A reefer truck—short for refrigerated truck—is a vehicle equipped with a cooling unit to safely haul temperature-sensitive goods across long distances. These climate-controlled workhorses have revolutionized cold chain logistics since their introduction in the 1930s, enabling the safe delivery of everything from fresh produce to life-saving medications. At OTR Solutions, we understand the unique challenges of operating reefer trucks in today’s competitive market. In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials of these vital vehicles and why they’re crucial for modern transportation.
What Is a Reefer Truck Used For?
Reefer trucks are the backbone of cold chain logistics, the system of transporting temperature-sensitive products from origin to destination without breaking the temperature requirements. These specialized vehicles serve numerous industries such as the following.
- Food and beverage: Fresh produce, dairy, meat, frozen foods, and temperature-sensitive beverages
- Pharmaceuticals: Vaccines, medications, biological samples, and medical supplies
- Chemicals: Temperature-sensitive compounds and materials
- Floral: Fresh flowers and temperature-sensitive plants
- Electronics: Components that require specific humidity and temperature control
Finding profitable reefer loads is crucial for success in refrigerated trucking. Check out our guide on the best load boards for reefer freight to maximize your earning potential.
How Reefer Trucks Work
Reefer trucks operate using advanced refrigeration systems paired with heavily insulated trailers. A typical reefer setup includes:
- Transport refrigeration unit (TRU): Powers the cooling system using diesel or electric energy.
- Evaporator & condenser coils: Regulate how heat is absorbed and released to maintain internal temps.
- Insulated trailer body: Keeps the cargo area temperature-stable by minimizing heat transfer.
- Air chutes & floor channels: Distribute cold air evenly throughout the trailer.
The TRU, mounted on the front of the trailer, runs on a small diesel engine while in motion. When parked, the unit can switch to electric standby mode if plugged into an external power source, reducing fuel usage and emissions. These systems are designed to maintain a consistent internal temperature regardless of weather conditions.
The trailer walls, ceiling, and floor are built with thick insulation to block heat transfer, while circulation systems ensure even airflow throughout the cargo area. Temperature monitoring devices provide real-time data to drivers and dispatchers, and modern systems allow for precise control within just 1–2 degrees of the target setting.
Reefer Truck Sizes and Capacities
Standard reefer trailers come in various lengths to accommodate different shipping needs. The most common sizes include 28-foot, 48-foot, and 53-foot trailers. The 53-foot trailer is the industry standard for long-haul transportation, offering maximum cargo space while remaining highway legal across most states.
Regarding weight capacity, reefer trucks can typically carry 42,000-44,000 pounds of freight, slightly less than dry vans due to the added weight of the refrigeration unit and insulation. However, the exact weight limit depends on state regulations, axle configurations, and the specific equipment being used.
5 Benefits of Having Reefer Trucks in Your Fleet
Adding refrigerated trailers to your trucking operation offers several advantages.
1. Higher Freight Rates
Reefer loads generally command premium rates compared to dry van freight, often 15-30% higher due to the specialized equipment and expertise required. This revenue advantage can significantly boost your bottom line, especially when factoring in the year-round availability of temperature-controlled freight opportunities across various markets.
2. Year-Round Demand
While many shipping sectors experience seasonal fluctuations, temperature-controlled freight remains in constant demand throughout the year, helping maintain consistent cashflow. Essential items like groceries, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies need climate control regardless of the season, providing stability for reefer operators even during market downturns.
3. Versatility
Reefer trailers can haul both refrigerated and dry cargo, giving carriers flexibility to accept a wider range of loads and adapt to market conditions. When refrigerated freight is less available, your reefer can function as a standard dry van, ensuring you don’t miss revenue opportunities while maintaining operational efficiency.
4. Reduced Competition
The specialized nature of refrigerated transport means fewer carriers compete for these loads, potentially leading to better rates and more consistent work. The additional expertise and equipment requirements create a natural barrier to entry, allowing established reefer carriers to develop profitable relationships with shippers who value reliability.
5. Value-Added Service
Offering temperature-controlled shipping expands your service capabilities and makes your company more attractive to shippers with diverse transportation needs. This differentiation positions your business as a comprehensive solution provider rather than just another carrier, opening doors to exclusive contracts and premium shipping opportunities with major clients.
5 Challenges of Operating Reefer Trucks
While reefer trucks offer many advantages, carriers should carefully consider these five significant challenges before adding refrigerated trailers to their fleet.
1. Higher Operational Costs
Refrigerated trailers cost significantly more to purchase and maintain than standard dry vans, with new units running $60,000-$80,000 more than comparable dry vans. The refrigeration unit requires specialized maintenance, regular inspections, and occasional repairs from certified technicians, adding thousands to your annual operating expenses.
2. Increased Fuel Consumption
The refrigeration unit runs on its own diesel supply, substantially increasing overall fuel expenses. Depending on temperature requirements and ambient conditions, the unit may consume 0.5-1.0 gallons of fuel per hour even when the truck is stationary, potentially adding $15-30 daily to operational costs during summer months.
3. Specialized Knowledge Required
Drivers must develop expertise in operating and troubleshooting refrigeration equipment, monitoring temperatures, and responding to system alarms. This specialized training takes time, increases driver onboarding costs, and often commands higher wages, creating additional hurdles for fleet managers already facing driver shortages.
4. Stricter Regulations
Carriers hauling temperature-sensitive food must comply with FDA regulations including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), requiring proper temperature control throughout transport. These regulations demand comprehensive documentation, temperature logging, cleaning protocols, and regular audits that add administrative complexity to reefer operations.
5. More Complex Loading Procedures
Proper air circulation is essential in reefer trailers, requiring careful attention to loading patterns and spacing between pallets. Improper loading can create hot spots, freezing issues, or airflow blockages that damage cargo, leading to costly claims and rejected loads that impact both reputation and profitability.
Technology in Modern Reefers
Today’s refrigerated trailers incorporate advanced technologies that improve efficiency and reliability.
- Telematics and remote monitoring: Real-time temperature tracking allows drivers and dispatchers to monitor conditions remotely, receive alerts, and make adjustments before problems occur.
- Multi-temperature zones: Specialized compartments maintain different climate settings simultaneously, enabling carriers to transport frozen, refrigerated, and dry goods in a single load.
- Energy-efficient refrigeration units: Modern reefers use variable-speed compressors, better insulation, and solar panels. While solar panels don’t power the cooling system, they support auxiliary electronics like GPS and sensors—reducing strain on the battery and extending runtime.
Maximizing the benefits of these technologies requires proven operational strategies. Check out our 10 tips for reefer trucking to learn how successful carriers optimize their refrigerated operations.
Reefer Truck FAQs
How Cold Do Reefer Trucks Get?
Reefer units maintain temperatures between -20°F and 70°F, accommodating frozen products and items requiring ambient conditions.
What Is Reefer Fuel?
Reefer fuel powers the refrigeration unit on trailers. Though similar to regular diesel, it’s specifically for cooling systems and cannot be used in the truck’s main tank.
What Does Reefer Mean in Trucking?
In trucking, “reefer” is the industry shorthand for “refrigerated trailer,” referring to temperature-controlled trailers designed for transporting perishable goods.
What Is the Difference Between a Reefer and a Dry Van?
Reefers have insulation, refrigeration units, and channeled floors for temperature control, while dry vans are standard enclosed trailers without climate capabilities.
How Big Are Reefer Trucks?
Standard reefer trailers come in 28, 48, and 53-foot lengths. The 53-foot version is most common for long-haul transport, with interior dimensions of approximately 48′ × 8′ × 9′.
How Much Weight Can a Reefer Truck Carry?
Reefer trucks typically carry 42,000-44,000 pounds, slightly less than dry vans due to the additional weight of the refrigeration equipment and insulation.
Stay on Top of Reefer Trucking with the Right Partner
Reefer trucking presents both unique challenges and opportunities for carriers. With higher operational costs but better-paying freight, success in refrigerated transport requires both specialized knowledge and reliable financial support. OTR Solutions offers a fuel card and dedicated factoring services for reefer carriers, ensuring steady cashflow while you manage the complexities of temperature-controlled shipping.
Wondering how reefer trucking fits into your operation? Explore OTR Solutions’ factoring programs built specifically for refrigerated carriers.