Cold Storage Tips
10 minute read

From Events to Expeditions: Discover the Versatility of Portable Freezer Units

Portable freezer units
Written by
Icebox Staff
Published on
February 20, 2026

The Modern Solution for On-Demand Cold Storage

portable freezer unit trailer at outdoor event - Portable freezer units

Portable freezer units are self-contained, mobile cold storage solutions that can be delivered and set up on-site — no permanent construction required. Whether you need to keep food fresh at a festival or handle a kitchen emergency, they give you instant freezer capacity exactly where you need it.

Here's a quick overview of what you need to know:

FeatureDetails
What they areMobile freezer or cooler trailers delivered to your location
Common sizes6'x8', 6'x12', and 6'x16'
Temperature range0°F to 50°F
Power neededStandard 110V, 15-amp outlet
Best forEvents, restaurants, emergencies, seasonal overflow
Key benefitFlexible, on-demand cold storage with no installation

For event planners, restaurant owners, and business operators, the challenge is simple: cold storage needs don't always fit a fixed schedule. A catering job grows. A walk-in breaks down. A festival runs longer than planned.

Mobile freezer trailers solve that problem. They show up when you need them, run on standard power, and disappear when the job is done.

In this guide, you'll learn about the different types of mobile freezer units available, what to look for in a quality unit, who uses them, and how to get one delivered to your site.

Infographic showing top benefits of mobile freezer trailers for businesses: on-demand delivery, no construction required, standard 110V power, temperature range 0°F to 50°F, scalable sizes from 6x8 to 6x16, suitable for events/restaurants/emergencies/seasonal overflow, 24-hour emergency availability - Portable freezer units infographic

Easy Portable freezer units word list:

A Deep Dive into Portable Freezer Units

When we talk about Portable freezer units, we aren't talking about small chests you'd find in a garage. We are referring to professional-grade, mobile freezer trailers that provide the same reliability as a permanent walk-in, but with the added benefit of mobility. These units are designed to bridge the gap between fixed infrastructure and the unpredictable needs of a growing business.

interior of a clean, organized freezer trailer showing shelving and fiberglass walls - Portable freezer units

Types of Mobile Freezers: From Compact Units to Walk-In Trailers

In temperature-controlled storage, one size rarely fits all. That is why we offer a range of sizes designed to meet specific volume requirements. The primary types of units you will encounter are walk-in freezer trailers and mobile cooler trailers.

The construction of these units is what sets high-quality Portable freezer units apart. For example, our units feature a seamless fiberglass design. Unlike panel-built units that have seams where air and moisture can leak in, a one-piece fiberglass shell is incredibly energy efficient and durable. This "envelope" design ensures that the cold stays in and the heat stays out, even in the humid climates of places like Miami, FL or Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Inside these trailers, you'll find pallet duty floors. These are reinforced to handle heavy loads, meaning you can use a pallet jack to load in bulk supplies for a large event or a restaurant renovation. Our standard sizes include:

  • 6’x8’ Trailers: Perfect for tight spaces or smaller events.
  • 6’x12’ Trailers: The "goldilocks" size for most medium-sized restaurant needs.
  • 6’x16’ Trailers: Ideal for large festivals, hospital overflows, or major construction projects.

These units are Rugged & Reliable, designed to sit at ground level for easy access. This eliminates the need for ramps or heavy lifting, making them a much safer Portable Walk-In Freezer Rental option compared to high-dock containers.

Key Features of High-Quality Portable Freezer Units

What should you look for when choosing a unit? It isn't just about the size; it's about the technology keeping your inventory safe.

  1. Temperature Versatility: A high-quality unit shouldn't just be a "freezer." It should be adaptable. Our units offer a temperature range of 0°F to 50°F. This means you can use the same trailer as a freezer for ice cream or as a cooler for fresh produce and beverages.
  2. Standard Power Requirements: One of the biggest hurdles with industrial refrigeration is the power. Many units require 220V or even 460V three-phase power, which most businesses don't have readily available outside. Our units are designed for ease; they run on a standard 110V, 15-amp circuit. If you have a regular wall outlet, you have a power source.
  3. Advanced Refrigeration Units: We utilize German made GOVI arktik 2000US refrigeration units. These are known for their quiet operation and reliability. They are "plug-and-play" systems that feature digital thermostats with easy-to-read displays, allowing you to monitor your temperatures without ever opening the door.
  4. Insulation Quality: Look for units with 4-inch thick walls. This level of insulation is critical for maintaining 0°F even when the ambient temperature outside hits 95°F. This is a key factor we discuss in our Freezer Storage Rental Guide 2025.

Common Applications for Portable Freezer Units

Who actually uses these trailers? The applications are more diverse than you might think. Whether it’s a planned upgrade or an Emergency Freezer Rental, these units serve as a lifeline for many industries.

  • Restaurants & Catering: During a kitchen remodel or when a permanent walk-in fails, a Food Service Freezer trailer allows the business to keep running without losing thousands of dollars in spoiled inventory.
  • Special Events & Festivals: From the coastal festivals in Myrtle Beach, SC to the busy streets of Pittsburgh, PA, events need to keep massive amounts of food and drink at safe temperatures. Mobile trailers provide that capacity right behind the vendor booths.
  • Hospitals & Medical Facilities: Pharmaceutical and medical supplies often require strict temperature control. Our NSF-certified trailers provide a clean, secure environment for sensitive materials.
  • Seasonal Business Overflow: Many businesses in cities like Charleston, SC or Sarasota, FL see huge spikes in demand during tourist season. Instead of building a permanent addition, they rent extra space only when they need it.
  • Emergency Situations: When a power outage or equipment failure strikes in the middle of the night, our 24-hour emergency service ensures a unit is delivered to protect your assets.

Choosing and Using Your Mobile Freezer Solution

Deciding to use a mobile freezer is the first step; the next is understanding how it integrates into your daily operations. Unlike traditional fixed units, Portable freezer units offer a level of freedom that can actually change how you manage your supply chain.

Comparing Mobile Trailers to Traditional Freezers

Why choose a mobile trailer over a stationary unit or a traditional shipping container?

First, consider flexibility. A traditional walk-in is a permanent fixture. If you move locations or your needs change, that investment stays behind. A mobile trailer moves with you. It is "on-site convenience" at its finest.

Second, there is the cost of installation. Traditional freezers require contractors, permits, and often electrical upgrades. Our trailers require none of that. You simply identify a flat surface near a 110V outlet, and we do the rest.

Third, ground-level access is a game changer for safety. Traditional "reefer" containers are often several feet off the ground, requiring expensive ramps or forklifts. Our trailers sit low to the ground, allowing your staff to walk in and out safely, which is a major benefit when you need Extra Freezer Space during a busy shift.

Maintenance and Support for Rental Units

We know that when you rent a piece of equipment, you want to focus on your business, not the machinery. That is why our rental process includes comprehensive support.

Maintenance on our units is straightforward. Because they use seamless fiberglass and antimicrobial gel coatings, they are incredibly easy to clean and sanitize—a must for food safety. The GOVI refrigeration units are designed for low maintenance, but we don't leave you to figure it out alone.

We provide 24-hour emergency service across all our locations, from Cleveland, OH to Tampa Bay, FL. If a unit ever has an issue, our technicians are available around the clock to ensure your inventory stays frozen. This peace of mind is a core part of our Mobile Freezer Unit Complete Guide.

How to Secure Your Mobile Freezer Rental

Ready to get started? The process is designed to be as stress-free as possible.

  1. Assess Your Needs: Think about the volume of product you need to store. Do you need a 6x8 for a weekend wedding in Raleigh, NC, or a 6x16 for a month-long renovation in Nashville, TN?
  2. Check Your Power: Ensure you have a standard 110V, 15-amp circuit available within 50-100 feet of where you want the trailer parked.
  3. Contact the Experts: Reach out to us at Icebox Mobile Refrigeration. We specialize in the East Coast and Midwest, serving cities from Detroit, MI to Savannah, GA and down to Miami, FL.
  4. Delivery and Setup: We deliver the unit to your site, level it, and walk you through the digital controls. Once it is plugged in, it begins cooling immediately.

Whether you are dealing with a sudden breakdown in Philadelphia, PA or planning a massive corporate event in Charlotte, NC, Portable freezer units provide the scalability and reliability you need to succeed.

For more information on how we can help your business stay cool, Contact us for your rental needs today and request a custom quote for your specific location and duration.

Choose the perfect rental option

Explore our wide range of trailer rentals and find the one that suits your needs