Refrigerated Containers

With over 15 years of experience, Heartland Containers provides reliable refrigerated shipping containers for sale and hire across the South Island. Each unit is inspected by on-site engineers to ensure consistent temperature control, security, and durability.

How to Keep Goods Fresh During Transport or Storage

Need reliable cold storage for food, pharmaceuticals, or temperature-sensitive goods? A refrigerated container provides a cost-effective way to maintain precise temperature control for storage or transport.

But quality matters—issues like poor insulation, faulty cooling systems, and weak security can lead to spoilage, waste, and unnecessary costs. If a reefer container fails to maintain stable temperatures, valuable stock is at risk.

At Heartland Containers, we supply new and used refrigerated containers for sale and hire, designed to keep perishable goods fresh and secure. Every container is well-maintained, fully tested, and built to handle New Zealand’s climate with reliable temperature control.

When Do You Need a Refrigerated Container?

Reefer containers are essential for industries and businesses that rely on temperature-sensitive storage. Whether for short-term use or long-term operations, maintaining a controlled environment ensures product quality, compliance, and efficiency.

Food and Beverage Storage

Perishable goods like meat, seafood, dairy, and fresh produce deteriorate quickly without proper refrigeration. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to bacterial growth, spoilage, and significant financial losses. Businesses in food production, distribution, and retail must meet strict health and safety standards.

A refrigerated container provides a stable and controlled environment, preserving freshness and extending shelf life. It helps businesses prevent waste and maintain product integrity during storage or transport

Flexible Storage for Changing Needs

Medications, vaccines, and lab samples require precise temperature control to remain safe and effective. Even slight fluctuations can compromise their potency or lead to contamination. Without proper storage, pharmaceutical products risk failing compliance standards, leading to wasted inventory and potential health risks.

Reefer containers offer a reliable cold storage option, ensuring sensitive medical supplies remain within the required temperature range. They provide an efficient backup option for hospitals, pharmacies, and research facilities

Cold Chain Logistics and Transport

Many industries rely on transporting perishable goods across cities, countries, or even continents. Without temperature-controlled storage, food, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive products can degrade before reaching their destination. Shipping delays, unpredictable weather, or supply chain disruptions make proper refrigeration even more essential.

A reefer container maintains a consistent climate, ensuring goods arrive in perfect condition. Whether on land or at sea, it helps businesses uphold quality standards and avoid costly losses.

Events and Catering Services

Outdoor events, festivals, and large-scale catering operations depend on fresh ingredients and chilled beverages. Without proper refrigeration, food can spoil quickly, leading to safety concerns and unhappy customers. Limited on-site storage also makes it difficult to manage large quantities efficiently.

A reefer container provides temporary cold storage, keeping ingredients fresh and drinks at the right temperature. It allows caterers and event organisers to operate smoothly, even in high-demand sett

Get Cold Storage Now

Heartland Containers provides refrigerated containers for sale and hire, designed for safe, efficient storage and transport. With fast delivery and various sizes available, getting the right container is simple.

Choosing the Right Size and
Setup for Your Needs

Selecting the right refrigerated container depends on available space, storage requirements, and operational needs. Understanding size and setup ensures efficiency and practicality.

10ft Containers

Compact storage for small-scale use or limited spaces.

20ft Containers

Ideal for standard cold storage applications with moderate space requirements.

40ft Containers

Best for high-volume storage and large-scale logistics.

Find the Perfect Container for Your Needs

Choosing the right size helps maximise efficiency, ensuring you have enough storage without wasting space or energy.

Key Features to Look for in a Refrigerated Container

Not all reefer containers are built the same. Choosing the right unit means understanding key features that impact performance, efficiency, and durability.

Customisation Options

Additional shelving, dual-temperature zones, and specific access points can improve storage efficiency and usability.

High-Quality Insulation

Good insulation prevents temperature fluctuations, ensuring consistent cooling and reducing power usage.

Durability and Security

Look for steel construction, reinforced doors, and secure locking mechanisms to protect contents from damage and theft.

Ventilation and Airflow Management

Adequate ventilation prevents condensation and improves efficiency by ensuring even temperature distribution.

Find the Right Storage Container for You

Need help finding the right storage container? At Heartland Containers, we provide expert advice and a wide selection of containers for sale, hire, and modification.

Choosing the Right Size and
Setup for Your Needs

Selecting the right refrigerated container depends on available space, storage requirements, and operational needs. Understanding size and setup ensures efficiency and practicality.

Power and Site Requirements

Most refrigerated containers need a three-phase power supply to run efficiently. It’s important to plan for proper site access, ventilation, and placement to ensure smooth operation. Setting up on a level surface with adequate airflow helps maintain consistent cooling

Modifications and Additional Features

Container modifications allow refrigerated units to be customised for specific storage needs. Additions like custom shelving, lighting, and
dual-temperature zones improve organisation and efficiency. Security upgrades, such as lockable doors and monitoring systems, enhance protection and control.

Maintenance and Servicing

Regular maintenance keeps refrigerated containers running efficiently. Wear and tear on cooling systems, door seals, and insulation can impact performance. Routine servicing helps prevent breakdowns, ensuring stable temperatures and reliable operation.

Transport and Relocation Considerations

Refrigerated containers require careful transport to protect internal systems and maintain structural integrity. Secure placement on a flat surface ensures stability, while proper handling reduces the risk of damage during relocation or site delivery.

Get a Refrigerated Container That Meets Your Needs

Heartland Containers offers a variety of refrigerated container sizes and configurations, providing reliable and customised options for any storage or transport requirement.

How to Get a Refrigerated Container

We make it simple to buy or rent a reefer container. Our team ensures you get the right unit tailored to your
specific requirements

Consultation

Let us know what you’re storing, the temperature range required, and whether you need short- or long-term use.

Selection

Select from our range of new and used refrigerated containers with options like shelving, dual-temperature zones, or humidity control.

Inspection & Testing

Every container is checked to ensure the cooling system runs efficiently, insulation is intact, and energy use is optimised.

Delivery & Setup

We’ll ensure your site has enough space, proper airflow, and a suitable power source before delivery. Once the container arrives, it’s positioned, powered up, and ready to start cooling immediately.

Hundreds of Satisfied Customers

What Makes Heartland Containers Stand Out?

At Heartland Containers, we provide high-quality refrigerated containers with reliable cooling, fast delivery, and expert support to make storage and transport simple.

Proven Cold Storage Expertise

Over 15 years supplying refrigerated containers for food, medical, and event storage across the South Island. Trusted for reliable units, fast response, and local knowledge in temperature-controlled storage.

Tested and Weatherproof Units

Each refrigerated container is thoroughly checked for performance, insulation, and weather resistance before dispatch. Ensures consistent cooling in all conditions, from rural farms to coastal sites.

Flexible Hire and Sales Options

Single and three-phase refrigerated containers available for hire or purchase, short- or long-term. Solutions tailored for seasonal demand, emergency backup, or permanent cold storage.

Complete Delivery and Support

From supply and installation to servicing and relocation—everything is handled by our in-house team. Fast turnaround with crane delivery available for hard-to-reach locations.

Looking for Safe Cold Storage?

Keep your goods fresh and protected with a high-quality refrigerated container. With precise temperature control, flexible options, and fast delivery, Heartland Containers makes cold storage easy and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about shipping containers? Browse our frequently asked questions for useful information and clear answers

Yes, refrigerated containers need ventilation to remove heat generated by the cooling system and prevent moisture buildup. Proper airflow ensures even cooling, which is essential for maintaining stable conditions for temperature-sensitive goods.

Some reefers have vent settings to regulate fresh air intake, while others rely on internal circulation to maintain efficiency. At Heartland Containers, our refrigerated units are designed to support various cold storage needs, ensuring optimal performance for your specific requirements.

Yes, refrigerated containers can be stacked for both storage and transport, provided they have the proper structural support. Most reefers feature a flat floor, allowing for stable stacking without compromising airflow or cooling efficiency.

When stacking, it’s essential to consider weight distribution and access to power sources to keep the units running. At Heartland Containers, we offer a personal service to help you choose the right setup for safely stacking and using refrigerated containers to transport goods

At Heartland Containers, we offer single-phase and three-phase refrigerated containers to match different power setups and cooling demands.

Single-phase units are ideal for smaller operations, temporary storage, or locations with standard power access, though they may have slightly lower cooling capacity. Three-phase units provide higher efficiency, faster cooling, and greater reliability for larger storage needs or sites with consistent heavy usage.

We supply both standard models and high cube options, with high cube containers offering extra internal height for bulk storage. Available for sale or hire across South Island, our refrigerated containers ensure reliable temperature control for any application.

Refrigerated containers should be serviced every three to six months to keep the cooling system running efficiently. Routine maintenance includes inspecting door seals, cleaning condenser coils, and checking for refrigerant leaks.

Containers used in demanding environments or for constant operation may require more frequent servicing. At Heartland Containers, we ensure our refrigerated units are well-maintained and built for reliable performance.

The lifespan of a refrigerated container depends on maintenance, usage, and environmental conditions. In active shipping, a well-maintained unit typically lasts 10 to 15 years, while those used for frozen storage or static applications can exceed 20 years.

Regular servicing, including refrigeration unit checks and structural upkeep, helps extend its longevity. At Heartland Containers, we provide durable refrigerated containers designed for long-term performance.

Secure Your Goods Today

Keep your goods fresh and protected with a high-performance refrigerated container. Whether for short-term hire or long-term use, Heartland Containers has the right option for you. Get in touch today.

Get a Shipping Container Today