Refrigerated Container Types: Which is Right for Your Business?

Published In : 18-March-2025

In countless industries, refrigerated storage containers can benefit businesses and improve operations. These useful, portable containers allow businesses to store perishable and temperature-sensitive items in the right environment to ensure they remain in good condition. However, refrigerated containers are available in multiple types, and finding the right model for your business’s needs is crucial to getting the maximum return on investment. How can you determine which type of refrigerated container is right for your business? Find the right cold storage option for your organization below. 

Refrigerated Container Models

For businesses that need cold storage solutions, many types of containers are available to cater to their specific needs. Learn about the options and choose the ideal model for your business. 

Refrigerated Containers

Refrigerated containers, also known as reefer containers, are versatile, portable cooling units designed to store perishable goods at precise temperatures. The standard sizes available are 20ft or 40ft in length.  They can maintain temperatures below 0°F and 80°F for freezing or refrigerating items or temperature-controlled applications. 

Refrigerated containers are all-electric units that require either 230V 3-phase or 460V 3-phase power. They are equipped with double doors on one end, allowing for convenient loading and unloading. The 20’ units can accommodate 8 standard pallets, while the 40’ units can accommodate 18. 

Businesses That Benefit from Refrigerated Containers:

  • Food and Beverage Industry: Restaurants, grocery stores, and food distributors use reefer containers to keep fresh produce, dairy, and frozen goods in optimal condition. 
  • Pharmaceuticals: Drug manufacturers and medical suppliers rely on these units to store vaccines, insulin, and other temperature-sensitive medications. 
  • Floral and Agriculture: Flower shops and agricultural exporters use reefer containers to transport fresh flowers and organic produce without compromising quality. 

Walk-In Coolers and Freezers

Walk-in coolers and freezers are cooling units commonly used for commercial kitchens, grocery stores, and restaurants. These units require 220V single phase power and are equipped with a 50ft power cord. With one door on the end, employees can easily enter and exit to obtain the items they need in their storefront or restaurant. These cooler and freezer models have temperature settings ranging from 0°F to 40°F, and they are NSF approved for food storage, allowing businesses to confidently store food products in their ideal conditions. The standard unit is 20’L x 8’W. 

Businesses That Benefit from Walk-in Coolers & Freezers:

  • Restaurants and Catering Services: Businesses that handle large quantities of perishable food need walk-in coolers for storage. 
  • Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: Essential for stocking fresh and frozen goods, ensuring product longevity. 
  • Meat Processing and Dairy Farms: Require extensive refrigerated space for raw meat, dairy, and other perishable products. 

Refrigerated Trailers

These trailers are all-electric mobile units that offer the convenient advantage of being delivered on wheels and backed into a loading dock. This allows easy loading and unloading of products with a pallet jack or forklift.  We offer 40ft units, capable of accommodating 18 standard pallets. 

Businesses That Benefit from Refrigerated Trailers:

  • Logistics and Freight Companies: Use reefer trailers for long-haul transportation of frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and flowers. 
  • Food Suppliers and Distributors: Ensure consistent cold chain delivery for grocery stores and restaurants. 
  • Packaging and Processing: Keep perishable goods fresh during production/prior to being release for distribution. 

Insulated Containers

Insulated containers provide passive temperature control by maintaining internal temperatures for extended periods without requiring active cooling. These containers are repurposed “non-working” refrigerated storage containers, as their cooling systems are no longer functional, but they still have the insulation of these units. For this reason, they are ideal for short-term storage or transport needs where constant refrigeration isn’t necessary. These units, even though they don’t provide cooling, maintain more stable temperatures than a standard storage container.  

Businesses That Benefit from Insulated Containers:

  • Construction: Businesses that store materials or paint (that may not require refrigeration), can benefit from insulated containers to keep these items temperature stable. 
  • Restaurants and Hotels: Ideal for storing dry goods that don’t require refrigeration. Items like paper, plastic, and canned goods can be stored in an insulated container and kept safe from the elements. 
  • Farming and Agriculture: Items such as grains, fertilizers, and farm equipment and machinery can be preserved and kept in a stable environment when stored in an insulated container.  

Choose the Right Refrigerated Container Type for Your Business 

With this knowledge about refrigerated storage containers, you can make an informed decision about the right option for your business. Looking for a reliable storage container provider for your cold storage needs? Trust Container Technology Inc., the trusted provider of storage and shipping containers in Atlanta and beyond since 1988.  

Container Technology supplies high-quality new and used storage containers to businesses across various industries, allowing these organizations to address their needs accordingly.  

Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more about our inventory!  

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