---
title: "temperature controlled storage: Definition and Meaning"
description: "Temperature-controlled storage is a space that holds goods within a set temperature range. It may be refrigerated, frozen or heated."
url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/temperature-controlled-storage
publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)
phone: "(816) 960-6552"
email: info@npsa.org
---

Mobile offices and modular

# 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.

## Why it matters

The FDA's sanitary transportation rule for food requires that food needing temperature control for safety be moved and handled under adequate temperature control. For storage and rental, the key points are the range you need, how the unit holds it, and how you will prove it. Many users add temperature loggers. A common mistake is to confuse temperature-controlled with climate-controlled. Climate-controlled self-storage keeps a more even range for furniture and papers, while cold storage holds a set cold or frozen range. Ask the provider about power needs, backup plans and cleaning before you load food or medicine.

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

Definition source: [fda.gov](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-final-rule-sanitary-transportation-human-and-animal-food)

## 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)[### reefer container 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.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/reefer-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)[### 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)[### container HVAC Container HVAC is a heating, cooling and ventilation system fitted to a shipping container. It is used when people work in the box or when contents need a steadier temperature. It usually goes with insulation and electrical work. Systems and sizes vary by seller and use.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/container-hvac)[### electrical package An electrical package is a set of wiring, lighting, outlets and a panel installed in a container. It lets the box serve as an office, shop or other powered space. Scope varies by seller and use. Always ask what the package covers.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/electrical-package)

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

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