Cold Storage Tips
10 minute read

Chill Out Anywhere: Best Portable Freezer Container Rental Options

 - portable freezer container rental
Written by
Icebox Staff
Published on
April 25, 2025

Keep it Cool: Your Quick Guide to Portable Freezer Container Rental

When your business or event needs reliable cold storage without the headache of buying equipment, a portable freezer container rental is your best friend. It's like having a professional-grade freezer delivered right to your doorstep, ready when you need it most.

Quick Answer: Best Portable Freezer Container Rental Options

TypeBest ForTemperature RangePower Source
20' Ground ContainerLong-term storage-15°F to +75°FElectric (110V)
40' Ground ContainerLarge capacity needs-15°F to +75°FElectric (110V)
Walk-In-On-WheelsEasy access, events0°F to +41°FStandard outlet (110V)
Refrigerated TrailerDock-height loading-20°F to +41°FElectric/Diesel

Picture this: You're organizing a summer wedding reception and need to keep everything from melting in the heat. Or maybe your restaurant's walk-in freezer suddenly quits during your busiest season. Stressful, right? That's exactly when a portable freezer container rental becomes your saving grace.

These mobile cold storage units are amazingly versatile. They maintain rock-solid temperatures no matter what Mother Nature throws at them, making them perfect for outdoor festivals, facility renovations, or emergency backup when your permanent cooling systems decide to take an unscheduled vacation.

What makes these rentals truly special is their convenience. Most units offer plug-and-play setup with standard 110-volt power connections – just like plugging in your coffee maker, but for serious cooling power. The flexible rental terms mean you can keep them for a weekend festival or several months during a major renovation project.

Temperature control is where these units really shine. With ranges from a frigid -40°F up to a comfortable +75°F depending on your chosen unit, you can store everything from ice cream to temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals with complete confidence.

"We understand emergencies don't wait for business hours," says an Icebox representative. "That's why we provide 24/7 emergency service in most major areas along the East Coast."

The ground-level access of many units eliminates the need for loading docks or special equipment, making loading and unloading a breeze for your team. Whether you need a compact 10-foot unit for a small space or a spacious 40-foot container for major inventory storage, there's a perfect size for your specific needs.

Portable freezer container rental workflow showing delivery, setup, operation, monitoring, and pickup process with temperature ranges and power requirements - portable freezer container rental infographic infographic-line-5-steps-colors

Perhaps the biggest advantage is eliminating the capital expense of purchasing equipment. Why invest tens of thousands in freezer equipment you might only need temporarily? A portable freezer container rental provides professional-grade cooling exactly when and where you need it, without the long-term commitment.

Whether you're planning ahead or facing an unexpected cooling emergency, help is just a phone call away with 24-hour cold storage service and reliable mobile refrigerator solutions from Icebox. Keep your cool – and your products at the perfect temperature – no matter what challenges come your way.

Portable Freezer Container Rental: How It Works, Key Features & Benefits

When you need cold storage without the hassle, portable freezer container rental is your best friend. These aren't just big cold boxes – they're sophisticated cooling systems that bring refrigeration right to your doorstep.

What Is a Portable Freezer Container Rental?

Think of a portable freezer container rental as your own personal cold room that comes to you. These self-contained units (industry folks call them "reefers") combine powerful cooling systems with well-insulated containers to keep your items at just the right temperature.

Unlike building a permanent cold storage room, these units require zero construction. They come in two main styles:

Ground-level containers sit right on the ground, making loading a breeze with no loading dock needed. They feature flat, non-slip floors with corner drains for easy cleanup.

Refrigerated trailers come on wheels and sit at dock height to work seamlessly with your existing loading setup. Many include ramps for ground-level access too.

"Portable cold storage containers are the simplest solution for keeping perishable items cool or frozen when traditional refrigeration is insufficient," as our industry experts often tell customers.

Key Benefits of Portable Freezer Container Rental

Why rent instead of buy? The advantages are clear.

No Capital Expenditure means you're not tying up thousands of dollars in equipment you might only need temporarily. This makes perfect sense for seasonal businesses or anyone with changing cold storage needs.

Scalability gives you the freedom to upgrade to bigger units as you grow or return units when you no longer need them – something impossible with permanent installations.

24/7 Reliability comes standard with quality rentals. At Icebox, we're particularly proud of our 24-hour emergency service throughout our East Coast service area.

Emergency Backup capabilities can be a true business-saver when your primary systems fail. Our units deploy quickly to prevent costly inventory losses.

When you need to maintain strict Regulatory Compliance for food or pharmaceuticals, our units meet those standards without requiring major infrastructure investments.

Temperature control panel on portable freezer container - portable freezer container rental

Choosing the Right Size & Specs

Finding your perfect match in portable freezer container rental starts with understanding your needs.

Size Options range from compact to spacious. Our 10-foot units work beautifully for small events or tight spaces. The 20-foot containers are our most popular choice, striking that sweet spot between capacity and footprint. For major operations, 40-foot containers deliver maximum storage space.

When it comes to Power Source Considerations, most modern units run on electricity, eliminating the noise, emissions, and refueling headaches of diesel options. Our customers particularly love our 110-volt walk-in units because they plug into standard outlets – setup couldn't be simpler.

Don't overlook Floor Strength if you'll be using forklifts or pallet jacks inside. Quality units feature high-strength floors designed to handle heavy equipment, typically rated for loads up to 1,100 pounds.

The Temperature Range varies between units. Standard refrigerated containers maintain temperatures from about 35°F to 65°F, while freezer units can reach as low as -40°F. We also offer specialized pharmaceutical-grade units with precise temperature control for sensitive materials, with ranges from -40°F up to 113°F to meet any need.

Rental Process & Typical Costs

Renting a portable freezer container is refreshingly straightforward.

Start by requesting a quote – just contact us at Icebox with details about what you need, including size, temperature range, how long you'll need it, and where it's going.

Once you've picked your unit, we'll arrange delivery. While lead times vary by season and location, we pride ourselves on rapid response throughout the East Coast, with same-day emergency service often available.

Upon delivery, we'll position and set up your unit, plus give you a quick tutorial on temperature controls and basic operation. Then simply use the unit as needed during your rental period. When you're done, we'll come pick it up – it's that easy.

Several factors affect rental costs, including container size, rental duration (with significant discounts for monthly rentals versus daily), temperature requirements (freezer units typically cost more than refrigerator units), location, and season (summer months can be busier).

While daily rates typically start around $95-$125 for smaller units, the best way to get accurate pricing is to contact Icebox directly for a customized quote.

Portable freezer container rental availability varies by region. While services are available in most major metropolitan areas, rural locations may have fewer options or higher delivery fees. At Icebox, we serve the entire East Coast, with locations in Pittsburgh PA, Toledo OH, Nashville TN, Fort Myers FL, and Columbia SC.

For more detailed information about specific rental options, check out our guide to Portable Freezer Rentals.

Terms of Service apply

20-Foot All-Electric Ground Unit

The 20-foot all-electric ground unit represents the perfect balance of capacity and practicality, making it our most popular portable freezer container rental option. These units are ideal for locations with space constraints that still require substantial cold storage capacity.

20-foot portable freezer container being unloaded at event site - portable freezer container rental

When you need serious cold storage without taking up too much real estate, our 20-foot units deliver in a big way. With approximately 1,150 cubic feet of storage space, they provide ample room while still fitting into spaces where larger 40-foot containers simply won't go. It's like having your cake and freezing it too!

Despite their modest footprint, these units pack a serious cooling punch. They can maintain temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C), making them perfect for everything from keeping ice cream frozen solid to preserving sensitive medical supplies. The robust cooling system works efficiently in almost any climate, giving you peace of mind regardless of what the weather's doing outside.

Loading and unloading is a breeze thanks to forklift-rated flooring that can handle heavy equipment without buckling. This high-strength floor design means you can use pallet jacks and forklifts directly inside the unit, saving your back and your time.

Inside, you'll find energy-efficient LED lighting that bathes the entire space in clear, bright light while keeping electricity usage to a minimum. This might seem like a small detail, but when your unit is running 24/7 for weeks or months, those energy savings add up quickly.

The stainless steel interior isn't just about looks – though it does give these units a clean, professional appearance. This durable material creates a sanitary environment that's incredibly easy to clean, making it ideal for food storage applications where hygiene is paramount.

For clients with specialized needs, we offer pharmaceutical-grade options with improved temperature precision and monitoring capabilities. These units meet strict regulatory requirements, giving you one less thing to worry about when storing temperature-sensitive medical supplies or pharmaceuticals.

A bakery owner in Nashville recently shared her experience using one of our 20-foot units during a six-week kitchen renovation: "The unit maintained perfect temperature for our dough and ingredients. We placed it right outside our back door, and it was like having our walk-in cooler just moved outside."

This versatility explains why our 20-foot units serve so many different industries. Restaurants use them during renovations, medical facilities rely on them for vaccine storage, food processors add them during peak seasons, schools install them during cafeteria upgrades, and disaster relief organizations deploy them following power outages.

Setting up your 20-foot unit couldn't be simpler. You'll need:

  • A level surface (though we can accommodate minor unevenness)
  • Access to electrical power (standard 110V outlets work for most units)
  • About 8 feet of clearance around the unit for proper air circulation
  • Adequate delivery access for our truck to position the unit

When you're ready to explore cold storage options that strike the perfect balance between size and capability, our 20-foot all-electric ground units deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank. For more information about our cold storage solutions, check out our guide to Cold Storage Container Rental.

Plug-and-Play Walk-In-On-Wheels Trailer

For maximum convenience and accessibility, nothing beats our Plug-and-Play Walk-In-On-Wheels trailer units. These innovative portable freezer container rentals combine the storage capacity of a container with the easy access of a walk-in cooler, all mounted on a mobile trailer platform.

Perfect for Event Catering

These units have become the go-to solution for event caterers and wedding planners who need reliable refrigeration at venues without built-in facilities. The easy access design allows staff to quickly retrieve items during busy service periods, while the powerful cooling system maintains safe temperatures even when doors are frequently opened.

"We used Icebox's Walk-In-On-Wheels for a 300-person wedding in Fort Myers last summer," shares one event planner. "With temperatures over 90 degrees outside, the unit kept everything perfectly chilled, and the ground-level ramp made it easy for my staff to load and unload throughout the event."

Key Features:

The beauty of these units is their simplicity. Just plug them into any standard 110-V outlet – the same kind you have in your home – and you're ready to go. No special electrical work or generators needed! This truly makes them the definition of plug-and-play convenience.

Getting in and out is a breeze thanks to the ground-level ramp rated for 1,100 pounds. Your team can easily wheel carts or dollies in and out without breaking a sweat – a huge advantage over dock-height trailers that require special equipment to load.

We've designed these units with seamless fiberglass construction that not only prevents moisture and bacteria from finding hiding places but also makes cleanup quick and thorough. This is especially important when you're handling food and beverages that require strict sanitation standards.

Worried about noise disturbing your event? Our units feature acoustic insulation that keeps operational sounds to a minimum – perfect for residential areas or neat affairs where a noisy generator would be unwelcome. Some clients even opt for our special acoustic cabins for near-silent operation.

Safety is always our priority, which is why we've included internal door releases, man-trapped alarms with guides and sirens, and even internal escape hatches in our newer models. Your team can work with complete peace of mind.

Temperature flexibility is another major advantage, with controls that let you set anywhere from 0°F to +41°F (-18°C to +5°C). Whether you need refrigeration for fresh flowers and produce or freezing for ice cream and frozen entrees, one unit can handle it all.

Comparison of power consumption between trailer and container refrigeration units - portable freezer container rental infographic

Practical Applications:

The Walk-In-On-Wheels units shine in situations where your team needs frequent access throughout the day. Wedding caterers love them because staff can quickly grab appetizers, entrees, and desserts as needed without long walks back to a central kitchen. Film and production crews appreciate how these units can follow them from location to location, keeping craft services running smoothly no matter where shooting takes them.

Festival organizers and fair vendors have finded that positioning a Walk-In-On-Wheels near their booths eliminates constant trips to distant storage, allowing them to serve customers faster and store more inventory on-site. And when emergencies strike, these units deploy quickly to support hospitals, shelters, and disaster relief operations with essential cold storage.

From intimate family gatherings in Columbia to major sporting events in Pittsburgh, we've seen these versatile units handle it all across our East Coast service area. They're especially popular in warmer climates like Nashville and Fort Myers, where outdoor events happen year-round and reliable refrigeration is non-negotiable.

If you're considering one of these units, just make sure you have enough space for both the trailer and its ramp, and confirm that 110-volt power is available nearby. While they're quite energy-efficient, we do recommend plugging them into dedicated circuits to prevent overloading.

Learn more about our flexible cooling solutions in our guide to Mobile Freezer Rental.

Frequently Asked Questions about Portable Freezer Container Rental

We've gathered the most common questions our customers ask about portable freezer container rental to help you steer your temporary cold storage journey with confidence.

How much power does a portable freezer container need?

Power needs vary depending on the unit you choose, but we've designed our fleet with efficiency in mind.

Our popular Walk-In-On-Wheels units are true plug-and-play solutions, running on standard 110-volt power and drawing about 15-20 amps when the cooling system kicks in. Just plug them into any dedicated household outlet and you're good to go!

For our larger units, the requirements increase slightly. The 20-foot containers typically need 220-volt power with 30-50 amp service, though we're proud to offer newer models with 110-volt compatibility. Our 40-foot giants usually require 220-volt/three-phase connections, drawing between 50-100 amps depending on your temperature settings and the weather outside.

"What if I don't have the right electrical setup?" No problem! We also offer diesel-powered options, though they do cost a bit more to operate and make a little more noise than their electric cousins.

Can I rent one for just a weekend event?

Absolutely! We understand not everyone needs cold storage for months on end. Whether you're hosting a beautiful wedding in Nashville, catering a corporate event in Pittsburgh, or running a weekend festival in Fort Myers, we've got you covered with flexible rental terms.

Our rental options include:

  • Weekend packages perfect for short events
  • Weekly rentals ideal for construction projects or renovations
  • Monthly options that provide better value for seasonal needs
  • Long-term agreements with significant discounts for extended projects

Just keep in mind that delivery and pickup costs remain the same regardless of how long you keep the unit. For very short rentals, this means the effective daily rate might be a bit higher when these costs are factored in—but for many events, the convenience is well worth it!

How is temperature monitored during the rental?

Cold storage technology has come a long way, and so have monitoring options!

Our basic units include built-in thermometers with easy-to-read digital displays for on-site monitoring. For peace of mind, our advanced units offer remote monitoring that lets both you and our team track temperatures via smartphone apps or web portals—perfect for when you can't be on-site.

For pharmaceutical or medical applications, we provide specialized units with continuous temperature logging and alerting systems that meet strict regulatory requirements.

Most of our modern units also feature automatic alarms that activate if temperatures drift outside your set range. These range from local alerts (lights and sirens) to remote notifications that ping your phone when something needs attention.

If you're storing particularly sensitive items, just let us know during the rental process, and we'll help match you with the right monitoring solution for your needs.

What happens if the unit malfunctions during my rental?

This is where Icebox truly shines! We understand that a refrigeration failure can quickly become an emergency, which is why we offer comprehensive 24/7 support throughout our East Coast service area.

If something goes wrong, our team springs into action with:

  • Immediate phone support to troubleshoot simple issues
  • Rapid technician dispatch for problems that can't be solved remotely
  • Unit replacement when on-site repairs aren't possible

With service teams based in Pittsburgh PA, Toledo OH, Nashville TN, Fort Myers FL, and Columbia SC, we're never far away when you need us. Our 24-hour emergency response is more than just a selling point—it's our commitment to keeping your valuable products safe, no matter what happens.

Do I need any permits to place a portable freezer container?

Permit requirements vary depending on your location and how long you'll need the unit. Generally speaking:

Short-term event rentals lasting less than a week rarely require permits, making them ideal for weekend weddings or festivals. For longer installations, some municipalities may require temporary use permits, and placing units on public property almost always requires proper paperwork.

While we're happy to provide guidance based on our experience in your area, the final responsibility for permits typically falls to you as the customer. If you're planning to keep your portable freezer container rental for more than a few days, we recommend a quick call to your local zoning department just to be safe.

Can these units be placed anywhere?

Our portable freezers are designed for flexibility, but there are a few things to consider for optimal performance:

A level surface provides the best foundation—concrete or asphalt is ideal, though gravel or even grass can work for brief rentals. You'll need sufficient space for our delivery trucks to maneuver and position the unit, plus about 3-5 feet of clearance around the container for proper air circulation.

If you're setting up near homes or noise-sensitive areas, we recommend our electric units rather than diesel options. And for security, especially with longer rentals containing valuable inventory, we suggest well-lit, secure locations.

Don't worry too much about the details, though! Our friendly delivery teams will help guide you on optimal placement during setup, ensuring your unit runs efficiently and safely throughout your rental period.

Portable freezer container being used at outdoor catering event - portable freezer container rental

Conclusion

When you need cold storage in a hurry, portable freezer container rental truly offers the best of all worlds - convenience, reliability, and value. Whether you're coordinating a wedding reception, handling a seasonal rush, or responding to a refrigeration emergency, these versatile units deliver professional-grade cooling without the hefty price tag of purchasing equipment.

Here at Icebox, we've spent years fine-tuning our portable refrigeration solutions to meet the diverse needs of our East Coast clients. What sets us apart? Our unwavering commitment to 24-hour emergency service means you're never left in the lurch, and our user-friendly 110-volt walk-in units have become the gold standard for hassle-free operation.

The beauty of portable freezer container rental lies in its flexibility. Need a compact unit for a tight space? Our 10-foot options have you covered. Planning a major production run requiring extensive cold storage? Our 40-foot containers provide ample space for even the largest inventory needs. And with temperatures ranging from a frigid -40°F to a controlled +75°F, we can accommodate everything from deep freezing to temperature-sensitive storage.

What our customers appreciate most is the simplicity. Many of our models feature plug-and-play 110-volt operation—just connect to a standard outlet and you're good to go. The ground-level access makes loading and unloading a breeze, no special equipment needed. And our flexible rental terms mean you can keep your unit for just a weekend event or several months for a long-term project.

From Nashville's music festivals to Fort Myers' beachfront weddings, from Pittsburgh's food service industry to Columbia's seasonal businesses, our strategically positioned service centers ensure prompt delivery and responsive support throughout our service region. When a restaurant in Toledo needed emergency cold storage after their walk-in cooler failed, we had a unit on-site within hours, saving thousands in inventory that would have otherwise spoiled.

The peace of mind that comes with our service is priceless. Knowing that expert help is just a phone call away, 24 hours a day, allows our clients to focus on what matters most—their business, their event, or their emergency response—rather than worrying about their refrigeration.

Ready to solve your cold storage challenges with a solution that's as reliable as it is convenient? Rent your cold-storage solution now and experience the Icebox difference—where industry-leading service meets best reliability.

When temperatures rise and your cooling needs simply can't wait, we're just a phone call away. With 24-hour emergency service and the East Coast's most trusted portable refrigeration solutions, Icebox keeps your cool when it matters most.

Choose the perfect rental option

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