Reefer container prices: SO.GE.SE answers

Everything you need to know about reefer container costs in one article

Refrigerated containers, also known as reefer containers, are essential for the cold chain and the transport or storage of perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Demand for these solutions is growing, driven by increasing global trade and the need for controlled storage. But how much does a refrigerated container cost? What factors affect the price? And what are the best options between new, used and rental?

In this article, we at SO.GE.SE will take a detailed look at the prices of refrigerated containers, delving into the main factors influencing their cost and offering a clear and up-to-date overview of the topic.

Factors influencing the price of refrigerated containers

Determining the cost of a refrigerated container is not a simple or straightforward task: it is a technical product whose value is conditioned by a number of variables. Understanding what these are is essential in order to orientate oneself between the different options currently available on the market. Let us now look at the most decisive factors.

1. Motorisation

One of the most decisive variables is the motorisation of the refrigeration system, in particular the type of refrigerant gas used. The most modern machines adopt refrigerants with a low environmental impact, such as CO2 or carbon dioxide, which comply with the latest European regulations on emissions. These environmentally friendly solutions, while having a slightly higher initial cost, allow users to improve their ESG score and align with increasingly restrictive environmental policies. Looking ahead, the adoption of green engines will no longer be an option, but a regulatory obligation.

2. Raw materials and construction materials

The final price is closely linked to the cost of the raw materials used to build the container: stainless steel for the structure, aluminium for the linings, polyurethane foam insulation and petrochemical derivatives for the insulation and seals. The instability of raw material markets can lead to even significant variations in price lists, especially in times of high inflation, material shortages or wars.

3. Refrigerated container technology

The cost of the container also depends on the technology integrated in the refrigeration machine. Standard fixed temperature systems coexist with high-precision units equipped with digital control, remote monitoring, intelligent alarms and telemetry modules for proactive cold chain management. The integration of these devices has a significant impact on price, but ensures greater operational efficiency and load security.

4. Market demand trends

The macroeconomic environment and international trade trends directly influence the availability and price of containers. In periods of high demand for shipping services, shipping companies retain most containers for domestic use, reducing supply on the secondary market. Conversely, in slow periods, large quantities of containers are decommissioned and put up for sale, causing prices to fall. This mechanism mainly impacts the second-hand market, but can also have knock-on effects on the new market.

Current prices of refrigerated containers

Now that we are clear about the main factors influencing the cost of a refrigerated container, we can get to the heart of the economic analysis. Prices, as we can easily imagine, vary considerably according to type (new, used), size, technical specifications and additional services required.

Let us now go into the details of the updated price ranges that we at SO.GE.SE. propose, on the strength of our consolidated experience in the refrigerated container sector, our highly qualified technical service, and a wide and modular offer based on our customers’ needs.

Price of new refrigerated containers

Buying a new refrigerated container is the ideal investment for those who need a long-term solution with maximum energy efficiency and state-of-the-art technology. Prices depend heavily on the motorisation, the presence of optional extras (such as remote monitoring or reinforced interior panels) and the structural configuration.

• For a 20-foot refrigerated container, the price ranges between 16,000 and 25,000 euros;
• For a 40-foot HC refrigerated container, it starts at around 17,000 up to 34,000 euros.

With special requirements, such as custom versions or top-of-the-range refrigeration engines, the figures can exceed these ranges.

Price of used refrigerated containers

Buying a used refrigerated container is an excellent option for those who want to keep costs down without sacrificing functionality. All used containers offered by SO.GE.SE. are carefully reconditioned by a team of specialised refrigeration technicians, who guarantee reliable performance and compliance with current regulations.

• A used 20-foot refrigerated container is priced between 7,000 and 15,000 euros;
• A used 40-foot HC refrigerated container is priced between 9,000 and 17,000 euros.

The cost depends not only on the technical specifications, but also on the year of manufacture and the number of hours of use of the refrigerator.

Rental price of refrigerated containers

Rental is the most flexible and advantageous solution for those with temporary, seasonal or changing logistical needs. Fees vary according to various elements: duration of the contract, time of year, type of motorisation and presence of advanced options.

In general, for contracts longer than 180 days, the monthly rental fee is extremely competitive compared to the value of the service offered. Moreover, we at SO.GE.SE. allow the rental of a refrigerated container even for a single day, adapting the instalment to the customer’s specific needs.

The instalment can be modulated according to:

• contract duration;
• type of container;
• request for optional extras (such as digital control, simplified access, alarm systems).

Thanks to this flexibility, rental becomes an intelligent alternative to purchase, especially in uncertain contexts or for short-term projects.

Conclusions: choosing the right solution, with SO.GE.SE. at your side

As we have seen, the prices of refrigerated containers vary depending on many factors: from the technologies used in the motorisation to market fluctuations, from the type (new, used) to the presence of advanced options for temperature control and management. There is no “universal” price, but a range of possibilities designed to meet very different operating needs.

And this is precisely where we at SO.GE.SE. come in. Our aim is to offer complete and customised solutions, supporting each customer in choosing the most suitable refrigerated container. Whether it is a strategic purchase or a temporary need, we provide a constantly updated product range, qualified technical assistance, and flexible rental formulas that can also be modulated over very short durations.

Our strength lies in technical competence, cost transparency and the ability to adapt to any context, industrial or commercial. Relying on SO.GE.SE. means choosing a reliable partner, ready to guarantee operational continuity and constant support at all stages: from initial consultancy to delivery and after-sales assistance.

Contact us now for a consultation: together we will find the perfect refrigeration solution for your needs!