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Trusted Partner Since 2017 
Fast Delivery: 2-5 Business Days 
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40ft Standard Reefer (40' RF)
External (L x W x H)
40’/8’/8’6
12.19 m/2.44 m/2.59 m
40ft Standard Reefer (40' RF)
Flexible Payment Plans 
Fast Delivery: 2-5 Business Days 
Trusted Partner Since 2017 
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Overview
Specs
Delivery
Payments & Financing
Warranty
FAQ
Overview
What is a 40-foot standard reefer container?
A 40ft reefer shipping container is a temperature-controlled container designed to transport and store perishable goods or sensitive cargo. It comes with an integrated refrigeration system that maintains a consistent internal climate, regardless of external factors and weather conditions.
Reefer containers are widely used for food and vegetable storage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and temperature-sensitive equipment. The 40ft version provides more internal height, allowing better airflow and more efficient loading space. If you’re looking for a smaller version, check out 20ft reefer containers.
Built with a durable steel exterior and insulated interior, reefer containers ensure reliable performance across long-distance transport and on-site cold storage applications.
Request a quote from Pelican Containers for the best pricing on a 40ft reefer container for sale, with fast nationwide delivery.
Specs
Technical Information
Dimensions
Internal (L x W x H)
37'9"/7’6/7’5
11.56 m/2.28 m/2.27 m
Floor area
285 sq ft
26.5 m²
Volume
2,400 cu ft
68 m³
Max Gross
67,200 lbs
34,000 kg
Payload
58,600 lbs
26,600 kg
Tare Weight
9,500 lbs
4,800 kg
Temperature Range
-22°F to +86°F
-30°C to +30°C
Deep Freeze
Down to -40°F
Down to -40°C
Heat Leakagekcal/deg.c.hr
22–25 kcal/°C/hr
92–105 kJ/°C/hr
Type
Standard Reefer
Designed, Built and Certified
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).
Delivery
Delivery
Our 40ft RF containers are delivered across the United States, supporting cold storage operations for food, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive goods. A reliable power source is required on-site to operate the refrigeration unit. Read our shipping container delivery guidelines for more information on site preparation.
Popular delivery areas include Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Newark.
Find your preferred location across 159 ports and depots in the US. →
Learn more about our delivery process.
Delivery Methods
Best for Level Ground
Tilt Bed Delivery
Our most common delivery method for 20-foot and 40-foot containers. The truck's bed tilts toward the ground and the container slides off the rear, no crane or forklift needed on your end.
Multiple units
Flatbed delivery
A cost-effective option, especially when delivering multiple containers at once. Keep in mind you'll need a forklift or crane on-site to unload, the truck doesn't carry lifting equipment.
For tight spaces
Crane truck delivery
The truck's onboard crane lifts and places the container exactly where you need it over fences, into narrow yards, or onto uneven ground. The best option when access to your site is limited.
Payments & Financing
Purchase your 40ft reefer container with one-time payment, rent-to-own, or container financing, making it easier to invest in temperature-controlled storage without high upfront costs. Options are available for businesses, government buyers, and cold chain operations.
Read more about our payment options.
Warranty
When you buy reefer containers from Pelican Containers, you get:
New Refrigerated containers (One-Trip)
- 5-year warranty on cooling components: Covers the performance and reliability of the refrigeration system under normal operating conditions.
- 10-year warranty on container structure: Covers the structural integrity of the frame, walls, roof, and flooring system.
Used / Refurbished Refrigerated containers
- 6-month warranty on cooling components: Covers basic functionality and performance of the refrigeration unit for 6 months after purchase.
- 5-year warranty on container structure: Covers the main structural components, including the steel frame and flooring system.
Each unit available for sale is inspected before delivery to ensure proper cooling performance, door sealing, and structural integrity.
The warranty does not cover normal cosmetic wear (such as dents, scratches, or surface rust), damage caused by misuse or improper handling, or unauthorized modifications. Read more about our guarantee and our warranty terms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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).
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.
Get a Quote
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 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.
DetailedFAQ
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.
