--- title: "Refrigerated Storage Containers and Reefer Trailers | NPSA" description: "Rent or buy refrigerated storage containers and reefer trailers through NPSA members. Learn the sizes, power needs, uses, and how to request cold storage." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/refrigerated-units publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Storage types # Refrigerated storage containers and reefer trailers A refrigerated unit, or reefer, is an insulated container or trailer with its own cooling system. It holds a set temperature day and night. Use one for event food, restaurant overflow, or other temperature-sensitive goods. Check the power at your site before delivery. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote?unit=Refrigerated%20units)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage) Quick facts from NPSA members Common container sizes 20 ft and 40 ft Temperature range quoted by providers \-20°F to +70°F (Mobile-Stor); -10°F to +80°F (Dry Box) Typical container power 460V three-phase Monthly rate quoted by one provider $1,100 to $3,000, depending on season and term ## What is a refrigerated storage unit? A refrigerated unit, often called a [reefer container](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/reefer-container) or reefer, is an insulated container or trailer with its own cooling system. It holds the temperature you set, day and night. Two providers we reviewed rent containers in 20 ft and 40 ft sizes, and one also rents reefer trailers that suit loading docks (Mobile-Stor; Dry Box). A [refrigerated trailer](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/refrigerated-trailer) moves by road. A container sits at ground level. ## Who rents refrigerated containers and trailers? Mobile-Stor lists outdoor events, festivals and county fairs, restaurant overflow, breweries and wineries, and remote work camps. It also lists pharmaceutical and vaccine storage, and tells renters with compliance rules to call first. Dry Box describes dock-height freezers for seafood distribution. If you store medicine, confirm the unit meets your rules before you rent. ## What temperatures can a reefer hold? Mobile-Stor quotes about -20°F to +70°F. Dry Box quotes -10°F to +80°F. Exact limits depend on the unit, so name your product when you ask for a quote. See [temperature-controlled storage](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/temperature-controlled-storage) for terms. ## What power does a refrigerated unit need? Power is the detail most likely to derail a delivery. These figures come from rental companies’ published specs. Confirm yours with the provider. Unit Typical power Small cooler trailer 110-120V, 20-amp circuit Some 20 ft reefer containers 220V single phase Most reefer containers 460V three-phase Semi reefer trailer Diesel (no hookup) or three-phase electric standby Dry Box advises a licensed electrician for the hookup. ColdStorageFinder says a generator is the usual answer for remote sites, often for an extra fee. ## How much does it cost? Prices vary by season, size, term, and location. Dry Box lists monthly reefer rentals from $1,100 to $3,000 in its region. Ask NPSA members near you for current rates. ## How do I request one? Tell the member your delivery address, start date, how long you need it, the size, the target temperature, and the power at your site. For event planning, read [refrigerated containers for events](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/blog/refrigerated-containers-for-events). Reefers differ from a standard [storage trailer](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/storage-trailers) because they cool. ## How to get a quote NPSA is a trade association. Its member companies rent and sell refrigerated units. [Send a quote request](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote) and it goes to member companies near you, or [search the member directory](https://web.npsa.org/storageprovider/search) yourself. Get a quote ## Rent or buy from an NPSA member Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote?unit=Refrigerated%20units)[Search the member directory](https://web.npsa.org/storageprovider/search) Read next - [How to choose a portable storage provider: What to ask before you rent](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-choose-portable-storage-provider) - [How much does portable storage cost? Monthly rent, fees and totals](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/portable-storage-cost) Questions ## Refrigerated units: common questions What is a reefer container? A reefer container is a self-contained, insulated unit with its own refrigeration system. You supply the power hookup, and the unit holds the temperature you set around the clock. Common rental sizes are 20 ft and 40 ft, according to the providers we reviewed. What power does a refrigerated container need? Most reefer containers need a 460V three-phase supply. Some 20 ft containers need only 220V single phase, and small cooler trailers can run on 110-120V. If your site lacks the right power, providers can add a generator. Use a licensed electrician for the hookup. What temperatures can a reefer hold? Providers quote about -20°F to +70°F for one fleet and -10°F to +80°F for another. That covers deep freeze and cool storage. Exact limits depend on the unit, so state your product and target temperature when you ask a member for a quote. How much does a reefer rental cost? Prices vary by season, size, term, and location. One Northwest provider lists monthly rates from $1,100 to $3,000 and offers daily and weekly rates for emergencies. Treat that as one data point and ask NPSA members near you for current quotes. Can I rent a reefer for one event? Yes. Short-term rentals are common for festivals, fairs, and other outdoor events. Give the provider your dates, location, and power details so it can plan delivery. Our blog covers refrigerated containers for events in more depth. ## Sources - [Mobile-Stor: Refrigerated Container Rental](https://mobile-stor.com/refrigerated-containers) - [Dry Box: Refrigerated Container and Reefer Trailer Rental](https://coldstoragecontainers.com/rent/) - [ColdStorageFinder: Reefer Trailer Power Requirements](https://www.coldstoragefinder.com/guide/reefer-trailer-power-requirements) ## More portable storage options - [Storage containers](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/portable-storage-containers) - [Mobile offices](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/mobile-offices) - [Storage trailers](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/storage-trailers) - [Mobile self-storage](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/mobile-self-storage) - [Local move](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/local-move) - [Long distance move](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/long-distance-move) - [On-site storage](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/portable-storage-on-site) - [Storage centers](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/portable-storage-centers) - [Heavy industrial](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/heavy-industrial) - [Light industrial](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/light-industrial) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits)