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40ft Insulated Container, Non-Operating Reefer
A reefer box without a working cooling unit. Keeps temperature swings low for sensitive dry goods. Starting depot prices updated October 2026.
15+ years in containers
Vetted Local Suppliers
Non-operating reefer
from $3,595
Most metros $3,595 to $4,195 · depot price, October 2026
- External 40′ x 8′ x 9’6″
- Insulated walls, roof and doors
- 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.
What a non-operating reefer is
A non-operating reefer, often sold as an insulated container, is a refrigerated container whose cooling unit no longer works or has been removed. The insulated walls, roof and doors stay, so the inside heats up and cools down far more slowly than a plain steel box. Buyers use them for paper, seeds, wine, electronics and other goods that should not sit in a hot container, or as the shell for a cold room with a standard air conditioner and a controller.
If you need reliable cooling or freezing, choose an operating reefer instead. For plain dry storage a used 40ft high cube costs much less.
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 non-operating reefer between $3,595 and $4,195 at the depot. Ask whether the old refrigeration unit is still mounted; some buyers want it removed and the opening closed or fitted with a vent.
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
Check the inner lining for punctures and signs of damp insulation, such as bulging panels or a musty smell. Test the door gaskets, because an insulated box only works if the doors seal. Ask whether the front opening for the old unit is closed and how.
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