Two products often get confused: a reefer (refrigerated container) and an insulated container. They look similar on the outside, but they are built differently and serve different uses.
Reefer Container
A reefer is a shipping container with a built-in cooling unit — compressor, evaporator coils, fans, and a thermostat — integrated into one end of the container. Plug it in to 3-phase power and it will hold a target temperature, typically anywhere from below freezing up to 70°F depending on the unit.
Built for: Active cold storage. Food service, beverages, pharmaceuticals, florists.
Power: Required (3-phase 460V typical).
Cost: Higher — you are paying for the cooling unit.
Maintenance: Cooling units need periodic service.
Insulated Container
An insulated container is a shipping container with insulation panels on the walls, floor, and ceiling — but no active cooling system. It maintains a more stable temperature than a non-insulated container but cannot keep contents cold below the ambient temperature.
Some insulated containers are non-running reefers (the cooling unit no longer works), and some are purpose-built insulated units without a cooling unit at all. Either way, they function as a thermally buffered steel storage box.
Built for: Storage that benefits from temperature stability — items sensitive to large temperature swings, but where active refrigeration is not required.
Power: Not required.
Cost: Less than a running reefer, more than a standard container.
Maintenance: None — no moving parts.
How to Decide
| If you need… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Active cold storage (below ambient temperature) | Running reefer |
| Stable temperature in hot Texas summers (no active cooling) | Insulated / non-running reefer |
| Standard dry storage | Used WWT container |
| Food service or beverage cooler | Running reefer |
| Pharmaceutical / temperature-sensitive inventory | Running reefer with monitored temperature |
| Wine, art, or document storage | Insulated container |
What We Sell
We sell 40ft high cube reefers in both running and non-running condition. Running condition supports active cold storage. Non-running condition works as an insulated steel storage unit at a lower cost.
Power Considerations Before You Buy
If you are leaning toward a running reefer, confirm you have 3-phase 460V service available at the placement site, or budget for an electrician to install it. Reefers do not run on standard residential power. For sites without 3-phase service, a non-running reefer (insulated) is often the more practical choice.
Get a Quote
Reefer and insulated container availability changes weekly. Call (214) 399-9272 or request a free quote. We will check what is currently at our Houston, Dallas, or El Paso depot and confirm running vs non-running status before delivery.