A one trip 20ft reefer container is a near-new refrigerated container that has made a single loaded voyage since it was built. The insulated body, stainless lining, door seals and refrigeration machinery are all close to new, and the unit is sold fully working. Prime Cargo Box supplies this one trip 20ft reefer container wind and watertight and CSC plated, at a lower price than a factory-new reefer.
For buyers who want reliable cold storage for many years, near-new machinery is the main reason to choose one trip over used. Below is the specification, how the unit works, the power you need and how to look after it.
What Is a One Trip 20ft Reefer Container?
Reefer containers are built in specialist factories and usually carry chilled or frozen export cargo on their first voyage. After that cargo is delivered, some are sold rather than kept in the shipping fleet. Having carried a single load, they are called one trip.
Because the machinery has only run for one journey, a one trip 20ft reefer container has very few running hours on its compressor and fans compared with a used reefer that has spent a decade at sea. That means more years of dependable service ahead.
One Trip 20ft Reefer Container Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Container type | 20ft refrigerated container (20′ RF) |
| Condition | One trip, near new, refrigeration unit fully working |
| External length | 20 ft (6.06 m) |
| External width | 8 ft (2.44 m) |
| External height | 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) |
| Internal length | Approx. 17 ft 10 in (5.45 m) |
| Internal width | Approx. 7 ft 6 in (2.28 m) |
| Internal height | Approx. 7 ft 1 in to 7 ft 5 in (2.16 to 2.26 m) |
| Door opening | Approx. 7 ft 6 in wide x 7 ft 5 in high (2.29 x 2.26 m) |
| Cubic capacity | Approx. 990 cu ft (28 m³) |
| Tare weight | Approx. 6,300 to 6,800 lbs (2,860 to 3,100 kg) |
| Maximum gross weight | Typically 30,480 to 32,000 kg, shown on the CSC plate |
| Temperature range | Typically -30 °C to +30 °C (-22 °F to +86 °F), depending on the machinery model |
| Power supply | Three-phase electrical supply, typically 380 to 460 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Construction | Stainless steel interior lining, insulated walls, roof and floor |
| Floor | Aluminium T-bar floor for air circulation |
| Doors | Insulated double doors at one end |
| Certification | CSC safety approval plate |
Internal space is smaller than a dry 20ft because of the insulation and the machinery. We confirm the machinery make, model, temperature range and power rating of your unit when we quote. Carriers publish comparable data, for example this Hapag-Lloyd 20ft reefer specification.
How It Works
The refrigeration unit at the front of the container pushes conditioned air under the cargo through the slotted aluminium floor. The air rises through the load and returns to the unit along the ceiling, so the whole box stays at an even temperature. Polyurethane foam insulation in the walls, roof, floor and doors keeps heat out, and the stainless steel lining is easy to clean. A digital controller sets and logs the temperature. For background on the design, see this overview of the refrigerated container.
Why Choose One Trip?
On a reefer, the machinery is the expensive part. A one trip 20ft reefer container gives you a compressor, fans and controller with minimal running hours, plus fresh door seals and an unmarked lining, at a lower price than factory new. Compared with a used reefer, you can expect better efficiency, fewer service calls and a longer working life.
Who Uses It
Customers buy a one trip 20ft reefer container for:
- Farm and orchard cold storage for produce after harvest
- Butchers, fishmongers and food processors
- Restaurants, hotels and caterers needing extra chiller or freezer space
- Florists, nurseries and seed stores
- Exporters shipping chilled or frozen goods in their own container
Power Requirements
Container reefers run on three-phase power, typically 380 to 460 V at 50 or 60 Hz, through a standard reefer plug. Check you have a suitable supply near the container’s position, or plan for an electrician or generator. Running costs depend on the set temperature, outside climate and how often the doors are opened; shade and pre-chilled loading both help.
Running Costs
Near-new machinery is generally more efficient than an older unit, which helps keep running costs down on a one trip 20ft reefer container. Actual use depends on the set temperature, the outside climate and how the container is used. A chiller at +2 °C in a mild climate uses far less power than a freezer at -25 °C in hot weather. Placing the container in shade, adding a simple canopy, loading pre-chilled goods and keeping door openings brief all make a noticeable difference. An electrician can meter the unit once it is running to give you exact figures.
Loading a One Trip 20ft Reefer Container
Load goods pre-chilled or pre-frozen, because a reefer is designed to hold temperature rather than cool warm produce quickly. Stack on the T-bar floor without blocking the air channels, keep a gap below the ceiling and at the door end for return air, and never block the unit’s outlets. Keep door openings short, and fit a strip curtain inside the doors if they will be used often.
Using It for Export
With a valid CSC plate and near-new machinery, a one trip 20ft reefer container is ready to ship chilled or frozen cargo. Your forwarder will need the container number, tare weight and required set temperature. Pre-cool the container before loading and record the set point on the shipping documents.
Is 20ft Big Enough?
With roughly 28 m³ inside, a one trip 20ft reefer container holds around 10 standard pallets on the floor, depending on pallet size and stacking height. That suits most farms, restaurants and small food businesses. If you regularly move larger volumes, a 40ft reefer gives more than twice the space for a modest increase in footprint and power use. Two 20ft units can also make sense if you need two different temperatures, such as one chiller and one freezer.
Compare Options
For the lowest price, see the used 20ft reefer container. For double the space, there is the one trip 40ft reefer container. Our existing 20ft refrigerated shipping container listing and the full refrigerated containers for sale page show every option.
What to Ask Before Buying
Ask any supplier for the manufacture date on the CSC plate, the machinery make and model, and a recent test or pre-trip inspection (PTI) report showing the unit pulls down to temperature. On a one trip 20ft reefer container, the manufacture date should be recent and the lining unmarked. We provide these details with every quote.
Site and Delivery
Prepare a firm, level base around 6.5 m by 2.5 m, ideally shaded, with space to open the doors and clear airflow around the refrigeration unit. Keep the container level so the doors seal and the drains work. Our shipping and delivery policy explains how delivery is quoted.
Maintenance
Keep the condenser coil clean, check door seals regularly, clear the floor drains and have a refrigeration technician service the machinery about once a year. Keep temperature records if you store food or medicine, since many food safety and health regulations require them. Most controllers store a temperature log that a technician can download.
How to Order a One Trip 20ft Reefer Container
- Send your details. Quantity, location, required temperature and power supply.
- Review the unit. We share machinery details and condition.
- Pay and schedule. See our billing and payment policy.
- Connect and test. Plug in on delivery and confirm it reaches temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature range does a one trip 20ft reefer container cover?
Typically -30 °C to +30 °C, depending on the machinery model. That covers chilled produce, dairy and flowers at the warmer end and frozen meat or fish at the colder end. We confirm the exact range of the unit you are buying before you pay.
What power does a one trip 20ft reefer container need?
A three-phase supply, usually 380 to 460 V at 50 or 60 Hz, or a suitable generator. It cannot run on a standard single-phase household socket, so check your supply before delivery.
Can it be used as a freezer?
Yes. Most units hold frozen temperatures. Load goods already frozen, because the container is built to hold temperature rather than freeze warm products quickly.
Can I ship goods in a one trip 20ft reefer container?
Yes. It carries a CSC plate and is accepted for refrigerated shipping.
Do you deliver worldwide?
Yes. Contact Prime Cargo Box for a delivered price on a one trip 20ft reefer container.
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