To compare the price of refrigerated containers, look at what's included. The price of the container alone doesn't necessarily cover installation, electricity, and everything you need to use it. Check the refrigeration unit, its condition, and the equipment, then add the costs you'll need on your site.
The tables show indicative catalog prices for 20-foot and 40-foot refrigerated models in the selected country. The amounts are exclusive of tax, transport, and unloading. They're meant for comparing models. Then ask for a quote for the actual container that will be sold, its equipment, the planned inspections, and any other services.
Compare 20 and 40 feet, new and used
Each row groups colours for one size and condition. The count is the number of catalogue references, not available units.
| Size | Catalogue condition | References | Container price · Excl. tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ | New · one trip | 4 | R 333 740 |
| 20′ | Used · excellent condition | 4 | R 151 290 |
| 20′ | Used · good condition | 4 | R 124 066 |
| 20′ | Used · last trip | 4 | R 99 220 |
| 40′ | New · one trip | 4 | R 506 022 |
| 40′ | Used · excellent condition | 4 | R 171 708 |
| 40′ | Used · good condition | 4 | R 140 712 |
| 40′ | Used · last trip | 4 | R 112 586 |
Indicative container-only prices exclude taxes, transport and unloading. The range reflects listed references and colours; it guarantees neither stock, refrigeration-unit condition nor thermal performance. The quotation confirms the price and actual unit.
Check prices by colour and reference
Open the details to compare configurations. A colour or used-condition grade does not prove that the refrigeration unit works.
Check prices by colour and reference
Comparing prices by size and condition
Start with models that meet the same need: 20 or 40 feet, new or used in the condition you want. A price range groups the models and colors in the catalog. It doesn't confirm physical stock or the refrigeration unit you'll actually be sold. Open a listing to tell the seller which model you're interested in.
The number shown counts catalog models, not containers ready to be delivered. A price difference between two colors doesn't prove that the unit is newer, more powerful, or better equipped. Ask the seller for these details about the container being offered.
Check the box and the refrigeration unit separately
Look at the structure, floor, doors, seals, and insulation. You also need to check the refrigeration unit: its model, maintenance, recent repairs, and any inspections done. A container that looks clean in photos may still need a technical check of its refrigeration system.
A label like "good condition" or "last trip" doesn't tell you if the refrigeration unit works properly. Even for new containers, ask what equipment will be delivered. Compare prices for the same need, with the equipment specified and the tests planned in each offer.
| Item | Things to ask for | What not to assume |
|---|---|---|
| Box and insulation | Photos of the container, defects, repairs, and equipment | The color doesn't prove good technical condition |
| Refrigeration unit | Brand, model, maintenance and test results | A condition report doesn't prove the unit cools properly |
| Services | Transport, unloading, installation and planned work | The purchase price doesn't necessarily cover everything you need to use it |
| Operation | Conditions of use, maintenance and energy consumption for your needs | Size alone doesn't tell you the energy consumption |
Choose the right size before comparing price per volume
A 40-foot container is longer, but price per cubic metre isn't enough to decide. Check the doors, the space for your goods, access to products and the air circulation the model needs. A big space that doesn't let you store your products properly won't necessarily save you money.
Tell us the products, their temperature when they go in, the temperature to maintain, the maximum quantity stored and how often the doors open. Keeping already cold products cold and cooling products that are still warm are two different jobs. The unit has to suit the work you're asking it to do. To compare 20-foot and 40-foot containers, give sellers the same information and ask what each quote includes.
Add transport and unloading
Delivery cost depends on the address, truck access, obstacles, final position and unloading method. Describe these points in your request. Distance alone doesn't tell you what equipment you'll need, and the container price doesn't tell you the transport price.
Visual reference
- Container
- Transport and unloading
- Placement and equipment
Illustrative diagram, not to scale.
Ask whether the quote covers just the journey, unloading, or also placing it where you want it. Tell them what equipment is already on site and what work needs finishing before it arrives. The seller, the carrier and any other contractors must all work from the same location and plan. Otherwise, the quotes may be for different services.
Plan for electricity, connection and testing
Ask for the refrigeration unit's documentation, its electrical requirements and the type of plug. A qualified electrician must check that your installation, its protections and the connection are suitable. Don't take the voltage, current or cost from another model without having them confirmed for the one you're buying.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of the price of the container, the connection, the adjustments, and the planned test. Specify who will handle each part and what documents you will receive on delivery. Don't assume that an alarm or temperature recording comes with every refrigeration unit. If you need them, make sure they are listed in the included equipment.
Estimate the electricity bill and maintenance
Power in kW and energy consumed in kWh are not the same thing. The unit's power rating alone doesn't tell you its daily consumption. Ask under what conditions the consumption was measured: set temperature, outside temperature, load, door openings, and running time.
To estimate your bill, use a measured consumption or an explained estimate for your needs, with the rates from your electricity contract. Also ask about required maintenance, parts to replace, and breakdown services offered. Neither the 20 or 40 foot size nor the purchase price alone tells you the operating costs.
Ask for a detailed quote before buying
The quote must specify which container will be delivered, or how it will be chosen. Ask for details on the box, the refrigeration unit, the equipment, the repairs, and the agreed tests. Request separate prices, taxes, delivery, lead times, and terms of sale. You need to understand what is included before you commit.
If the seller offers a warranty or maintenance, ask what it covers, for how long, what exclusions apply, and who to contact. A service, test, or certification seen elsewhere is not necessarily included. Rely on what is written in your quote, for the needs you have explained.
What information should you send to request a price?
Choose a 20 or 40 foot refrigerated model from the tables, then specify the quantity, products to store, desired temperature, address, access, and required date. For a used container, also look at the used selection and the selection guide to prepare your questions about the refrigeration unit. Add a plan or photos to explain the route and location.
Sending a quote request is not an order. The seller must confirm the available container, the price, and the possible services. The catalog price is indicative. Add taxes, transport, unloading, and necessary work before setting your total budget.
Costs and equipment to clarify with the seller
- The model, size, condition, and photos of the proposed container.
- The refrigeration unit model, its maintenance, repairs, and the planned test.
- The list of included equipment and the price of options.
- Container price, applicable taxes, transport, unloading and installation.
- Connection, adjustments, and the people responsible for each step.
- Consumption for your needs, maintenance, and the services you choose.
- Prices still to be confirmed, delivery times, and terms of sale.
Refrigerated-container budget questions
Does the displayed price include delivery and connection?
No. Catalog prices are indicative and exclude taxes, with transport and unloading charged extra. Also get a quote for connection and any other services for your address and the refrigeration unit you choose.
Why can two colors have a different price?
Catalog models may show different prices. This alone doesn't prove that the equipment or performance differs, or that there's more stock in one color. Ask for details of the container offered and what it includes.
Is the cheapest container always the best choice for cold storage?
Not necessarily. Compare containers suited to the same need and quotes that include the same services. Check the refrigeration unit, tests, equipment, delivery, and operating costs before deciding.
Can you calculate an electricity bill from the purchase price?
No. The purchase price doesn't tell you the consumption. Ask for a measurement or explained estimate for your needs, then use the rates from your electricity contract. Be sure to distinguish between power in kW and energy consumed in kWh.