Refrigerated (reefer) container price in 2026
A reefer container costs 2 to 3 times more than an equivalent dry container, and a 40ft costs about 1.5 times as much as a 20ft for twice the volume. Below: purchase and hire prices by size and condition, plus monthly electricity costs, excl. VAT.
How much does a reefer container cost?
In 2026, a used Grade B 20ft reefer costs £2,259 – £4,331 and a new one £4,267 – £11,025. For a 40ft reefer, allow £3,263 – £7,481 used and £6,024 – £17,325 new. Long-term hire costs £226 – £551 a month for a 20ft and £326 – £866 for a 40ft, excluding electrical connection and power consumption.
Reefer container purchase prices in 2026
20ft and 40ft reefer prices by condition. Prices include a cooling-unit inspection and ATP check, but exclude delivery.
| Variant | Condition | Price (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft reefer | New | £4,267 – £11,025 |
| 20ft reefer | One-trip | £3,765 – £7,875 |
| 20ft reefer | Used, Grade A (recent unit) | £2,761 – £5,906 |
| 20ft reefer | Used, Grade B (unit 8–12 years old) | £2,259 – £4,331 |
| 40ft reefer | New | £6,024 – £17,325 |
| 40ft reefer | One-trip | £5,020 – £13,388 |
| 40ft reefer | Used, Grade A (recent unit) | £4,016 – £10,238 |
| 40ft reefer | Used, Grade B (unit 8–12 years old) | £3,263 – £7,481 |
Grade C reefers are rare: once the cooling unit has failed, the container is effectively just an insulated dry box.
Reefer container hire: monthly rates for 2026
Reefer hire always includes maintenance of the cooling unit (service contract). Electrical connection and power consumption are extra (see below).
| Variant | Short term | Medium term | Long term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft reefer | £351 – £945 | £276 – £669 | £226 – £551 |
| 40ft reefer | £502 – £1,418 | £402 – £1,103 | £326 – £866 |
Electricity cost of a reefer container
A reefer uses 4 to 8 kWh when running steadily (stable temperature, mild outside conditions). The initial electrical connection costs £158 – £525 depending on distance and the three-phase amperage required. The monthly electricity bill is typically £126 – £368, depending on the setpoint (-18 °C for frozen vs +4 °C for chilled goods) and the local climate.
7 factors that affect reefer container prices
Age of the refrigeration unit
The unit’s model, condition, test results and maintenance history affect its price. Compare equipment for the same temperature and operating conditions.
Operating temperature
A freezer reefer (-25 °C) draws more power than a chilled reefer (+4 °C), and maintenance costs more at low temperatures. The purchase price is the same, but the total cost of ownership is not.
ATP Certificate
Check whether ATP applies to the food, route and intended transport, together with additional national rules. For covered equipment, verify class, certificate, expiry and required examinations. Fixed storage alone is not transport covered by the agreement; no universal test cost or price discount is guaranteed.
Wall insulation
Polyurethane 60 mm (standard) vs 100 mm (premium). Thickness changes power consumption by 15 to 25% — a difference you pay for over 10 years of use.
20ft vs 40ft
A 40ft reefer costs about 1.5 times as much as a 20ft but offers twice the usable volume, so it is cheaper per m³. The 20ft remains the better choice for fewer than 25 pallets.
Local electricity cost
Over 24 months of continuous use, electricity can account for 30% of the total cost of ownership. A business electricity tariff with well-managed off-peak hours changes the economics of a reefer project.
Technical specifications
Temperature recorder compliant with HACCP (+£315), additional probes (+£158/probe), side door (+£1,575), controlled dehumidification (+£840).
Reefer vs dry container: how much extra, and when is it worth it?
A reefer is only relevant if you need temperature control. For any other use, an insulated dry or standard dry container will be much cheaper.
| Type | Purchase (used, Grade A) | Long-term hire | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry 20' | £1,104 – £2,205 | £63 – £110 | Dry storage, tools, furniture, archives |
| Reefer 20' | £2,761 – £5,906 | £226 – £551 | Fruits/vegetables, flowers, medicines, beverages |
| Dry 40' | £1,456 – £2,993 | £102 – £158 | Site welfare unit, business storage, logistics |
| Reefer 40' | £4,016 – £10,238 | £326 – £866 | Frozen foods, meat/fish, milk/yoghurt (professional volumes) |
Reefer container price: frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest price for a reefer container in 2026?+
Indicative prices start at around £2,259 for a used 20ft reefer. Check the cooling unit, insulation, test results and documents appropriate to the intended use.
Why does a reefer cost 2 to 3 times more than an equivalent dry container?+
In 20ft, a used Grade A reefer costs around £556 – £4,802 more than a used Grade A dry container. The extra cost comes from the cooling unit (~£3,150), reinforced polyurethane insulation (~£1,575), three-phase wiring, a temperature recorder and a stainless-steel floor.
How much does it cost per month to run a reefer continuously?+
Typically £126 – £368 a month, depending on the setpoint, local climate and insulation. A 20ft at +4 °C in a temperate climate costs around £126 – £189/month; a 40ft at -18 °C in summer can reach £368/month.
Can a reefer be used as plain dry storage, with the cooling unit off?+
Yes, and it is a common option: switch off the cooling unit and use the insulation for storage protected from temperature swings (wine, preserves, heat-sensitive goods). This is known as an 'insulated dry' container.
Does the price include delivery and the electrical connection?+
No. Delivery (£368 – £1,260) and the three-phase electrical connection (£158 – £525 depending on distance from the distribution board) are almost always charged separately, and a reefer is useless without power.
How should I compare the cooling units offered?+
Compare the exact model, consumption under the intended conditions, maintenance history, tests at the required setpoint and the availability of parts and technicians. Ask for warranties and exclusions in the quotation.
What VAT applies to a refrigerated container?+
A container sold in the UK normally carries VAT at the standard rate (20 %). Check the invoice, the place of supply and any special scheme, especially for cross-border purchases. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim it when the container is used for taxable activities; there is no standard depreciation period for a container.
Is it cheaper to hire or buy a reefer?+
It depends on how long you need it: there is no fixed number of months after which one option is always cheaper. Compare the purchase price or hire charges, delivery and collection, maintenance, insurance and financing over that period. If you plan to resell, use a cautious resale value: it is not guaranteed. Base the calculation on quotes from your market.
Also worth seeing
Refrigerated Container: Complete Guide
Temperatures, HACCP standards, uses, maintenance and cooling unit selection.
Reefer Electricity: kVA and Three-Phase Power
Size the connection, work out consumption and avoid extra costs.
Reefer vs cold room
Investment, flexibility and running costs compared, for chilled and frozen storage.
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