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ISO container format · 20ft / 40ft

Refrigerated containers — ISO 20ft and 40ft reefer cold rooms

Refrigerated containers built on 20ft (≈ 28 m³ usable) or 40ft (≈ 58 m³ usable) ISO frames. A global logistics standard: shippable by container vessel, handled by spreader, stackable. The reference format for export and large-volume sites.

Reefer 20ft/40ft R290 ≤ 28 m³ pre-charged ISO 1496 + CSC
40ft reefer refrigerated container

The containerised format remains the global logistics standard for mobile refrigeration. A certified ISO body (CSC, CCC), standardised lifting corners, an anti-slip aluminium floor. The 20ft (28 m³) is our export best-seller; the 40ft (58 m³) covers industrial sites and large-volume freezer rooms.

ISO reefer vs modified container

Two families exist on the market. The genuine ISO reefer (Carrier, Thermo King, Daikin units) is built for sea transport, with the refrigeration unit integrated into the end wall. That is our choice: marine-grade robustness, tested watertightness, a T-floor for air circulation. The modified dry container — a cheaper but ill-advised option — is a standard box with sandwich panels and a split unit added. Lower insulation, uncertain warranty, weaker residual value. We do not sell modified boxes.

Capacity and configurations

20ft (≈ 6.1 × 2.4 × 2.6 m external, 28 m³ usable after insulation): chiller R290 pre-charged, freezer R290 or R744 charged on site. 40ft (≈ 12.2 × 2.4 × 2.6 m, 58 m³ usable): delivered empty as standard, charged on site by a certified F-Gas (Cat. I) engineer. 40ft HC (High Cube, +30 cm height, 65 m³) on request for stacked-pallet storage. Insulated partitions let you create a dual-temperature chiller+freezer inside a 40ft.

Handling and logistics

ISO corners on the whole body: handling by reach-stacker, mobile crane (slings or spreader) or straddle carrier. Stackable up to 7 high empty, 2 high with product (subject to a suitable slab). Road transport on a standard container-carrier trailer. The containerised format travels best — and, in time, it is also the one that resells best on the used market.

Technical specs

What you get

External dimensions 20ft 6.058 × 2.438 × 2.591 m (L × W × H)
External dimensions 40ft 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.591 m · 40ft HC: H 2.896 m
Usable volume 20ft ≈ 28 m³ after 100 mm insulation
Usable volume 40ft ≈ 58 m³ standard · ≈ 65 m³ HC
Floor Aluminium T-floor, 800 kg/m² rated load
Insulation PIR panels 100 mm (chiller) or 120 mm (freezer)
Body certification CSC, ISO 1496-1, CTU code
Refrigerant R290 pre-charged on 20ft chiller · empty R290/R744 on 40ft and freezers
By volume

Models in this range

20m3 Cold Room — The R290 Core of the Range
Core of the range · 20 m³

20m3 Cold Room — The R290 Core of the Range

The 20 m³ (roughly 700 cu ft) is our best-seller. It has the capacity for a wholesale butcher, an active hunting syndicate, a mid-sized restaurant or a market garden handling post-harvest stock. Pre-charged with R290, 100 mm PIR insulation, 400 V three-phase. This is the format where the cost per m³ is at its best.

From 8,200 € ex VAT

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30m3 Cold Room — The Limit of R290 Pre-Charge
R290 pre-charge limit · 30 m³

30m3 Cold Room — The Limit of R290 Pre-Charge

30 m³ (roughly 1,060 cu ft) is the boundary of our pre-charged R290 catalogue. It is the format for farms handling post-harvest stock, caterers with large seasonal volumes, wholesale butchers and shared hunting estates. Above this point we switch to empty delivery, with the unit charged on site by a certified F-Gas engineer.

From 11,500 € ex VAT

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40m3 Cold Room — Industrial Reefer, Delivered Empty
Industrial reefer · 40 m³

40m3 Cold Room — Industrial Reefer, Delivered Empty

40 m³ of usable space (roughly 1,410 cu ft) on an ISO 40-foot frame. Aimed at food manufacturers, large producers and logistics platforms. Always delivered empty, then charged on site by a certified, Category I F-Gas engineer (R290 or R744, depending on the specification).

From 17,800 € ex VAT

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Bespoke Cold Room — Custom Dimensions and Options
Bespoke configuration

Bespoke Cold Room — Custom Dimensions and Options

For when the 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 m³ catalogue isn't enough. Free choice of volume from 5 m³ to 200 m³, dimensions to the centimetre, dual- or triple-zone layouts and advanced technical options. Our design office sizes it, you approve it, the factory builds it.

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By industry

Configured for your trade

Cold rooms for butchery and charcuterie Cold rooms for restaurants, caterers and institutional kitchens Cold rooms for agriculture and market gardening

Questions fréquentes

What is the difference between a 20ft and a 40ft reefer?

The 20ft is about 6 m long for 28 m³ usable; it is more manoeuvrable, lighter, and stays within the R290 pre-charge ATEX limit. The 40ft is 12 m for 58 m³; it needs a larger crane and a longer slab, and we deliver it empty for on-site charging. The 40ft costs around 80-90% more than the 20ft, which works out roughly 30% cheaper per m³ of usable volume.

Can the container sit on levelling feet?

Yes — it is one of the advantages of the ISO format. Four reinforced-concrete pads (one per corner) are enough for both the 20ft and 40ft, provided the ground is stabilised and the ISO corners bear properly. This avoids pouring a full slab and allows later removal. Setting-out drawings are supplied with the quote.

Is a reefer container classed as a vehicle?

No. It is a non-powered ISO body, so it counts as movable plant. No registration, no logbook, no roadworthiness test. You depreciate it as industrial equipment over 7-10 years to your accounting policy. Property tax does not apply as long as it is not permanently fixed to the ground.

How long does a reefer container last?

Our warranty is 2 years transferable. But a properly maintained reefer container (filter changes, an annual refrigeration check by a certified F-Gas engineer) lasts 15-20 years. Residual value stays high — around 40-50% of new price after 10 years, provided the body is sound (no structural corrosion).

Where do you deliver refrigerated containers?

We deliver to France, Germany, Italy and Spain, by crane lorry (HIAB), in 8-12 weeks from the factory. Units arrive on a 50% deposit at order with the balance on delivery. Prices run from around €9,800 + VAT to €28,000 + VAT ex VAT depending on size, temperature regime and unit power.

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