Housing affordability is a real issue in Australia. The price of homes just keeps on climbing, leading many people to look at alternative and often less traditional dwellings. The shipping…
Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)
Armed with a built-in refrigeration unit, reefer containers offer temperature-controlled environments for the transport and storage of high value items.
12+ years on the market
3,000+ Satisfied Clients
Features + Specs
Cold, tough and adaptable
Refrigerated container dimensions
Refrigerated container durability
- Waterproof and weatherproof steel construction.
- Choose any container grade – new, used, as-is – from vetted suppliers.
Refrigerated container extras
- Available with 3-phase or genset power for -30C to +30C temps.
- Our modification partners can customise your container your way.
Use Cases
What can a refrigerated container be used for?
1. Food and beverage
Why:
Ideal for shipping fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood and frozen goods that require temperature control.
Key features:
Precisely adjustable temperature range (-30°C to +30°C), plus humidity control.
2. Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
Why:
Used for vaccines, blood products and medicines that must remain within strict temperature ranges.
Key features:
Precise digital temperature control with monitoring and alarms, consistent airflow for even cooling.
3. Floral and plant shipments
Why:
Maintains the freshness of plants, bulbs and cut flowers during long-distance transport.
Key features:
Adjustable humidity levels and gentle airflow to avoid dehydration.
4. Chemicals and hazardous materials
Why:
Offers the consistent cooling that certain chemicals and industrial products need to remain stable and safe.
Key features:
Strong insulation and corrosion-resistant surfaces, compatibility with hazchem transport standards.
5. Events
Why:
A portable cold room ideal for temporary storage of food and beverage, particularly in remote areas.
Key features:
A diesel generator (genset) allows you to keep goods cold wherever you are.
New or used
New vs used: which container is right for you?
3,000+ Satisfied Clients
best for business
New refrigerated container
Single-trip containers in as-new condition.
Ideal for long-term use or prominent, high visibility locations.
Available in multiple colours and fully customisable.
Can be delivered to your door almost anywhere in Australia.
Budget pick
Used refrigerated container
Choose your rating: As-is/project-grade, wind & watertight (WWT) or CSC-plated/cargo-worthy.
Ideal for budget storage and remote/low visibility sites.
May have cosmetic wear and (protective) external rust.
Limited colours, but cost-effective and fully customisable.
3,000+ Satisfied Clients
What is a reefer container?
Keeping goods cold the world over
Refrigerated containers, also called portable cold storage containers or simply ‘reefers’, are shipping containers lined with insulation and fitted with refrigeration units, allowing them to keep transported or stored goods at a precise temperature, usually anywhere from -30C to +30C.
Popular amongst the food and beverage, medical, chemical and event industries, these units can be powered by a 3-phase connection or a genset, with the latter allowing the container to be utilised in rural and remote areas. 20ft refrigerated containers and 40ft refrigerated containers are the standard sizes, while high cube versions (305mm taller) are also available.
Why choose a reefer container?
- Strong and protective: Built from corten steel with a weather-resistant, sealed construction, plus optional lockboxes and vents.
- Perfectly adaptable: Choose your size, level of insulation, 3-phase/genset power and food/hazchem certification.
- Readily available: Connect with vetted local suppliers across the country, and get a reefer delivered to your door.
- Great for tight spaces: Create refrigerated storage in a driveway, on a site or outside your commercial premises.
Got questions? Let’s chat.
Hello! I’m Sophie – Container Specialist, how can I help you?
We’re here to make reefer buying simple.
Talk to a real expert, get advice, and find your perfect fit – fast.
Blog
Want to know more about refrigerated shipping containers?
Check out our reefer container tips, tricks and insights.
Dangerous Goods Containers: Rules and Regulations in Australia
Any Australian business that deals in hazardous substances knows exactly how seriously authorities take regulatory compliance – and the severe penalties of non-compliance. On-site storage is a key consideration, which…
Joining Two Shipping Containers: Structure, No-Weld Assembly and Cost Guide
Two used 20ft containers, side walls out, coupled into one room just under 5 metres wide. Sounds simple. In practice there is one thing standing between you and a clean…
FAQs
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers
All you need to know about refrigerated containers.
01
Hunting reefer containers for sale in Australia? At shipping-containers.com.au we can help you find your ideal refrigerated container no matter where you are. With a vast network of vetted suppliers, we can help you find and secure your perfect container fast. No matter what size or type of refrigerated container you need – 20ft, 40ft, high cube or special purpose – you can get it delivered in good time, and at the right price.
02
Thanks to powerful refrigeration units and ultra-efficient insulation, most refrigerated containers are capable of maintaining an internal temperature as low as -30C. This allows them to safely transport and store a range of perishable products, including frozen foods, medicines and hazardous chemicals. Reefers are also capable of controlling humidity and defrosting cycles within the container.
03
Reefer containers face a significant challenge in keeping a large volume (up to 76.4m³) at temperatures as low as -30C. They do so through the use of 360/460V 3-phase power, typically drawing 4-6kW per hour (depending on temperature, humidity and cycle settings).
04
You certainly can. When transported by road or used as cold storage on an unpowered site, reefers typically get their power from a diesel generator. These gensets typically use 2-4L of fuel per hour, and can provide up to 100 hours of constant refrigeration on a single tank.
05
Refrigerated containers are intermodal: they can be transported on sea, rail and road. This means that they can be delivered almost anywhere in Australia. And by accessing our sprawling network of local container suppliers, delivery of your reefer can be completed in quick time.
06
Yes you can. Our modification partners are able to complete a range of customisations for you, including:
- Basic accessories like lockboxes, shelving, flooring and paint
- Separate personnel doors (insulated, lockable)
- Electrical installation (lights, sockets, circuit board)
- PVC strip curtain (lamella curtain) to retain cold when doors open
- Ramps for trolley/pallet access
- Alarm systems (especially in food/pharma use)
- Temperature monitoring systems (with digital display, alarms or even GSM alerts)
- Remote-controlled thermostats
- Wall protection (inside already stainless steel but often extended or protected additionally)
- Floor drainage or anti-slip coatings
Speak to our expert team to find out how you can customise a refrigerated container to your precise needs, wants and wishes.
07
As a container platform, we connect you with vetted local suppliers. Some exclusively sell containers, others also offer leasing and rental services. Renting can make sense for reefers if you only need them for short-term use, while purchasing may be more suitable for longer-term or customised projects. Because pricing and availability vary by region and supplier, we recommend submitting your requirements to receive options tailored to your situation.