Used Refrigerated Containers

At Midstate, we know many customers need dependable cold capacity without paying for a brand-new unit. That is why used refrigerated containers remain one of the most practical choices for food service, medical supply, agriculture, and event operations that need stable temperature control, fast delivery, and reliable performance.

Types of Used Reefer Containers Available at Midstate

At Midstate, we offer several styles of used refrigerated containers so customers can match the right unit to their site, power setup, and required temperature range. 

20ft Used Refrigerated Containers

When you require dependable cold management and effective space, our 20-foot models are a smart choice. Each standard-height unit is 8'6" tall on the outside, with cargo swing doors on one end and a Thermo King, Carrier, or Daikin motor on the other. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat are among the perishable goods that can be stored in these used refrigerators. Before delivery, the unit is inspected and put through a pre-trip inspection to guarantee proper operation and constant temperature performance.

40ft Used Refrigerated Containers

A standard 40-foot reefer gives your business more room for palletized inventory and day-to-day overflow. These used refrigerated containers are also standard height at 8'6", include cargo swing doors, and use a Carrier Primeline refrigeration unit. They are refurbished before delivery, which means they are inspected, cleaned, cleared of rust or dents, and finished with fresh paint so they are ready for cold use from day one.

40ft High Cube Refrigerated Containers

If you need more vertical clearance, a high cube reefer can make loading easier and improve usable space inside. These used refrigerated containers are 9'6" tall externally, which gives extra height compared with standard models while still supporting a consistent temperature environment for produce, dairy, meat, and other sensitive products. Each unit is refurbished, cleaned inside and out, and prepared for immediate service.

Used Refrigerated Containers with New Motors

For buyers who want stronger cooling confidence, we also carry used refrigerated containers with new motors. These include 40-foot high cube units with new 5 HP freezer motors or new 3 HP motors, along with 20-foot units fitted with new 2.5 HP medium-temperature or 3.5 HP freezer motors. This kind of used reefer container purchase makes sense for customers who want the value of a used box with updated cooling hardware, dependable power requirements, and a more predictable operating profile.

Used Single-Phase Refrigerated Containers

Single-phase reefers are often the easiest choice when your site does not have industrial three-phase service. Our used refrigerated shipping containers in this category include 40-foot high cube units with single-phase 208-240V power, along with 20-foot models that require dedicated 20 Amp or 40 Amp service, depending on the motor and target temperature. For customers looking to buy used refrigerated shipping containers with simpler electrical planning, this option can be a practical fit.

Non-Working Insulated Containers

We also offer insulated ex-reefers for customers who do not need active cooling. These used refrigerated containers have non-working or disassembled motors, but they still hold cold well thanks to polyurethane foam insulation, aluminum exterior panels, stainless steel interiors, and minimum R30 insulation. They maintain stable internal temperature without an external electrical supply, and with an added AC unit, they can cool down to about 60 degrees. That makes them a smart option for customers searching for used cold storage containers for sale.

Benefits of Used Reefer Container Purchase

At Midstate, we see every day how a used reefer container for sale can support a growing business without stretching the budget too far.

  • Lower upfront cost: A used unit typically costs less than a new one while still giving you reliable cold capacity.
  • Commercial-grade performance: Many used refrigerated containers for sale still deliver the steady temperature range needed for food, floral, and medical use.
  • Fast delivery and setup: Because the units are already built, you can often get them operating sooner.
  • Flexible specification options: You can choose standard height, high cube, single-phase, or new-motor models based on site conditions.
  • Long service life: Durable materials and a tested refrigeration unit help keep inventory secure and protected.

Common Uses for Used Refrigerated Containers

Used refrigerated containers are useful across many industries because they provide dependable cold holding where permanent cooler rooms are not practical. 

Most common applications:

  • Food and beverage storage
  • Seafood and meat processing
  • Pharmaceutical and medical storage
  • Catering and event preparation
  • Supermarkets and wholesalers
  • Agricultural and rural cold storage

Used Reefer Condition and What to Expect

When shopping for used refrigerated containers, it helps to understand how condition affects price and performance.

  • Tested working units: Good for regular commercial use and checked before delivery.
  • Refurbished units: Cleaned, repaired, and painted for a more polished appearance and ready-to-use feel.
  • Used boxes with new motors: Higher cost, though often better for customers who want stronger reliability and a newer motor setup.
  • Single-phase units: Best when site power access is limited or simpler electrical service is preferred.
  • Non-working insulated units: Lower-cost options for passive cold holding where active cooling is not required.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Used Refrigerated Container?

Pricing of used reefer containers for sale depends on size, condition, and cooling performance, with insulated ex-reefers usually starting at $4,000 to $6,000, working 20ft and 40ft units around $8,000 to $9,000, and mid-range Carrier ThinLINE models near $7,000. Higher-end options with new motors and single-phase power typically range from $19,500 to $24,500, giving businesses a more robust cold-storage solution that is still ready for delivery.

Why Buy Used Refrigerated Shipping Containers From Midstate Containers?

At Midstate, we focus on helping customers get the right used refrigerated container for sale for the work ahead, not just the first unit available.

  • Custom build support: We can help with added modifications to suit your site and operating needs.
  • Cost savings: Used units reduce capital spend while still giving you dependable temperature control.
  • Durability: Every unit is built for real-world use and repeated delivery cycles.
  • Immediate availability: Faster access helps when your business needs extra capacity quickly.
  • Versatility: Our used insulated shipping containers for sale serve food, retail, medical, agriculture, and event industries.
  • Eco-friendly value: Reusing a working reefer extends the life of quality equipment.
  • Customization: We can help match the right specification, power needs, and size to your application.
  • Reliability: Tested and inspected options help keep your products protected in securecold conditions.

FAQ

Are used reefer containers worth buying?

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Yes, they often give you reliable temperature control at a lower price than new units.

Who sells used refrigerated shipping containers?

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Midstate Containers sells used refrigerated containers in several sizes and condition levels, including refurbished, single-phase, and insulated ex-reefer options.

What is a used reefer container used for?

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It is used for cold holding of food, seafood, pharmaceuticals, floral inventory, and other temperature-sensitive goods.

What's the average price for a used shipping container?

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Used refrigerated shipping containers for sale range from $4,000 to $6,000 for insulated, non-working units, $7,000 to $9,000 for many working units, and $19,500 to $24,500 for higher-end single-phase models with new motors.