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40ft Standard Reefer (40' RF)
40ft Standard Reefer (40' RF)
40ft Standard Reefer (40' RF)
Heavy, dense cargo
Older port infrastructure
Cost savings
Technical information
ft
m
Dimensions
External measurement
40’/8’/8’6
Internal measurement
37'9"/7’6/7’5
Floor area
285 sq ft
Volume
2,400 cu ft
Maximum Gross weight
67,200 lbs
Tare Weight
9,500 lbs
Payload capacity
58,600 lbs
Temperature Range
-22°F to +86°F
Deep Freeze
Down to -40°F
Heat Leakagekcal/deg.c.hr
22–25 kcal/°C/hr
Type
Standard Reefer
ISO Code
22R1
Controlled Atmosphere (CA)
22R3
Usability and Features
Ample Space
Capacity: ~2,100–2,400 cu ft (59–68 m³) – less than high-cube (RH), Floor Area: 285 sq ft (26.5 m²) – same as high-cube, Best For: Dense, heavy cargo (e.g., frozen meat, dairy) where volume is less critical than weight.
Temperature Control
Digital controllers (e.g., Carrier X4 or Thermo King T-800) track temp/humidity in real time.
Optimal Temperature
Range: -30°C to +30°C (-22°F to +86°F), extendable to -40°C (-40°F) for deep freeze. Precision: ±0.3°C (±0.5°F).
Monitoring and Control
Real-Time Tracking: IoT-enabled reefers transmit data to shippers via GSM/satellite. Notify crew if temps deviate (e.g., door opened, power loss). Adjust settings via web/mobile apps (e.g., Maersk Remote Container Management)
Power Supply
Voltage: 440V 3-phase (standard) or 220V single-phase
Load Capacity
Max Payload: ~57,700–58,600 lbs (26,200–26,600 kg), Euro Pallets: 20–22 pallets (120×80 cm). Industrial Pallets: 18–20 pallets (48×40 inches).
Secure and Durable
Constructed from robust materials like steel, with secure locking mechanisms to protect cargo during transit.
Compliance and Certification
ISO Standards: 1496-2 (reefer specs), 6346 (container coding). Food Safety: NSF/ATP-certified for perishables. Pharma: IATA CEIV Pharma compliant (for vaccines/life-sciences).
Dimensions
External measurement
12.19 m/2.44 m/2.59 m
Internal measurement
11.56 m/2.28 m/2.27 m
Floor area
26.5 m²
Volume
68 m³
Maximum Gross weight
34,000 kg
Tare Weight
4,800 kg
Payload capacity
26,600 kg
Temperature Range
-30°C to +30°C
Deep Freeze
Down to -40°C
Heat Leakagekcal/deg.c.hr
92–105 kJ/°C/hr
Type
Standard Reefer
ISO Code
22R1
Controlled Atmosphere (CA)
22R3
Usability and Features
Ample Space
Capacity: ~2,100–2,400 cu ft (59–68 m³) – less than high-cube (RH), Floor Area: 285 sq ft (26.5 m²) – same as high-cube, Best For: Dense, heavy cargo (e.g., frozen meat, dairy) where volume is less critical than weight.
Temperature Control
Digital controllers (e.g., Carrier X4 or Thermo King T-800) track temp/humidity in real time.
Optimal Temperature
Range: -30°C to +30°C (-22°F to +86°F), extendable to -40°C (-40°F) for deep freeze. Precision: ±0.3°C (±0.5°F).
Monitoring and Control
Real-Time Tracking: IoT-enabled reefers transmit data to shippers via GSM/satellite. Notify crew if temps deviate (e.g., door opened, power loss). Adjust settings via web/mobile apps (e.g., Maersk Remote Container Management)
Power Supply
Voltage: 440V 3-phase (standard) or 220V single-phase
Load Capacity
Max Payload: ~57,700–58,600 lbs (26,200–26,600 kg), Euro Pallets: 20–22 pallets (120×80 cm). Industrial Pallets: 18–20 pallets (48×40 inches).
Secure and Durable
Constructed from robust materials like steel, with secure locking mechanisms to protect cargo during transit.
Compliance and Certification
ISO Standards: 1496-2 (reefer specs), 6346 (container coding). Food Safety: NSF/ATP-certified for perishables. Pharma: IATA CEIV Pharma compliant (for vaccines/life-sciences).
Product information
Made from 14-gauge
high-strength corrugated steel
high-strength corrugated steel
Floor: stainless steel or aluminum
CSC certifed
ISO-compliant
Weather & rodent-proof
Multiple air vents and latching
points
points
Includes lockbox
Undergoes a thorough quality check before handover
Why choose Pelicancontainers?
We offer expert guidance to help you choose the ideal container for your needs, assisting you with everything from repairs and upgrades to certification and sale. You have numerous good reasons to buy used shipping containers from our company. Let’s look closer at the advantages of our services.
Thoughtfully Designed Secure Shopping Experience
Our meticulously crafted process and security system guarantee the authenticity of the ocean containers for sale available on our platform, instilling confidence in our customers. We have implemented robust security measures to monitor and resolve consumer concerns.
Certified Product Assurance
We offer 100% certified and guaranteed new and used transport containers for sale, sanctioned by the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). Our containers boast a 100% leak-proof design, ensuring the secure transportation of goods and delivering the highest quality products.
Customer-Centric Support System
With a customer support team available 24/7, we are dedicated to addressing and resolving any product-related concerns. Those in search of a shipping container can easily connect with us through email or phone calls. We prioritize swift responses to inquiries and provide comprehensive answers to all customer queries.
Do you have any questions?
If for some reason you did not find the service or product you need, you can always leave a request for a free consultation and get an answer.
High-Capacity Cold Storage: The 40ft Refrigerated Container
When you need to transport or store large volumes of temperature-sensitive goods, the 40ft reefer container is the industry heavyweight. Unlike smaller units, this container maximizes your cost-per-cubic-foot, offering massive capacity for perishable food, pharmaceuticals, or chemical storage.
Whether you choose a new or used shipping container, every unit Pelican sells is inspected to ensure the cooling machinery is fully operational and the structure is sound. These aren’t just boxes; they are precise climate-control systems capable of maintaining temperatures from -22°F to +86°F, ensuring your cargo arrives exactly as it left
Powering Your Reefer
These units come with a built-in refrigeration machine (typically Carrier, Thermo King, or Daikin). However, they do not generate their own power.
- On-Site: You will need a reliable 3-phase power connection (460V or 230V).
- In-Transit: If you are moving the container or storing it where shore power isn’t available, you must equip it with a clip-on genset. This attaches to the unit to provide continuous electricity.
Built for Thermal Efficiency
The construction of a 40ft reefer is fundamentally different from a standard ‘dry van.’ Instead of corrugated steel walls, these units feature smooth, sandwich-panel insulation to prevent heat transfer.
Inside, you won’t find the plywood floors typical of standard containers. Instead, our reefers utilize aluminum T-bar flooring.
This specialized flooring allows cold air to circulate under your cargo, ensuring the bottom of your pallet stays just as cold as the top—a critical feature for compliance with food safety standards.
Seamless Delivery to Your Site
Transporting a 40ft container requires planning. These units are heavy, weighing roughly 9,500 lbs empty.
Because of this weight and length, we typically deliver using a tilt-bed truck or a flatbed with a crane, depending on your site’s access. Before you order, we strongly recommend reviewing our shipping container delivery guidelines to ensure the truck has enough clearance to turn and unload safely. Once your site is prepped, our logistics team handles the rest, coordinating the drop-off to fit your schedule.
High-Capacity Cold Storage: The 40ft Refrigerated Container
When you need to transport or store large volumes of temperature-sensitive goods, the 40ft reefer container is the industry heavyweight. Unlike smaller units, this container maximizes your cost-per-cubic-foot, offering massive capacity for perishable food, pharmaceuticals, or chemical storage.
Whether you choose a new or used shipping container, every unit Pelican sells is inspected to ensure the cooling machinery is fully operational and the structure is sound. These aren’t just boxes; they are precise climate-control systems capable of maintaining temperatures from -22°F to +86°F, ensuring your cargo arrives exactly as it left
Built for Thermal Efficiency
The construction of a 40ft reefer is fundamentally different from a standard ‘dry van.’ Instead of corrugated steel walls, these units feature smooth, sandwich-panel insulation to prevent heat transfer.
Inside, you won’t find the plywood floors typical of standard containers. Instead, our reefers utilize aluminum T-bar flooring.
This specialized flooring allows cold air to circulate under your cargo, ensuring the bottom of your pallet stays just as cold as the top—a critical feature for compliance with food safety standards.
Powering Your Reefer
These units come with a built-in refrigeration machine (typically Carrier, Thermo King, or Daikin). However, they do not generate their own power.
- On-Site: You will need a reliable 3-phase power connection (460V or 230V).
- In-Transit: If you are moving the container or storing it where shore power isn’t available, you must equip it with a clip-on genset. This attaches to the unit to provide continuous electricity.
Seamless Delivery to Your Site
Transporting a 40ft container requires planning. These units are heavy, weighing roughly 9,500 lbs empty.
Because of this weight and length, we typically deliver using a tilt-bed truck or a flatbed with a crane, depending on your site’s access. Before you order, we strongly recommend reviewing our shipping container delivery guidelines to ensure the truck has enough clearance to turn and unload safely. Once your site is prepped, our logistics team handles the rest, coordinating the drop-off to fit your schedule.
In focus: 40ft Standard Shipping Containers | Used 40 foot Containers for Sale
One of the most popular boxes from our offerings, these 40ft standard containers usually carry bulky yet lighter cargo because of their payload of 20 tons. These are excellent for onsite storage, as their all-steel walls and load-bearing marine-grade plywood flooring make them extremely durable and weather-resistant. They are also used for living purposes and are preferred as dormitories for the laborers.
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One of the most popular boxes from our offerings, these 40ft standard containers usually carry bulky yet lighter cargo because of their payload of 20 tons. These are excellent for onsite storage, as their all-steel walls and load-bearing marine-grade plywood flooring make them extremely durable and weather-resistant. They are also used for living purposes and are preferred as dormitories for the laborers.
Get a Quote
How is this container delivered?
Tilt Tray
The tilt tray delivers a container off the back of the truck. Similar to a tow truck, the tray is mechanically lowered at an angle, and the container is slid off, with the truck moving forward at a slow speed. This is the most common delivery method used for containers. Tilt trays are not suitable for sites with overhead power lines, as the container height increases significantly when tilted.
Side Loader
Side loaders are used to transport our 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers. This is the best delivery method for containers at sites that have limited space either in front or behind the area where the container is to be positioned. The container is unloaded between the two outrigger feet of the side loader, approximately half a metre from the side of the truck.
Hiab Crane
Hiab cranes lift containers from a mechanism located behind the truck’s cabin. This is used when there is limited space for a side loader or tilt tray. Using a crane means the container is easily positioned at an angle or up on a raised area. It can also be used to place containers over a fence or other obstacles.
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20ft Reefer Container
The 20ft reefer shipping container from Pelican Containers is an ideal solution for businesses needing reliable and efficient temperature-controlled storage and transportation. Perfect for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive items, these containers ensure your products remain in optimal conditions during transit and storage.
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20ft Side Open Container
Our 20-foot side-opening containers are an excellent choice for businesses that transport large items that can’t be loaded through the standard doors. These large containers offer multiple utilization as a single unit, and can also be cut into several smaller storage units to fit individual needs.
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40ft HC Open Side Container
These high cube containers have side shutter doors for easy loading and offloading. The cargo can be easily sorted in this type of container.
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20ft High Cube Container
Explore our range of new 20ft High Cube Containers designed to elevate your shipping and storage experience. These containers are crafted precisely to ensure durability and security, meeting the highest industry standards.
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40ft Standard Container
These large containers are best for bulky yet lighter cargo. While they offer double the volume (67 m³ / 2,390 ft³), their heavier frame actually limits the net payload to around 26,700 kg (58,900 lbs)—slightly less than a 20-footer. Built from sturdy steel, they remain an excellent option for secure on-site storage.
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40ft Open Top Container
Pelican Containers offers 40ft open-top containers for sale. They are designed to exceed international standards for logistics and transport. The large dimensions are more than enough to fit full-length industrial steel beams and construction materials. It is also strong enough to support large and crane-loaded heavy machinery.
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20ft Side Opening High Cube Container
An open-sided shipping container is a versatile storage solution that stands out for its unique design. With full-length side doors, accessing your cargo has never been easier. The 20ft high cube container is crafted from durable materials like sturdy stainless steel, ensuring longevity and resilience against various weather conditions.
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40ft High Cube Container
As big as a two-car garage, these containers store everything one puts inside of them. The extra height aids in organized storing of articles; especially the stackable ones.
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20ft Flat Rack Container
Flat rack containers are used mainly for the transportation of oversized cargo, which can be loaded from the top or the sides of the container.
DetailedReviews of Our Customers
Cal Power Mario
2025-10-07
Victoria was great at helping me out. would buy from her again.
Jamie Jamal
2025-09-27
Taking a moment to send a big shot out to the Pelican Container Family…. I’m building a shipping container home using 45’ shipping containers. This project started when I purchased 4 boxes from conexwest who sold me (4) 45’ boxes for 6990.00 each (😳) only for 2 of them to be damaged with holes in the structure. They refunded 1 & refused to refund the other. To keep my project from being delayed during the damaged box dispute. I needed a total of 4 boxes to complete the project. I doubled back to conexwest & purchases 2 more boxes @ 6690.00 for 2 with delivery. This purchase was made on 11/23. Conexwest refused to deliver my boxes from purchase date to 9/15/25 only to refund me 9/16/25 after heing contacted by the new station about my order for the purchase made 11/23. I was without a box and came across Pelican Containers… the price I saw was totally fair. I reached out and was contacted by Roselle, she is absolutely perfect to work with. I wasn’t sure at first yet Roselle’s communication is top notch! The delivery was quick! The driver of the box was awesome! The transport team was very cool and flexible. The box showed up just as a used box should some rust… some dents…. Yet WWT for sure Cargo worthy… I’m very thankful and I will ALWAYS USE PELICAN CONTAINERS for my shipping continue purchases!
Roselle thank you and your team & as we shared we will continue this business relationship for the time to come!
Galen Kenyon
2025-09-18
Valery was a pleasure to work with! She went above and beyond to locate, secure, and ship a flat rack container that suited our needs. We were on a tight schedule, and her diligence and efforts allowed us to purchase and take delivery of the container in just a few short days. She was a key factor in making our project a success! Thanks again, Valery and Pelican Containers!
Paul Abate
2025-08-11
Victoria was pleasant to work with. Container was in excellent condition as promised. Prompt delivery and very courteous driver with keeping my placement requests in mind.
David Gray
2025-08-07
We were looking for a unique style of container. The one we originally committed to purchasing was sold before we closed the deal. We ended up with a very nice container that had all the characteristics we required, but had a hinged double door on the side. It worked out nicely and Reniel Villar was true to his word. The 4 rating (still very good) was not a 5 due to timing and circumstance. We wood buy from Pelican again. Also, the logistics company's driver was spectacular.
james mackie
2025-08-07
We had some initial issues getting the specific container we needed, but Reniel kept working until we got exactly what we wanted. Delivery and set-up were excellent...
Jon Goodwin
2025-08-01
Container delivery by VH Pigg was top notch, on time, ensured perfect placement, great experience.
Jeffrey Grey
2025-05-20
We are very satisfied with the service and products from Pelican Containers
Philadelphia Luthier Tools
2025-05-05
Ordered a single trip container. Arrived fast and exactly as described. Sales person (Ravhen) was very helpful in answering our question and kept us updated on delivery. The delivery driver was also very knowledgeable and friendly.
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FAQ
What are the features of a 40ft reefer container?
A quality 40ft reefer is defined by its insulation and airflow. Look for units with intact interior stainless steel or aluminum linings and clean T-bar flooring for air circulation. Unlike dry containers that use wood floors, the T-bar floor is essential for maintaining hygiene and temperature consistency. The doors should seal tightly and open a full 270 degrees to allow forklift access.
What is the difference between a 40ft Reefer and a 40ft High Cube Reefer?
The difference is purely vertical. A standard 40ft reefer is 8’6″ tall, while the 40ft High Cube reefer is 9’6″ tall. That extra foot provides approximately 12% more internal storage volume, which is ideal if you are stacking lightweight pallets or have bulky cargo. You can check the exact differences in our guide to High Cube dimensions.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft reefer container?
You can typically fit up to 20 standard pallets (48 inches x 40 inches) in a single layer. If you are using Euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm), you can often fit up to 23, depending on your loading pattern.
What is the code for a 40ft reefer?
The standard ISO code for a standard-height 40ft reefer is 42R1. If you see 45R1, that indicates a High-Cube reefer. Knowing these codes helps you verify the container type when checking container number markings.
How much does a 40ft refrigerated container cost?
The price varies significantly based on the unit’s age and condition (New/One-Trip vs. Used/Wind-and-Watertight). Since market rates fluctuate weekly based on global supply, we recommend contacting our support for a live quote or checking our financing options to spread the cost over time.
Do you have any questions?
Offers the flexibility to relocate containers to any destination within the contiguous 48 states. If you require a specific storage container size in a particular location, reach out to us for a delivery estimate.
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