Refrigerated Container Rental in the Czech Republic
Do you need to temporarily expand your cooling or freezing capacities, but don’t want to invest hundreds of thousands into building a permanent warehouse? Renting a refrigerated container is today the fastest and most flexible way to cover seasonal peaks, breakdowns of your own technology, or one-off events. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know – from technical parameters through providers to the specific ordering procedure.
What is a refrigerated container and how does it work
A refrigerated container – technically referred to as a reefer container – is a specialized transport and storage box equipped with its own cooling and heating unit. Unlike a standard storage container, it maintains a precisely defined temperature regardless of outdoor conditions.
How the cooling unit works
The heart of every refrigerated container is a compressor unit – most often from brands Thermo King, Carrier, or Daikin. It operates on the principle of compression and expansion of refrigerant, similar to a domestic refrigerator, just on an industrial scale. The unit is mounted on the front wall of the container and is powered by an external electrical connection. Air circulates through floor grooves (the so-called T-bar floor), which ensures even temperature distribution throughout the entire volume.
Difference between a cooling and freezing container
Although in practice both terms are often confused, there is a technical difference. A cooling container typically operates in a range of approximately −25 °C to +25 °C and is intended for goods that must not freeze – fresh food, flowers, beverages. A freezing container can maintain temperatures well below zero long-term, typically −18 °C to −25 °C, with special models reaching as low as −60 °C. However, most modern units can seamlessly switch between both modes.
Key features
Every standard refrigerated container offers:
- Full thermal insulation – walls, ceiling and floor are filled with polyurethane foam that minimizes heat losses
- Aluminum or stainless steel floor in a T-profile shape for air circulation
- Digital control panel with the ability to set precise temperature, alarms for outages or limit exceedances
- Safety features – lockable doors with internal safety mechanism, interior lighting
- Hygiene certification – containers meet HACCP standards, making them suitable for food contact
When it pays off to rent a refrigerated container
Renting a refrigerated container makes economic sense in a wide range of situations. Let’s go through the most common ones.
Seasonal peaks in gastronomy and food industry
Restaurants, catering companies, breweries, and bakeries experience a sudden increase in the volume of raw materials and finished products during the summer months or the Christmas season. Renting a refrigerated container for food storage allows you to cover this peak without the need to build permanent infrastructure that would lie idle for the rest of the year.
Festivals, events, and one-off occasions
Summer festivals, city celebrations, or sporting events require reliable cooling of beverages and food directly at the venue. A mobile cooling container can be placed anywhere – in a meadow, parking lot, or city center. When the event ends, it simply drives away.
Outages and failures of existing technology
When your own cold store or freezer fails, it literally becomes a matter of hours. Renting a freezer container as a backup solution will save stored goods from deterioration. Many providers guarantee delivery within 24 hours.
Reconstruction and renovation of premises
During the renovation of existing cooling facilities, you don’t have to interrupt operations. A rented container serves as temporary storage and returns after the construction work is completed.
Agriculture and forestry
Fruit growers, vegetable growers, and forest nurseries use cooled containers for short-term storage of crops before dispatch or for seed stratification and slowing down the growth of seedlings before planting.
Pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and special industry
Medicines, laboratory samples, temperature-sensitive chemicals – even for these sectors, renting a refrigerated container is a proven solution when expanding capacities or for temporary operational needs.
Sizes and technical parameters of refrigerated containers
Three standard sizes derived from maritime shipping containers are available for rent on the Czech market. Each has its specific use.
| Size | External dimensions (l × w × h) | Internal volume | Approximate capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | 3.0 × 2.44 × 2.8 m | ~14 m³ | 2–3 euro pallets | Small businesses, stalls, festivals |
| 20 feet | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.6 m | ~28–32 m³ | 8–10 euro pallets | Medium operations, restaurants, bakeries |
| 40 feet HC | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.9 m | ~65–68 m³ | 20–24 euro pallets | Warehouses, industry, logistics |
Temperature ranges
Not all containers are equal. Depending on the type of unit, the achievable temperature range also differs:
- Standard reefer (Thermo King, Carrier): −25 °C to +25 °C – common cooling and freezing
- Extended range (e.g., ArcticStore): −40 °C to +45 °C – suitable even for extreme conditions
- Super freezer: up to −60 °C – for the pharmaceutical industry and special applications
- Horizon (low-emission models): −30 °C to +30 °C – with up to 55 % lower energy consumption
Requirements for the electrical connection
This is one of the most common questions when renting. A standard refrigerated container requires:
- Voltage: 400 V / 3 phases / 50 Hz (so-called three-phase connection)
- Connector: 32 A CEE (industrial socket, so-called five-pin)
- Consumption: approximately 4–8 kWh depending on size, set temperature, and outdoor conditions
Some smaller models (10 feet) can also operate on 230 V, but for standard 20′ and 40′ containers, a three-phase connection is essential. If one is not available at the installation site, a diesel generator can be used – some providers offer this as part of their service.
What must be prepared at the installation site
In addition to electricity, you need to ensure:
- Reinforced and level surface – concrete, asphalt, panels (container weighs 2–7 tons)
- Access for a truck with a hydraulic arm or crane
- Sufficient space for handling during unloading (at least container width + 2 meters on each side)
- Condensate drain – water from the evaporator defrosting must have somewhere to drain
How much does it cost to rent a refrigerated container
The rental price of a refrigerated container depends on three main factors: rental duration, container size, and the scope of additional services. The following overview is based on publicly available price lists and inquiries from major providers in the Czech Republic.
Indicative monthly rental price list
| Size | Short-term (1–3 months) | Long-term (12+ months) | Deposit / refundable security |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | individual calculation | from 6 000 CZK/month | according to provider |
| 20 feet | from 12 000 CZK/month | from 9 500 CZK/month | 20 000–40 000 CZK |
| 40 feet HC | from 16 000 CZK/month | from 12 000 CZK/month | 30 000–60 000 CZK |
Prices are exclusive of VAT and do not include transport, installation, or any generator.
Daily rental
For short-term events (festivals, weekend events), prices range from 500 to 1 500 CZK excl. VAT per day. However, keep in mind that even with daily rental, you pay for transport both ways, which for smaller events makes up a significant portion of total costs.
What affects the final price
- Transport and installation – price depends on the distance of the depot from the destination, typically 15–35 CZK/km
- Generator – if a three-phase connection is not available, renting a diesel generator adds 3 000–8 000 CZK/month
- Sanitation after termination – cleaning and disinfection before return, approximately 1 500–3 000 CZK
- Insurance – some providers require insurance against damage
How to save
The best prices are achieved with long-term rentals (from 12 months). If you plan to rent a refrigerated container for the entire season, it pays to enter into an annual contract – the monthly rate can drop by up to 30 % compared to short-term rental.
Comparison of refrigerated container rental providers in the Czech Republic
Several specialized companies operate on the Czech market. They differ in the range of services, coverage, container types, and pricing policy.
HZ KONTEJNERY – the widest offer and transparent pricing
HZ KONTEJNERY, based in Třebíč, is among the largest players on the market. It offers refrigerated container rental across the entire Czech Republic with guaranteed service within 24 hours. The website transparently lists prices – for example, a 12 m freezing and cooling container in IICL6 quality from 9 500 CZK excl. VAT monthly. In addition to rental, it also offers sales of both new and used containers, which speaks to deep market knowledge.
How to order a refrigerated container rental: step by step
The ordering process is not complicated, but it’s worth being prepared. The more precisely you specify your requirements, the faster you’ll receive a relevant offer.
1. Define your needs
Before you start calling providers, clarify:
- What goods will you store? – food, flowers, medicines, chemicals? Each category has different hygienic and temperature requirements.
- What temperature do you need to maintain? – cooling (+2 to +8 °C), freezing (−18 °C), or deep freezing (−40 °C and below)?
- What volume do you need? – estimate the number of pallets or cubic meters.
- For how long? – days, weeks, months, or years?
- Where will the container be located? – exact address for transport calculation and verification of electrical connection availability.
2. Verify technical conditions on site
Check whether a three-phase electrical connection 400 V / 32 A is available at the installation site. If not, include generator rental in your budget. Also verify that the area is sufficiently reinforced and accessible for a truck with a hydraulic arm.
3. Sign the contract and arrange the date
After selecting a provider, you will sign a rental contract specifying all conditions – rental duration, price, delivery date, liability for damages, termination conditions. A refundable deposit is standard. Then, an exact delivery date is arranged.
4. Acceptance and commissioning
When the container is delivered, check its condition – any dents, door functionality, sealing. After connecting to the electrical grid, let the unit run for a few hours and verify that it reaches the required temperature. Most providers carry out basic operator training on site.
FAQ
What is the difference between a refrigerated and a freezer container?
A refrigerated container operates in a range of approximately −25 °C to +25 °C and is intended for goods that must not freeze. A freezer container maintains temperatures of −18 °C and below. However, most modern units can seamlessly switch between both modes, so the boundary is more indicative.
What are the requirements for the electrical connection for a refrigerated container?
A standard refrigerated container requires a three-phase connection 400 V / 32 A (industrial socket, so-called five-pin). Consumption ranges between 4–8 kWh. Smaller models (10 feet) can also operate on 230 V. If a three-phase connection is not available, a diesel generator can be used.
How much does it cost to rent a refrigerated container per month?
The price for monthly rental of a 20-foot refrigerated container ranges from 9 500 CZK (long-term rental) to approximately 15 000 CZK (short-term). For a 40-foot container, expect 12 000–20 000 CZK monthly. All prices are exclusive of VAT and without transport.
Where can I rent a refrigerated container in Brno?
In Brno and the South Moravian region, refrigerated container rentals are provided primarily by HZ KONTEJNERY (Třebíč – close to Brno).
How long does it take for the container to cool down after being connected?
The container reaches full cooling or freezing performance within 2–4 hours after being connected to the grid. The exact time depends on the outdoor temperature, container volume, and target temperature. Therefore, most providers recommend connecting the container at least a day before planned use.
Is it possible to rent a refrigerated container for one day?
Yes, most providers also offer short-term daily rentals. However, keep in mind that even for a one-day rental, you pay for transport both ways, which can make up the majority of total costs. The daily rate ranges from 500 to 1 500 CZK excl. VAT.
Can a refrigerated container be used in winter?
Yes, refrigerated containers are equipped with a heating mode and work reliably even at outdoor temperatures well below zero. The unit can also heat the interior, which is essential for example for storing goods that must not freeze.
Does a refrigerated container need any maintenance during the rental?
Routine maintenance (filter cleaning, condensate drain check) can be handled by the operator themselves. Regular technical service of the unit is provided by the lessor – for premium providers, including remote monitoring 24/7. Report any technical problem to the provider immediately.
How does the container return process work after the rental ends?
After the rental ends, the container must be emptied, defrosted, and cleaned. Some providers arrange sanitation as part of their service (for an additional fee), others require a clean container upon pickup. After condition inspection, the deposit is returned and the container is taken away.
Czech Republic 
WITHOUT SHIPPING 
Other container news...
Shipping container types
Roughly 80% of everything you own traveled to you inside a steel box. Shipping containers—also called cargo containers, ISO containers, or “conex” boxes—are the backbone of global trade, carrying about 90% of the world’s non-bulk cargo across oceans, rails, and highways. Yet a “shipping container” is not one single object. It is a family of specialized steel boxes, each engineered for a specific kind of cargo: some vent, some freeze, some open from the top, and some have no walls at all.
40 foot container storage uses
The 40 foot container has moved far beyond its original job of hauling cargo across the ocean. Today, the phrase “40 foot container storage uses” describes an enormous and still-growing field: everything from an extra garage behind a house to a full retail storefront, a mobile office, an indoor farm, or a temporary shelter. Because the 40 foot container is the most common size in global shipping, it is also the most abundant, the most affordable, and the most widely converted for storage and building purposes.
How tall is a 20-Foot shipping container?
A 20-foot shipping container stands 8 feet 6 inches (8′ 6″) tall on the outside, or 2.59 meters. Inside, the usable height is slightly less — roughly 7 feet 9–5/8 inches (2.39 m) — because the floor, roof panels, and corner castings consume several inches of the total height.
That is the short answer. But “how tall” hides important nuance: the number changes depending on whether you are measuring a standard unit or a high cube unit, whether you are measuring the exterior or the interior, and whether you actually need to fit something through the door opening, which is the shortest vertical dimension on the entire box.
Shipping container wheel movement kits
A shipping container wheel movement kit is a bolt-on (or twist-lock) hardware system that lets a single person attach wheels to the corner castings of a 20 ft or 40 ft shipping container and reposition it — often without a crane, forklift, or flatbed truck. Instead of hiring a heavy-haul trucker every time you want to nudge a container a few feet on your property, the right wheel kit turns a 4,000–10,000 lb steel box into something a pickup truck, skid steer, or a couple of strong backs with a come-along can move.