Refrigerated Shipping Containers
Our refrigerated containers are designed for the safe storage and transportation of perishable goods. Fully insulated and fitted with commercial-grade refrigeration systems, they provide reliable temperature control from -25°C to +25°C, making them suitable for fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, frozen food, and other temperature-sensitive items.
Advantages of Refrigerated Shipping Containers
Our refrigerated containers are built to keep perishable goods at a consistent temperature in any conditions. Suitable for food storage, pharmaceutical compliance, event catering, and any application where reliable cooling or freezing is essential.
Precise Temperature Control
Each refrigerated container is fitted with a digital temperature control panel, allowing you to set and maintain any temperature between -25°C and +25°C. This makes a single unit suitable for both chilled and frozen storage, depending on your requirements.
Fully Insulated Construction
Walls, roof, and floor are fully insulated to maintain consistent internal temperatures regardless of external conditions. Insulated door seals reduce thermal loss when the container is opened for loading and unloading.
Built for Commercial and Industrial Use
Refrigerated containers are equipped with commercial-grade refrigeration machinery from established manufacturers. They are built to operate continuously in outdoor conditions, making them suitable for permanent on-site cold storage as well as shipping and transport.
Secure and Portable
High-security steel doors and a full corten steel shell protect your goods from theft and the elements. Every unit can be relocated as your business needs change, giving you flexible cold storage that moves with your operation.
Refrigerated Shipping Container Dimensions
Refrigerated containers have reduced internal dimensions compared to standard containers due to the insulation and refrigeration machinery.
| Specification | 20ft Standard Reefer | 40ft Standard Reefer |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 6.058m (20ft) | 12.192m (40ft) |
| External Width | 2.438m (8ft) | 2.438m (8ft) |
| External Height | 2.591m (8ft 6in) | 2.591m (8ft 6in) |
| Internal Length | 5.454m (17ft 10in) | 11.556m (37ft 11in) |
| Internal Width | 2.294m (7ft 6in) | 2.294m (7ft 6in) |
| Internal Height | 2.273m (7ft 5in) | 2.578m (8ft 5in) |
| Door Opening Width | 2.337m (7ft 8in) | 2.337m (7ft 8in) |
| Door Opening Height | 2.261m (7ft 5in) | 2.261m (7ft 5in) |
| Floor Space | 12.51 m² (135 ft²) | 28.326.51 m² (285 ft²) |
| Internal Capacity | 28.40 m³ (1,003 cu ft) | 67.90 m³ (2,398 cu ft) |
| Tare Weight | 2,780 kg (6,130 lbs) | 4,900 kg (10,803 lbs) |
| Temperature Range | -25°C to +25°C | -25°C to +25°C |
| All measurements are approximate and based on standard ISO specifications. Small variations can apply between individual units. |
Why buy a refrigerated container from Universal Containers
With over four decades of experience in the container industry, we have supplied refrigerated containers to food producers, pharmaceutical businesses, event caterers, and industrial operations across the UK.
Built to last
Competitive pricing
Fully inspected and tested
Accessible and easy to use
Get the right refrigerated container for your needs
With over 40 years of experience supplying new and used containers, we understand what different storage and access requirements demand. Whether you need a unit for on-site cold storage, event catering, pharmaceutical compliance, or international shipping, our team can help you choose the right size, specification, and condition.
Get in touch for expert advice, product recommendations, or a custom quote based on your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a refrigerated shipping container?
A refrigerated shipping container, also known as a reefer container, is a fully insulated steel container fitted with a built-in refrigeration unit. It maintains controlled temperatures between -25°C and +25°C, making it suitable for storing and transporting perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products.
What power supply do I need for a refrigerated container?
Refrigerated containers typically require a 3-phase 380–440V electrical supply with a 5-pin connection. A 32 amp motor-rated (Type C or D) breaker is recommended. This is a specialist supply, so you should confirm availability at your site before ordering.
What are refrigerated containers used for?
Refrigerated containers are commonly used by food producers, wholesalers, and caterers for cold and frozen storage, by pharmaceutical and medical suppliers for temperature-controlled compliance storage, by event organisers for temporary on-site cold storage, and by cold chain logistics businesses for the shipping and distribution of perishable goods.
What is the difference between a marine reefer and a domestic reefer?
Marine specification reefers are typically used refrigerated containers originally built for international shipping. They feature T-bar aluminium floors for airflow beneath cargo and heavy-duty refrigeration machinery. Domestic specification reefers are usually newer or ex-hire units with flat internal floors for easier pallet handling, internal lighting, and safety features such as panic alarms. The right choice depends on whether the container will be used for shipping or for static on-site cold storage.
Can refrigerated containers be customised?
Yes, we can fit additional features including internal lighting, lockboxes, panic alarms, PVC strip curtains to reduce cold loss, flat floor conversions, shelving, and ramps for forklift or trolley access.
Check out our other specialised containers
Our containers in action
See some of the ways our amazing customers are using their containers.
Case StudiesDespite restricted site access, we delivered a fully insulated, light-filled container office with carefully planned glazing, heating and electrics. The finished space provides a practical, year-round working environment suited for everyday use.
Case StudiesWe built a fully functional compact coffee shop from a shipping container with doors for customer access, a roller shutter for security, a serving hatch, and a small kitchen area complete with water heater and sink.
Case StudiesIn the pursuit of enhancing their museum and workshop facility, the Locomotive Society sought a creative solution to provide a welcoming space for their members, while adhering to the historical aesthetic of their railway centric environment.
Case StudiesUniversal Containers embarked on an exciting project to enhance a garden centre’s retail experience by supplying and customising two shipping container cabins. The goal was to seamlessly link these cabins on-site and transform them into a vibrant and functional gift shop.
Case StudiesA restaurant had been operating successfully for several years. However, due to increasing demand and limited space within the restaurant premises, the owners decided to expand their operations by introducing an outdoor catering unit.
Case StudiesThe local rugby club had been using a small, outdated ticket booth that no longer met their needs. The club’s management sought a more efficient and visually appealing solution that could accommodate their growing fan base.
Case StudiesThe client, an Industrial Chemical Storage Company specialising in chemical production and storage, faced the challenge of storing hazardous chemicals on their premises while adhering to stringent health and safety regulations.
ShippingUniversal Containers take pride in continually pushing the boundaries in product development within the shipping container industry.
These 2 large 32x10ft cabins were built for a British transport company. They requested a large space to act as a welfare facility for drivers and staff in the peak district. Due to the customer’s specific requirements, one unit was not large enough so we suggested 2 units, however floor space was an issue on-siteContinue reading “32ft × 10ft Stacked Cabins”
OfficesThis particular office unit was completed for a North-West-based container hire company.
Custom Built Atex Coshh store for storing gas bottles. This unit was custom built with corrugated steel panels 20ft long x 10ft wide. It had a fully ventilated floor from galvanised steel mesh, as well as 4 aluminium louver vents in the walls. We also fitted galvanised box section racks with chains on to holdContinue reading “20×10 Gas Bottle Store”
Corrugated steel cabin 32ft x 10ft with adjustable jacklegs anti vandal steel personnel door and anti-vandal aluminium sliding windows in steel shutters. Painted externally in non-corrosive container paint in a vibrant red. Internally with walls where lined in a cost-effective melamine faced chipboard and fully insulated throughout in Rockwool. The floor had hard wearing vinylContinue reading “Corrugated 32×10 Office / Store room”
Standard shipping container transformed into a bespoke storage unit. With multiple purposes across many industries. For example, self-storage companies or engineering companies for members of staff to lock tools away when not in use. The unit was split evenly into 8 small rooms approximately 5ftx4ft each by steel partition walls for security. Each room withContinue reading “20ft Multi-Bay Unit”
10ft container conversion for an off-grid company custom built to house a very large generator. The customer wanted a unit with multiple apertures and louver vents to allow for ventilation, they wanted all openings to have cover hoods to help stop water coming in. The Universal CAD team had a meeting with the client toContinue reading “10ft Generator Housing Container”
Site AccommodationThis 40ft x 12ft custom built flat panel cabin was a container conversion project completed for Eddie Stobart’s site.
Site AccommodationWithin today’s economic climate, many of us face struggles surrounding our finances.
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