# Refrigerated container dimensions: usable cold space

Specify actual reefer dimensions, pallet layout, airflow and electrical requirements.

Specify cold storage · Australia guide

Reviewed: 2026-10-02

By the ContainerFox editorial team.

[Research, limits and corrections](https://containerfox.com/au/editorial-methodology)

[Read this guide on ContainerFox Australia](https://containerfox.com/au/guides/refrigerated-container-dimensions)

Insulation, machinery and the floor system change a reefer’s usable interior. Obtain the model drawing and loading instructions.

## Use the exact model specification

Request external and clear internal dimensions, door opening, floor height and equipment position. Confirm standard height or High Cube. Dry-container reference dimensions are not a reefer specification.

Compare pallets using their loaded footprint. The Australian standard pallet base is 1,165 × 1,165 mm; confirm the actual base, overhang and handling equipment. Imported goods may use other pallet sizes. The pallet size does not establish its load rating.

## Keep the airflow route usable

Follow the manufacturer’s load-height limits and airflow instructions. Shelving and dense packaging can alter circulation. A geometric maximum pallet count is not a temperature-controlled loading plan.

State product type, incoming temperature, target range, loading frequency and ambient conditions. Holding chilled goods and cooling a warm load are different duties.

## Check power and commissioning

Obtain voltage, frequency, phases, current, connector and protection requirements from the allocated refrigeration system’s nameplate. Have a licensed electrical contractor verify Australian site supply, installation and applicable equipment approval. International container specifications do not establish local installation acceptance. Confirm cables, isolation, commissioning and any generator or transformer before delivery.

Include ground support, access, commissioning, alarm monitoring and breakdown response in the written scope. Preserve the manufacturer’s access and ventilation clearances.

- [ERAC: electrical regulators and licensing](https://www.erac.gov.au/)

## Questions before you choose

### Is the interior the same as a dry container?

No. Insulation, refrigeration equipment, floor construction and model details change the clear space and usable loading capacity.

## Turn the checks into a clear quote request

Compare the equipment, delivery and services for your project. ContainerFox helps prepare your request; a directory listing does not mean that a business is a partner or will receive it.

[Prepare my quote request](https://containerfox.com/au/request-a-quote?produit=frigorifique&mode=location&source=guide-conteneur&resumeGuide=Guide+brief%3A+Refrigerated+container+dimensions%3A+usable+cold+space.+Please+confirm+my+requirements+and+the+full+delivered+scope.)

You can edit the details before sending.

## Continue planning

- [Reefer checklist](https://containerfox.com/au/guides/refrigerated-container-checklist)
- [Electricity calculator](https://containerfox.com/au/guides/refrigerated-container-electricity-cost)
- [All container guides](https://containerfox.com/au/guides)

Interactive tools and project forms, where available, are on the web guide. This export contains the editorial text and its labelled examples; it does not contain calculations from visitor inputs.