo that does not need refrigeration. IICL uses dry van for this type, along with flat racks, open tops and reefers. Trucking also uses dry van for a type of trailer, so context matters.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-van-container)[### climate controlled storage Climate-controlled storage is indoor storage built to hold a more even temperature, and sometimes humidity, than an ordinary unit. Facilities describe it with words such as air-conditioned, heated or humidity-controlled, and features differ by site, so a customer should ask what the unit actually offers.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/climate-controlled-storage)[### ISO 1496 ISO 1496 is a series of international standards for the specification and testing of series 1 freight containers. Part 1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including totally enclosed boxes and some vented or open top types. Other parts cover tank, thermal, dry bulk and platform containers.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/iso-1496)

[All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary)

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