How much does it cost to rent a reefer container?

Indicative rates: US$ 800–1,800 / month for a 20ft reefer, US$ 1,200–2,500 / month for a 40ft, depending on age (new-build vs 5–10 yr), region, contract length and power. Short-term rental (<3 months) typically carries a 30–60% premium. ColdMatch pulls 2–4 comparable quotes so you see the real market spread.

What temperature range do reefer containers hold?

Standard reefers: -30°C to +30°C, ±0.25°C control with continuous data logging. Deep-freeze pharma / vaccine variants reach -60°C to -80°C using ultra-low freezer inserts or dedicated Super Freezer units.

20ft vs 40ft — which do I need?

20ft = 28 m³ / ~10 EU pallets — best for events, restaurants, small-batch storage, emergency backup. 40ft high-cube = 67 m³ / ~24 EU pallets — best for warehouse surge capacity, farm harvests, seafood processors and larger relief operations.

What power supply is required?

Standard reefers run on 380–460V / 50–60 Hz, 3-phase, ~15 kW peak per container. If mains power isn't available we quote a matched diesel or hybrid solar-diesel genset alongside the container.

How fast can containers be delivered?

In-country: 24–72 hours from stocked depots in most major markets. Cross-border: 2–4 weeks including customs. Disaster-response and humanitarian projects can be prioritized.

Do you offer solar or hybrid-powered reefers?

Yes — solar-panel-roof reefers and PV + battery skid-mounted power packs are available for off-grid vaccine cold chain, remote fisheries and humanitarian deployments. See our Solar Cold Storage hub.

Can I rent for events (weddings, festivals, film shoots)?

Yes — event rental is a common use case. Minimum 1 week, includes delivery, positioning, power connection and pickup.

Rent-to-own or buy-out option?

Available on 24+ month contracts. A portion of monthly rent applies against the buy-out price. Useful for growing food processors and 3PLs testing new capacity.

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Reefer Rental

Reefer Container Rental — 20ft, 40ft & Ultra-Low

Refrigerated container rental for storage surge, events, disaster relief, farm harvests, fisheries, pharma and vaccine cold chain. Global availability across 40+ countries — short-term or multi-year, with optional solar / hybrid power packs.

Human Global Expert Guidance•Vendor-Neutral Procurement•Team-Led Supplier Outreach•Commercial Confidentiality

A senior cold-chain specialist stays with your project from first brief to commissioning.

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Why source with ColdMatch

20ft, 40ft, 45ft HC

10, 24 or 27 EU-pallet capacity — matched to your throughput and footprint.

-80°C to +30°C

Standard chilled/frozen plus ultra-low pharma & vaccine (-60 / -80°C) variants.

24–72 hr delivery

In-country dispatch from stocked depots; cross-border in 2–4 weeks including customs.

Grid, genset or solar

Mains power, diesel genset or PV + battery skids for off-grid and humanitarian sites.

40+ countries

Depot coverage across NA, EU, MENA, Africa, LATAM, SE Asia.

Data-logged compliance

Continuous temperature logging + audit trail for pharma, seafood and export food chains.

Delivery + installation

Positioning, power connect, ramp and door-seal check included in rental.

Comparable quotes

2–4 audited rental providers bid on the same spec so you see the real price spread.

Typical specifications we source

Sizes: 20ft (28 m³), 40ft HC (67 m³), 45ft HC (86 m³)
Temperature range: -30°C to +30°C standard; -60 / -80°C ultra-low
Power: 380–460 V / 50–60 Hz 3-phase, ~15 kW peak / container
Term: 1 week – 60+ months (rent-to-own on 24+ mo)
Compliance: ATP, GDP, IATA CEIV Pharma, HACCP data logging
Extras: Genset, PV skids, ramps, curtains, shelving, remote monitoring

Frequently asked

How ColdMatch Group works — independent B2B procurement and sourcing platform — ColdMatch Group is an independent B2B procurement and sourcing platform for industrial refrigeration, cold storage and cold-chain projects from USD $250K+, where the ColdMatch team reviews each buyer brief, contacts suitable third-party suppliers on the buyer's behalf and organizes their responses.

Request a managed sourcing review

Send one request. The ColdMatch team reviews it, contacts suitable manufacturers, EPC contractors and turnkey providers on your behalf and presents organised responses. Free for buyers.

Start Free RFQ

Take this to a structured cold storage RFQ

Suppliers quote accurately only when capacity, temperature bands, throughput and site conditions are defined. Use the qualification guidance first, then issue one comparable RFQ.

Cold storage RFQ checklistEverything a supplier needs before pricing a facility.Capacity & load qualificationSize pallet positions, temperature zones and peak load.Project documentation centerDrawings, utilities and permits to assemble upfront.

Start structured RFQ — free How the process works

Supplier-neutral. Free for buyers and project owners. Best suited to commercial projects from USD $250,000.

Where to go from here

Next steps for your project

Wherever your project stands — early feasibility, budget approval or supplier selection — these are the practical next steps. Every stage is supported by our human expert team, and requesting quotes is free and supplier-neutral for buyers and project owners.

Project preparationAssemble the technical scope, capacity assumptions and documentation suppliers need to quote accurately.Project planning guidesStep-by-step planning guides for cold storage, food processing, blast freezing, pharma and distribution projects.Project financingReview the funding structures used for commercial cold chain investments and prepare a bankable project file.RFQ WizardTurn your requirements into a structured, comparable RFQ routed to suitable international suppliers.