What Is a Refrigerated Trailer? Sizes, Temperature Ranges & Uses
The plain-English explainer: what a reefer trailer is, the sizes and temperatures it holds, and when to rent one.
A refrigerated trailer — often called a "reefer" — is a temperature-controlled semi-trailer with a built-in refrigeration unit. Parked on-site, it works as instant mobile cold storage: a walk-in cooler or freezer on wheels that you rent for days, weeks, or months instead of building permanent refrigeration.
How a refrigerated trailer works
A refrigeration unit at the front of the trailer circulates cold air through the insulated box, holding a set temperature regardless of the weather outside. Units run on diesel or electric standby, so they keep cooling even during a power outage.
Sizes
| Length | Approx. pallets | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft | ~8 pallets | Events, small kitchens |
| 40ft | ~18 pallets | Restaurants, mid-size overflow |
| 53ft | ~24 pallets | Distribution, bulk storage |
See reefer trailer sizes explained for the full breakdown, or the size calculator.
Temperature range
A reefer trailer typically holds anywhere from -20°F to +59°F, covering both frozen and refrigerated needs — read how cold a reefer trailer gets.
Common uses
- Cold storage overflow for restaurants and grocery
- Events and catering
- Emergency backup during breakdowns and outages
- Seasonal and harvest storage
Ready to rent? Compare refrigerated trailer providers or get free quotes.
Refrigerated trailer vs other cold storage
A reefer trailer is one of several forms of mobile cold storage. How it compares:
| Option | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Reefer truck | Self-driving — for moving product, not stationary storage |
| Reefer container | Ground-level, no wheels — better for tight or long-term sites |
| Walk-in cooler | Smaller, portable — events and tight spaces |
How renting a refrigerated trailer works
You pick a size and temperature, the provider delivers and positions the trailer, you plug in (or it runs on diesel), and you load it. At the end of the term they pick it up. Pricing runs roughly $150–$250/day or $1,200–$2,500+/month — see the cost guide — and the step-by-step rental guide walks through delivery, power, and what to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a refrigerated trailer used for?
A refrigerated trailer provides temperature-controlled storage on-site — for restaurant and grocery overflow, events, emergency backup during breakdowns or outages, and seasonal or harvest storage — without building permanent refrigeration.
What is the difference between a refrigerated trailer and a reefer?
They are the same thing. "Reefer" is industry shorthand for a refrigerated trailer (or refrigerated truck/container). All hold a controlled temperature using a built-in refrigeration unit.
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