Buy a Refrigerated Container in NJ or NY
Cross Cold Storage sells 20ft and 40ft reefer containers across New Jersey, New York, and the Tri-State area. New and used units are in stock now at our yard in Manalapan, NJ. Every container holds temps from -20°F to +70°F. All units run on electric (230V or 440V, 3-phase) or diesel power. Each one comes with a stainless steel interior, a digital thermostat, and auto defrost built in.
Why Buying a Cold Storage Container Beats Renting
Renting works well for short runs. If you need a reefer for six months or less, our rental program is the better path. But if your need runs past 12 months, buying saves real money.
Here's the math. Rental fees on a 40ft reefer run $1,200 to $2,500 per month. Over 18 months, that's $21,600 to $45,000 in rent. A purchased unit pays for itself in that window and keeps working for years after.
Buying also kills the hassle. No renewals. No pickup calls. No rate hikes. The box sits on your lot, plugged in, running on your terms. You set the temps, pick the access hours, and handle upkeep on your own clock.
If you store goods year-round, handle repeat seasonal surges, or need a backup cooler on-site, buying is the smarter move. On-site cold storage cuts out the per-mile trucking costs that pile up with offsite warehousing.
20ft Reefer Containers for Sale
The 20ft reefer is the most popular size for single-site businesses. It fits in a standard parking space, sits on a level gravel pad or concrete slab, and plugs into a 230V or 440V outlet.
Specs at a glance:
Outside: 20'L x 8'W x 8'6"H
Inside capacity: about 1,000 cubic feet
Temp range: -20°F to +70°F
Power: 230V or 440V, 3-phase electric (diesel add-on is an option)
Walls: food-grade stainless steel, seamless welds
Controls: digital thermostat, auto defrost
Access: rear swing doors, lockable handles
A 20ft reefer container for sale fits bakeries, delis, butcher shops, florists, small restaurants, and medical labs. If you need walk-in cooler or freezer space without the cost of building one, this is the unit. We stock new and used 20ft containers.
For full layouts and inside dimensions, check our 20ft and 40ft spec sheet.
40ft Refrigerated Shipping Containers for Sale
The 40ft reefer doubles your storage space. It handles high-volume work, large event staging, and full-scale food or pharma storage. Same temp range, same stainless interior, same power options.
Specs at a glance:
Outside: 40'L x 8'W x 8'6"H (high-cube 9'6"H also in stock)
Inside capacity: about 2,000 cubic feet
Temp range: -20°F to +70°F
Power: 230V or 440V, 3-phase electric (diesel add-on is an option)
Walls: food-grade stainless steel, rounded corners
Controls: digital thermostat, auto defrost
Access: rear swing doors, lockable handles
Grocery stores, frozen meat plants, breweries, event venues, and government sites go with the 40ft unit. If your weekly stock goes past what a 20ft box can hold, the 40-footer gives you room. We carry new and used 40ft reefer containers for sale.
Want to compare electric vs diesel reefer containers? That guide covers power, range, cost, and upkeep side by side.
New vs Used Reefer Containers: Pick the Right Fit
We sell both new and used reefer containers. The right pick depends on your use case, your timeline, and your budget.
New units ship from the maker with full warranty on the cooling system and the shell. You get a longer service life, fresh seals, current-gen parts, and zero wear on the frame. New makes sense if you plan to run the box five years or more. Drug makers, hospitals, and military ops tend to buy new for compliance reasons.
Used units cost 30% to 50% less. Every used reefer we sell goes through a full check: compressor function, thermostat accuracy, door seal grip, wall insulation, and interior cleaning. If a part fails the check, we fix or swap it before the unit leaves our yard. Used units work well for seasonal overflow, on-site backups, event cold storage, or any job where a lower price matters more than a decade-long run.
We do not sell dead or cosmetic-only containers. Every unit we put on a truck holds temp to spec on delivery day.
What Comes Standard with Every Container
You are not buying a bare box. Every reefer sold by Cross Cold Storage ships ready to plug in and run.
Stainless steel interior with seamless welds and rounded corners for easy cleaning
Digital thermostat with -20°F to +70°F range, fully adjustable
Auto defrost that stops ice buildup and keeps temps steady
Corten steel exterior rated for outdoor use in all weather
Lockable rear cargo doors with cam-lock handles
3-phase electric hookup at 230V or 440V, your choice
Pre-delivery temp test with documented results
Add-ons include a diesel generator for off-grid power, shelving, strip curtain doors for busy access points, and temp alerts you can check from your phone. Tell us what you need on the quote form and we will build it in.
Cold Storage Container Pricing: What Drives the Cost
We quote each sale on its own because the final price depends on a few things.
Size. A 20ft reefer costs less than a 40ft. A 40ft high-cube costs more than a standard 40ft.
Condition. New containers carry a higher price. Used units with working systems cost 30% to 50% less.
Power setup. Electric-only is the base price. Adding a diesel generator raises the cost but gives you off-grid ability.
Add-ons. Shelving, racking, strip curtains, alarm systems, and other mods add to the total. A stock unit with no extras is the lowest price point.
Delivery distance. Local drops in central New Jersey cost little or nothing. Longer hauls across the Tri-State carry a fee based on miles.
You get one all-in number before you commit. No surprise charges after. Call us now to request a quote.
Container Delivery Across NJ, NY, and the Tri-State
We deliver every container we sell. Our tilt-bed trucks place the unit on your site at ground level, ready to wire up. For spots that need overhead drops (rooftops, docks, tight lots), crane placement is available.
Before delivery, you'll need:
A level surface: concrete slab, packed gravel, or asphalt
12 feet of overhead clearance for the tilt-bed
A 230V or 440V, 3-phase outlet within cord reach of the container
A clear path at least 10 feet wide for the truck
Our full delivery prep guide covers every step: site layout, ground prep, and power setup.
We ship to all of New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Westchester, CT, and eastern PA. Most drops happen in 3 to 5 business days. Rush runs are on the table for fast-turn orders.
Industries That Buy Cold Storage Containers
Refrigerated containers for sale through Cross Cold Storage serve dozens of trades. Here are the most common buyers.
Food and drink businesses that need lasting overflow storage or a backup cooler. Restaurants, bakeries, delis, and grocery stores all buy units for year-round use.
Meat and seafood processors that hold large volumes at sub-zero temps. See our frozen meat processor, fisheries, and fish market pages.
Pharma and medical sites that store vaccines, lab samples, and drugs that must stay cold. Our pharma and hospital pages cover what's needed.
Breweries and wineries that manage ferment temps, keg stock, and seasonal batch runs. More on our brewery and winery pages.
Government and military that need field-rated, climate-locked storage for supplies and rations. Details on our government and military base pages.
Venues, golf courses, and marinas that run seasonal catering and need reliable cold storage every year. See events, golf courses, and marinas.
If your work involves anything frozen or chilled, a purchased unit is worth pricing out. The full list of industries we serve covers more verticals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Reefer Containers
How much does a reefer container cost?
It depends on size (20ft vs 40ft), condition (new vs used), power setup, and add-ons. Used units run 30% to 50% less than new ones. Call (732) 440-7244 for a number based on what you need.
Do you sell used refrigerated containers?
Yes. We stock used reefers in 20ft and 40ft sizes. Every used unit gets a full check before sale. We test the compressor, the thermostat, the door seals, and the insulation. Nothing ships unless it holds temp to spec.
Can I get a container delivered the same week I buy it?
Most of the time, yes. We keep stock on hand at our Manalapan, NJ yard. Standard delivery across the Tri-State takes 3 to 5 business days. Rush drops are available for faster needs.
What is the difference between a reefer container and a refrigerated shipping container?
Same thing. "Reefer" is trade shorthand for a refrigerated shipping container. Both terms point to the same unit: a steel box with a built-in cooling system that holds temps from -20°F to +70°F.
What power supply do I need?
All our units run on 3-phase electric, either 230V or 440V. You'll need a dedicated outlet set up by a licensed electrician before the drop. If your site has no electric access, we sell units with a diesel generator for fully off-grid use. Our electric vs diesel guide helps you decide.
Can I use a purchased container as a walk-in cooler or freezer?
Yes. A reefer works as a ground-level walk-in cooler or freezer based on your thermostat setting. Many restaurants and food and drink businesses buy containers to replace or add to their existing walk-in units.
Do you deliver outside New Jersey?
We deliver to all of NJ, NYC, Long Island, Westchester, CT, and parts of eastern PA. Fees vary by distance. Call for a quote that includes delivery to your door.
Do you offer financing?
Call us to talk through payment terms. We work with all sizes of businesses and can set up pricing to fit. Reach out here or call.
Get Your Refrigerated Container Sales Quote
Ready to buy? Fill out the form and our team will send pricing within 24 hours. Include your preferred size, new or used, and any add-ons. Or skip the form and call us now.