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20ft & 40ft cold storage container hire in Australia

Container Traders refrigerated shipping container hire range holds temperature from -20°C to +20°C, with stainless steel interiors built for food-grade hygiene and insulation that keeps conditions stable. The 20ft container is perfect for most operations, overflow storage, and sites where footprint matters. Step up to the 40ft High Cube for bulk produce, larger hospitality setups, or commercial use. Minimum hire term is 9 months, with delivery and collection handled by our team.

Refrigerated Container hire, backed by an Australian team

When you hire a Refrigerated Shipping Container from Container Traders, you’re working with an Australian-based team throughout the process. We handle delivery to your site and collection when you’re done. If something isn’t running right with your reefer, you’ve got a local team to call, not an overseas support queue. Quote turnaround is within 48 hours, and delivery is typically fast once your order is confirmed. The goal is cold storage on your site with as little friction as possible.

Matt, a Container Traders specialist, talking to a customer onsite during a container modification.

Should I buy or hire a Refrigerated container?

Deciding on whether to hire or buy a shipping container depends on your needs, budget, and how long you plan on using it.

Unsure what’s right for you? Contact Container Traders.

Hire a Container

  • Lower upfront cost than buying

  • Flexible: Keep it for as long as needed, then return it hassle-free
  • Quick & easy: Delivered to your location and picked up when you’re done
  • No long-term commitment: Ideal for temporary storage and moving
VS

Buy a Container

  • One-time spend: No repeat rent fees

  • Full ownership: Modify, paint, or customise as you like
  • Cost-effective over time: If using long-term, buying might be cheaper than renting
  • No return transport costs: You keep the unit, so there’s no fee to return it

Refrigerated Container rental guide

Cost to hire a Refrigerated Shipping Container

As of 1 September 2026, hiring a Refrigerated Shipping Container starts from $700*/mth + GST. Delivery and collection are an additional cost depending on your location. See our full hire pricing guide to find the right container for your budget.

Hire price list (Updated September 2026)

Container Traders offers flexible hire terms, with better monthly rates the longer you hire.

Container 9 Month Hire 18 Month Hire
20ft Refrigerated Container $750* /mth $700* /mth
40ft Refrigerated High Cube Container $980* /mth $930* /mth

*Prices exclude GST and delivery. Last updated: 1 September 2026

Common uses for rental Refrigerated Shipping Containers

Container Traders customers hire Refrigerated Shipping Containers across a wide range of industries and for a variety of reasons. Common use cases include:

  • Butcher and deli overflow storage
  • Fresh produce and flower storage
  • Hospitality and events catering
  • Pharmaceutical storage
  • Seasonal stock peaks and retail overflow
  • Interstate moves with temperature-sensitive goods

Frequently asked questions

Have another question about Refrigerated Shipping Containers? Contact us.

  • Refrigerated Shipping Containers maintain a precise temperature range between -20°C and +20°C, allowing you to switch easily between deep-freeze and chilled settings depending on what you are storing. This flexibility ensures that everything from frozen seafood to sensitive pharmaceuticals stays at the exact temperature required to remain fresh and safe.

  • Yes, having a level spot ready is one of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth delivery. If the ground isn’t level, the heavy steel frame can sit unevenly, which can cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close.

    Ideally, you want a firm surface like concrete, compacted gravel, or even just some sturdy wooden sleepers under the four corners to keep everything square and level.

  • If you need a container urgently, we can typically have it out to your property in under a week. We can’t strictly guarantee that timeframe as it is subject to the available stock at your nearest depot and current transport availability. The best way to get a solid timeline for your project is to give our team a call.

  • You can store almost anything that needs a steady climate in our Refrigerated Shipping Containers, including frozen food, fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and beverages. Our units offer precise temperature control between -20°C and +20°C to ensure your inventory stays at the exact temperature required.

  • Hiring with Container Traders is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible, providing convenience that traditional storage can’t match. We focus on quick project turnarounds and reliable nationwide delivery, ensuring your container arrives exactly when and where you need it across Australia.

    One of the biggest perks for our customers is that we handle all the logistics. Your payments are automated each month, and when you’re done with the unit, we simply come and collect it from your site. Unlike off-site rental storage, hiring a container gives you the ultimate convenience of having your gear securely stored right on your own property with 24/7 access.

  • You’ve come to the right place as we are one of Australia’s leading container hire specialists and service the entire country. Our hire range is delivered from depots across Australia to metro and regional areas. To find out if delivery to your specific location is the best move for you, just reach out to our team.

    Our most popular hire delivery locations include:

  • Yes, you can load a Refrigerated Container with a forklift, but you will need a specialised ramp to bridge the gap safely. We offer an 8-tonne refrigerated container ramp for $2,250* (+GST and delivery) which is designed with extra-long flaps to clear the floor of a reefer unit. It supports up to 8,000kg and includes fork pockets, making it easy to move and position whenever you need to load or unload. For more information visit our container ramps page.

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4.9 Stars

Based on 750+ Reviews

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4.9 Stars

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29,789 Shipping Containers Sold in Australia
29,000+ Units Sold

Since 2016

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Get a quote from Container Traders

Send us the details below and we’ll come back within two business days with our best price. For a quicker answer, call our container specialists on 1300 89 89 70.

Your Refrigerated Container hire quote