Do you know what is reefer container? It is the unit that will ensure the integrity of your temperature-sensitive cargo with our dependable reefer and insulated containers.
Commonly, it is designed to protect your goods from temperature fluctuations. These containers offer the ideal solution for preserving the quality of your perishable or sensitive items during transportation.
However, there are several types of reefer containers. One of the unique ones is the reefer shell container. Some things differentiate this type from other reefer containers.
To find out what is reefer shell container, its unit recommendation, and its uses, read this article thoroughly!
Contents
What is Reefer Shell Container?
A reefer shell container is a refrigerated shipping container sold or used without its refrigeration machinery. You can call it the shell or body of a reefer container after the cooling unit has been removed, disabled, or is no longer functioning.
It is built with high-insulation walls and stainless steel or aluminum interior. A reefer shell container is sold without the refrigeration machine for several practical, economic, and technical reasons. One of which is that many buyers want the shell only for cold room modification with external systems, storage, housing projects, or workshops.
Moreover, a reefer machine is expensive to maintain as it requires regular servicing, specialized technicians, and expensive spare parts. When the machine becomes old or unreliable, owners often remove it and sell the insulated container body instead of repairing it.
The machine can be reused or sold separately. This makes the shell cheaper and the machine more profitable when sold separately.
The Uses of Reefer Shell Container

1. Insulated Storage
Reefer shell containers have thick insulation that is perfect for dry goods storage, equipment storage, document storage, and temperature-stable storage to reduce heat fluctuations.
2. Cold Rooms with External Cooling
A reefer shell can be converted into a cold room by adding split-type cooling units, portable chillers, and HVAC systems. This is cheaper than buying a fully functional reefer.
3. Food & Agricultural Use
For food & agricultural use, a shell container is excellent for storing fruits, vegetables, meat, or seafood.
The stainless steel interior is easy to clean and pest-resistant. Moreover, you can also use it as a temporary field storage for farms, grain, or feed.
4. Office or Workspace Conversions
Because they are well insulated, shells are used to build mobile site offices, workshops, guard shacks, and remote site accommodation. However, they are more comfortable in hot climates than standard containers.
5. Housing & Construction Projects
A reefer shell container is used in container homes, modular houses, emergency shelters, and worker accommodations as its insulation helps keep interior temperatures stable.
6. Industrial or Commercial Projects
Shells are also used for industrial projects as generator rooms, battery storage units, server rooms, pharmaceutical storage, and laboratories.
7. Refrigeration System Training Units
Some organizations use reefer shells for teaching about reefer container structure or for mechanical training after removing units.
8. Hazardous Material Storage
The metal interior and insulation make them suitable for chemical storage, paints, solvents, and flammable goods (with modifications).
Recommendation Unit

40′ High Cube Refrigerated Container Shell
We understand that sometimes you only require the body of a 40ft high cube reefer container, and our reefer container shells are ready to cover your needs. Tradecorp’s 40’ High Cube Refrigerated Container Shell offers a convenient and cost-effective option to replace the damaged body, ensuring your cargo remains well-preserved during transportation.
Featuring an impressive payload capacity of up to 285,542 and a voluminous 67.3m3, this container shell accommodates a substantial amount of cargo. It is compatible with cooling machines from renowned brands such as Thermo King, Carrier, and Daikin, allowing you to select the cooling system that best suits your needs. Our containers are also built in compliance with ISO standards, guaranteeing reliability and performance.
With its T-bar floor, stainless steel wall panels, and standard reefer doors featuring four locking bars, this container shell offers the exceptional security and functionality of a standard reefer container but without a cooling engine. The front part for where you can install the engine, is covered temporarily during transport. Moreover, Tradecorp offers an extensive range of conex boxes in different sizes and varieties. Feel free to contact us for more information on the available options.
Conclusion
If you have a functional reefer cooling machine but your existing refrigerated container body is in need of replacement, then Tradecorp’s 40ft high cube refrigerated container shell is an ideal solution for you.
It is available for sale or rent above are available in several colors and variants at Tradecorp. Tradecorp also has a wide range of customization, like additional doors, windows, insulation, and electrical systems, or specific purposes such as site office or cafe containers.
We’ll help you find the perfect 20’ reefer Containers for sale and rent for your business needs at a reasonable price. Fill out the contact form on our page, and we will respond to your inquiry promptly.