Ever wondered what the temperature was inside a refrigerated truck? Well, most refrigerated trucks maintain a temperature between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling system in the truck creates a cold air flow that circulates throughout the cargo area to keep the products cool.
This is how your Christmas hams and turkeys stay frozen solid while en route from the slaughterhouse to your local grocery store!
If you’ve been wondering how those big rigs keep their cool, this guide is for you. We’ll take a look at how refrigerated trucks work. You’ll know what types of products they transport plus how you can source your own.
All About Refrigerated Trucks
Refrigerated trucks are also known as reefer trucks or reefers. They are specially outfitted with a cooling system that allows them to transport perishable goods at a controlled temperature.
Most reefers have either a diesel-powered compressor or an electric motor that drives a refrigeration unit. This unit circulates cold air throughout the cargo area to keep the products cool.
Reefer trucks come in a variety of sizes and transport everything from fresh produce to frozen desserts. In fact, reefers are one of the most versatile types of trucks on the road today.
Types of Refrigerated Trucks
There are two main types of refrigerated trucks, walk-ins, and vans.
Walk-in reefers have a large cargo area accessed via a set of doors at the rear of the truck. Walk-in reefers are typically used to transport large quantities of perishable goods, such as produce, meat, and dairy products.
Van reefers have a smaller cargo area accessed via a door on the side of the truck. Van reefers are typically used to transport smaller loads of perishable goods, such as flowers and ice cream.
What Can You Transport in a Refrigerated Truck?
Almost any type of perishable good is transported in a refrigerated truck, including fresh produce, meat, dairy products, seafood, flowers, and frozen desserts.
Refrigerated trucks also transport non-perishable goods that need to be kept cool, such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
Reefer Truck Insulation
The cargo area of a reefer truck is typically insulated with fiberglass or polyurethane foam to keep the cold air in and the hot air out. The insulation helps to maintain the desired temperature inside the cargo area, even in extreme weather conditions.
Some reefer trucks are equipped with thermal curtains used to further insulate the cargo area. Thermal curtains are made of a special material that reflects heat, keeping the inside of the truck even cooler.
Thermostats and Temperature Controls
Most reefer trucks have thermostats and temperature controls that allow the driver to set and maintain the desired temperature inside the cargo area. The thermostat controls the operation of the cooling system, turning it on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperature.
Some reefer trucks have auxiliary heating units used to keep the cargo area warm. These units are typically used to transport goods that need to be kept at a temperature above freezing, such as ice cream.
Where Do Reefer Trucks Get Fuel?
Most reefer trucks are equipped with a diesel-powered engine. Reefer trucks typically get fuel from the same places that other diesel-powered vehicles do, such as truck stops and gas stations.
If you have a large fleet of reefer trucks, you may want to consider investing in a premium fuel delivery company such as Fuel Logic reefer fuel.
Can I Convert My Regular Truck Into a Reefer Truck?
It is possible to convert a regular truck into a reefer truck. However, it is important to note that not all trucks are suitable for conversion. The best candidates for conversion are newer model trucks. They are already equipped with diesel engines and have adequate cargo space.
Additionally, the cost of converting a regular truck into a reefer truck can be quite high. It is important to weigh the cost of conversion against the benefits of having a dedicated reefer truck before making a decision.
If you decide to convert your truck into a reefer, you will need to install a cooling system and insulation. You will also need to purchase or lease a refrigerated trailer.
Leasing a reefer truck is a good option for businesses that only need a reefer truck on an occasional basis. Reefer trucks can be leased from companies that specialize in this.
Sourcing a Reefer Truck
Purchasing a used reefer truck is another option for businesses that only need a reefer truck on an occasional basis. Used reefer trucks can be found at truck auctions and online classifieds websites such as Craigslist.
If you decide to purchase a new reefer truck, you will need to choose between a van reefer and a walk-in reefer. When choosing between a van reefer and a walk-in reefer, you will need to decide what type of goods you will be transporting and how much space you will need.
If you plan on transporting large quantities of goods, you will need a reefer truck with a large cargo area. If you only plan on transporting small quantities of goods, you can get by with a smaller reefer truck or a van reefer.
Refrigerated Food Trucks, The Backbone of Food Transporting
Refrigerated trucks have been around for decades, but they’ve become more popular in recent years as the demand for fresh, local food has grown. Today, these specialized vehicles play a vital role in the transportation of perishable goods like produce, dairy, and meat from farms to grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses.
Now that you know how food trucks work, you can start your food delivery business by sourcing your own truck. Keep reading this blog for ideas on how to grow your business and find your target audience.
