20ft Refrigerated Container in NJ, Rent or Buy With Delivery in Days

The 20ft refrigerated container is a self-contained cold room you drop on your site and plug in. Cross Cold Storage rents, leases, and sells these units across NJ, NY, and the Tri-State. It holds a steady temperature from -20°F to +70°F, and it fits in about the footprint of a standard parking space. That makes it the fastest way to add cold storage without a build-out.

Two ways to get one. Rent a 20ft refrigerated storage container for a season or a project. Buy it outright when you need cold storage year-round. Either path includes on-site delivery and plug-and-play setup, and we can price both on one call.

20ft Refrigerated Container Specs and Dimensions

Here are the full specs for the 20ft unit.

Dimensions

Measurement

Size

External

20' L × 8' W × 8'6" H

Internal

17'6" L × 7'4" W × 7'5" H

Capacity

About 1,000 cubic feet, roughly one parking space

Standard features

  • Temperature range of -20°F to +70°F

  • Fully programmable thermostat

  • 3-phase power, 230V or 440V

  • Automatic defrost

  • Built-in drains

  • Stainless steel interior

  • Aluminum T-grade floor

  • Full-swing cargo doors

  • Lockable doors

  • Strip curtains

  • Interior LED lighting

Add-on features

  • Diesel generator

  • Dual voltage transformer

  • Roll-up door

  • Freezer door

  • Dock-height chassis

Who Is the 20ft Container For?

The 20ft unit is built for businesses that need real cold storage but do not have room for a 40ft container or a permanent walk-in. It fits in about one parking space, so it works on tight lots, alleys, and urban sites where space is tight.

It is a strong fit for:

  • Caterers running events and prep

  • Delis and small restaurants short on walk-in space

  • Farmers markets that move stock through the week

  • Florists protecting bloom freshness

  • Pharmaceutical storage that needs tight temperature control

  • Event venues handling food, flowers, and drinks on demand

If you can park a car there, you can usually place a 20ft container there.

20ft vs. 40ft: Which Size Do You Need?

Pick the 20ft if your site is tight or your volume is moderate. It fits one parking space, needs less clearance, and costs less to run. Most single-location restaurants, delis, florists, and event setups land here.

Pick the 40ft if you move pallets in bulk or run a distribution operation. It roughly doubles the floor space and pallet count, but it needs a bigger drop zone and more access room.

When in doubt, size up only if your volume or pallet flow demands it. See the full 40ft refrigerated container specs to compare side by side.

Rent or Buy a 20ft Refrigerated Container

You can rent, lease, or buy the 20ft unit. Both paths get you the same container and the same delivery. The right choice comes down to how long you need it.

Rent or lease a 20ft refrigerated container

Rent when the need is temporary or seasonal. It fits events, peak-season overflow, kitchen renovations, and disaster response. You pay only for the time you use, and terms flex from short-term to long-term.

Renting works best when you want:

  • No upfront purchase cost

  • A unit for weeks or months, not years

  • Cold storage you can return when the job ends

See refrigerated container rental options in NJ.

Buy a 20ft refrigerated container

Buy when the need is permanent. If you run cold storage year-round, owning the unit ends monthly payments and gives you an asset you control. Used and new units are available.

Buying works best when you want:

  • Cold storage on-site every day

  • No recurring rental charges

  • An asset you keep and can resell later

See 20ft refrigerated containers for sale.

Not sure which way to go? Tell us your timeline and we will price the rental and the purchase side by side. Call (732) 936-7655.

Electric vs. Diesel Power

The 20ft container runs on electric power by default. You can add a diesel generator if your site has no suitable hookup.

Electric uses 3-phase power at 230V or 440V. It runs quiet, costs less to operate, and suits fixed sites that already have the right outlet. Most restaurants, grocers, and warehouses use electric.

Diesel powers the unit on its own. It fits remote sites, outdoor events, and any location without 3-phase power. It also keeps your products cold during outages, which matters for pharma and emergency supply.

For a full breakdown, read electric vs. diesel refrigerated containers.

Delivery to Your Site

We deliver the 20ft unit directly to your location and set it up the same visit.

Most drops use a tilt-bed truck, which slides the container off the back and lowers it to ground level. For tight access or exact placement, we can arrange a crane. Once the unit is set, we connect power and confirm the container holds temperature before we leave.

Plan for level ground and enough clearance for the truck to maneuver. Typical delivery runs 3 to 5 business days from order, depending on your location and unit availability.

Get your site ready with our guide on how to prepare for a container delivery.

Industries That Use the 20ft Container

The 20ft unit serves businesses across the Tri-State that need on-site cold storage in a small footprint:

See every industry we serve for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a 20ft refrigerated container?

Rental cost depends on your term length, electric or diesel power, any add-ons, and delivery distance. There is no flat rate. Call 732-936-7655 or request a free quote and we will price your exact setup.

What power supply does the 20ft unit require?

The 20ft container runs on 3-phase power at 230V or 440V. If your site has no suitable hookup, add a diesel generator and the unit powers itself.

How long does delivery take?

Most deliveries arrive within 3 to 5 business days of your order. Timing depends on your location and unit availability.

Can the 20ft unit be used for pharmaceutical storage?

Yes. The programmable thermostat and -20°F to +70°F range hold the precise temperatures pharma requires. Add a diesel generator for outage protection. See our pharmaceutical storage page.

What add-ons are available?

You can add a diesel generator, a dual voltage transformer, a roll-up door, a freezer door, or a dock-height chassis. Tell us your workflow and we will spec the unit to match.

Will a 20ft container fit on my site?

The 20ft unit takes about the footprint of a standard parking space. You need level ground and clearance for the delivery truck. If you can park a car there, the container usually fits.

Can I rent short-term, or do I have to buy?

You can do either. We offer flexible short-term rentals, longer leases, and outright purchase. Pick the term that matches your need.

Get a 20ft Refrigerated Container Quote Today

Ready to add cold storage this week? Cross Cold Storage rents and sells 20ft refrigerated containers across NJ, NY, and the Tri-State, with electric or diesel power and plug-and-play setup. Tell us whether you want to rent or buy, and we price it fast.Call (732) 936-7655 or get your free quote today.