How New York handles shipping container homes: the 2025 Uniform Code, NYC ancillary dwelling units, container laws in Buffalo, Sweden and Coxsackie, Adirondack Park review, septic and modular approval.
40ft Refrigerated Container, Operating Reefer
Insulated 40ft high cube with a working refrigeration unit. Starting depot prices updated October 2026. Delivered quotes from vetted local suppliers.
15+ years in containers
Vetted Local Suppliers
Operating reefer
from $4,195
Most metros $4,795 to $5,095 · depot price, October 2026
- External 40′ x 8′ x 9’6″
- about -22°F to +86°F
- about 2,370 cu ft inside
- Delivery quoted for your ZIP code
One request, quotes from vetted suppliers near you, no fees. Compare more on refrigerated containers or browse the full marketplace.
Operating reefer
An operating reefer has a working refrigeration unit that holds a set temperature between about -22°F and +86°F. The walls, roof and doors are insulated, the inside is lined with stainless steel or aluminum, and a T-bar floor lets cold air flow under the load. Farms, restaurants, caterers, florists and event companies use them as cold rooms or freezers.
Marine reefer units run on three phase power, in the US usually 460V. If your site only has single phase power, plan for a converter or a generator and ask the supplier before you buy. If you only need insulation without cooling, the non-operating reefer costs less. More background on refrigerated shipping containers.
Specifications
| Measurement | External | Internal |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 40′ 0″ (12.19 m) | about 37′ 11″ (11.56 m) |
| Width | 8′ 0″ (2.44 m) | about 7′ 6″ (2.29 m) |
| Height | 9′ 6″ (2.90 m) | about 8′ 4″ (2.55 m) |
| Capacity | about 2,370 cu ft (67 m³) |
Internal figures vary with the insulation thickness and the make of the refrigeration unit. The full breakdown of all sizes is on shipping container dimensions.
Price
Most metros sell a 40ft operating reefer between $4,795 and $5,095 at the depot. Price depends on the age and brand of the refrigeration unit more than on the box. Delivery, an electrician for the hookup and a level pad add to the total.
Delivery cost
| Distance from depot | Typical cost, one container |
|---|---|
| Under 50 miles | $350 to $750 |
| 50 to 100 miles | $500 to $1,000 |
| 100 to 200 miles | $800 to $1,600 |
| 200 to 300 miles | $1,200 to $2,000 |
| Over 300 miles | often $3.50 to $5 per mile plus unloading |
A tilt bed truck needs about 100 feet of straight clearance to slide a 40ft container off. Site access, ground conditions and a crane, if needed, change the price. Worked examples are on shipping container transport cost.
Check before you pay
Ask for a recent pre-trip inspection (PTI) report, which shows that the unit pulls down to temperature and holds it. Ask for the make, model and year of the refrigeration unit; parts are easier to find for common models. Check the door gaskets and the inner lining for punctures, which let moisture into the insulation, and look at the T-bar floor for damage.
Other containers you might compare
Free monthly email
Andy’s Container Report
Container prices for your city, rule changes in your state, Andy’s newest videos and stock deals when we have them. One email a month, unsubscribe any time.
