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Reefer Truck - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

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Key takeaways:

  • Reefer trucks are like big mobile fridges that keep foods and medicines at the right temperature during transport.
  • These trucks play a crucial role in cold chain logistics, moving perishable goods safely across distances.
  • For items that must stay frozen, the temperature inside a reefer can be very low, around -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius).
  • Keeping cargo cool relies on components like cryogenic cooling systems and insulation and regular checks against external factors like weather changes that might affect internal temperatures.

Understanding Reefer Trucks In Temperature-Sensitive Transport: A Guide By Waggon

Shipping temperature-sensitive goods is no small task.

Reefer trucks play a crucial role in shipping perishable goods.

Waggon Reefer service leverages these specialized vehicles to keep your goods at the right temperature during transport.

Reefer Truck - The Waggon Freight Dictionary1

Understanding the Reefer Truck

A reefer truck is a big mobile fridge that carries foods that need to stay cold.

It safely moves fresh produce, fruits, meats, and dairy products across long distances.

Contact Waggon for a no-obligation quote to fulfill your shipping and logistics needs.

Our team is here to streamline your shipping process and ensure your goods are transported efficiently and securely.

Table of Contents

Defining Reefer Truck - The Freight Dictionary

Reefer Truck Definition

A reefer truck is a semi-truck with a refrigerated trailer designed to transport goods that must be kept at specific temperatures.

The term “reefer” comes from “refrigerator.” These trucks are ideal for moving perishable items like fresh fruits, frozen food, medicines, and flowers, requiring controlled temperatures during transport.

Reefer trucks are critical in temperature-controlled transportation.

They form an integral part of the cold chain logistics, connecting producers with markets across vast distances without risking product quality.

Reefer-Truck-The-Waggon-Freight-Dictionary2

Commonly Transported Goods

Reefer trucks play a key role in moving temperature-sensitive products across the country. They transport fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring they stay crisp from farm to table.

Dairy items like milk and cheese also need these extreme temperatures and cool conditions to remain fresh.

Other perishable goods include meats and seafood, which can spoil if not kept at the proper temperatures during transit.

These vehicles are also critical for non-food items that require controlled environments, such as certain types of medicine.

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Let us streamline your shipping process and help you transport goods quickly, securely, and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is A Reefer Truck?

    A reefer truck is a refrigerated semi-truck designed to transport goods that must be kept at certain temperatures.

    These trucks are crucial in cold chain logistics, ensuring that perishable items like food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals reach their destination safely.

    They come equipped with refrigeration units to maintain specific ambient temperatures throughout the journey.

    Reefer trucks transport temperature-sensitive products across long distances without risking spoilage or damage.

    This makes them indispensable in industries where quality control and freshness are paramount.

  • What Is Reefer Logistics?

    This involves managing the safe transport of temperature-sensitive cargo through refrigerated vehicles.

    It combines technology and planning to manage temperature-controlled supply chains efficiently.

    Reefer logistics includes maintaining optimal temperatures, carefully coordinating transportation schedules, understanding freight rates for refrigerated transport, and selecting the correct type of vehicle for each product’s needs.

    Businesses rely on this service to prevent spoilage or damage to their goods during transit.

  • What Are Reefer Products?

    Reefer products are a special category of goods that require specific temperatures during transport.

    They include perishable items like meats, fruits, and vegetables.

    The core need is to keep these products fresh over long distances, ensuring they reach their destination in prime condition.

    Reefer trucks are crucial in maintaining consistent humidity levels and appropriate temperature range settings inside their compartments.

  • How Many Hours Are Too Many For A Reefer?

    20,000 run hours are generally considered high for reefers.

    However, some units can reach 30,000 hours with proper care and routine servicing.

    It’s critical for business owners and managers relying on shipping goods to stay vigilant about maintaining their reefers.

    Tracking operational hours helps prevent unexpected failures and extends the life span of the reefer unit, which are key factors in managing an effective temperature-controlled supply chain.

    The longevity of a reefer relies not just on its operational hours but significantly on regular maintenance and care.

  • Do Reefer Trucks Freeze?

    Reefer trucks do indeed have the ability to freeze contents to maintain them at desired temperatures.

    Whether shipping ice cream or frozen vegetables, these vehicles keep products frozen from pickup to delivery.

    Reefer units come equipped with advanced cooling systems that adjust temperatures as needed.

    This feature is vital for preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods during transport, making reefer trucks indispensable in the temperature-controlled supply chain.

  • Can You Run Your Reefer On Continuous?

    Yes, you can run your reefer on continuous.

    This ensures a constant temperature inside the trailer, which is crucial for certain temperature-sensitive goods.

    Running your refrigerated carrier in this mode might be necessary when transporting items that must stay at a strict temperature range during their journey.

    Depending on what you’re shipping, you can choose between continuous and start-stop modes.

  • How Cold Is A Reefer Truck?

    Reefer trucks can keep temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius).

    This feature makes them perfect for moving goods that need to stay cold or frozen.

    A reefer unit can be 30 degrees cooler inside, even when it’s hot outside.

    This control is key for safely shipping temperature-sensitive goods across long distances.

  • How Often Should You Service A Reefer Unit?

    Servicing a reefer unit every 2 years or after it has run for 3000 hours is a smart move.

    This guideline applies if the reefer is model year 2014 or newer.

    You’ll want to check specific recommendations for units older than that because they may vary.

  • How Do Refrigerated Trucks Stay Cold?

    These trucks use a cooling apparatus that controls the air inside the trailer.

    This system can lower and raise temperatures, ensuring items like food and medicine stay safe.

    Reefers are equipped with an advanced standby system powered by internal batteries.

    This feature keeps goods cold even if the truck’s engine is off, which is vital during stops on long trips.

  • Are Refrigerated Trucks Air Tight?

    These vehicles have heavily insulated and sealed doors in their freight areas.

    The main goal is to keep the temperature inside as stable as possible.

    Refrigerated trucks use advanced insulation materials and seals around their doors to prevent external air from getting in and internal air from leaking out.

  • How Much Weight Can A Reefer Hold?

    80,000 pounds for dual axles or 90,000 pounds if you have a third axle. This includes the weight of the truck.

    The typical reefer weighs about 12,500 pounds, and the refrigeration cold storage unit adds another 2,000 pounds.

    After accounting for these weights, the remaining capacity depends on the specific model and cargo requirements but generally aligns with shipping industry standards for maximum load limits.

  • How Do Reefer Trailers Get Power?

    Reefer trailers draw power primarily through battery-powered generators or electric-powered ones.

    This dual option ensures that temperature-controlled cargo maintains its required conditions throughout transit, regardless of external factors.

    Electric-powered generators are often plugged in during stops, ensuring the unit is always ready for long hauls. On the move, battery-powered generators kick in, providing a constant energy source.

    This setup is vital for keeping perishable goods at safe temperatures, showcasing the importance of reliable power sources in temperature-controlled transport logistics.

  • Do Reefer Trailers Have Generators?

    Reefer trailers often come equipped with their power sources, such as generators.

    These generators are crucial for keeping the temperature-controlled cargo compartments at the right temperature.

    They can maintain cool and warm temperatures, ensuring goods stay fresh or frozen throughout their journey.

    The generators continuously power the refrigeration units, preventing any risk of temperature variation that could damage sensitive products.

  • How Much Electricity Does A Reefer Trailer Use?

    A reefer trailer uses a lot of electricity to keep goods at the right temperature during transport.

    The amount can vary based on how often it’s running and the current rates for electricity.

    For models like the ER-230 or ER-460, costs depend on these factors.

  • What Is Reefer Freight?

    Reefer freight involves moving goods that need temperature control during transport.

    This type of shipping is vital for items like food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals to stay fresh or effective.

    Trucks equipped with refrigeration units keep these perishable items at the right temperature from start to finish.

    Business owners rely on this method to safely and efficiently deliver temperature-sensitive products.

Benefits of Using Reefer Trucks for Temperature-Sensitive Transport

Reefer trucks make sure your perishable goods travel safely and stay fresh.

They cut down on waste and keep products in top shape until they reach their destination.

Benefits of Using Reefer Trucks for Temperature-Sensitive Transport

Ensures Safe and Efficient Transportation of Perishable Goods

Reefer trucks play a key role in moving perishable goods safely and quickly.

They use advanced cooling systems to keep products like fruits, vegetables, and medical supplies at the right temperature.

This means your items stay fresh from start to finish.

Keeping things cold or frozen reduces the risk of spoilage and loss.

With strict controls on temperature, these vehicles ensure that sensitive items meet health standards.

Reduced Carbon Emissions and Overall Cost

Choosing reefer trucks for temperature-controlled logistics does more than keep goods at the right temperature.

It also plays a big part in cutting down on carbon emissions.

Traditional transport methods release 15% more CO2 than vehicles with climate control capabilities, making reefer trucks a greener choice.

Using temperature-controlled logistics also reduces costs.

Since they prevent spoilage or damage of temperature-sensitive products, companies save money otherwise lost on wasted goods.

This efficient shipping keeps products fresh from point A to B, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations without extra expenses on damages.

Experience the efficiency of Waggon’s supply chain and logistics services.

We deliver your freight on time, every time — Contact us today to ensure your shipping needs are met with precision and reliability.

Waggon Delivers Cold Chain Excellence in Reefer Shipping

Waggons Reefer Service makes it easier to move perishable goods.

We keep food, medicine, and even animals at the right temperature during long trips.

Thanks to our temperature-controlled transportation services and smart planning, perishable goods always arrive fresh and safe.

Choose Waggon to safely and efficiently manage your shipments.

Take the first step towards resolving your logistics challenges by requesting a quote today — our experienced team is ready to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Makes Waggon's Reefer Shipping Services Stand Out From Competitors?

    Waggon’s reefer shipping services stand out due to our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency.

    We use the latest technology and employ experienced personnel to transport your goods safely.

    Our services are tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, providing flexible scheduling and cost-effective solutions.

    Additionally, our nationwide coverage ensures your shipments are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

  • How Can I Get A Quote For Reefer Shipping Services With Waggon?

    Getting a quote for reefer shipping services with Waggon is simple.

    Visit our website and fill out the quote request form with details about your shipment, including the type of goods, quantity, and destination.

    Alternatively, you can contact our customer service team via phone or email.

    Our experienced team will promptly provide you with a no-obligation quote tailored to your shipping needs.

  • What Areas Do Waggon's Reefer Shipping Services Cover?

    Waggon’s reefer freight services cover the entire United States and North America.

    We provide comprehensive nationwide coverage, ensuring that your goods can be transported efficiently and securely to any location across the country.

    Our extensive network and strategic partnerships allow us to offer reliable and timely delivery services, no matter the distance.

  • What Are Reefer Trucks, And Why Are They Important For Temperature-Sensitive Products?

    Reefer trucks, a slang term for refrigerated trucks, play a crucial role in temperature-controlled transportation.

    They keep food and medicine safe by maintaining specific temperatures during transit.

  • How Do Reefer Trucks Work In Different Types Of Transport?

    Whether air or sea freight, reefer trucks store temperature-sensitive products correctly before and after their journey.

    For air travel, products might be kept in passive containers with dry ice to stay cool.

    At sea, these trucks wait at ports to quickly move goods to their next stop.

  • Can Packaging Affect How Well Reefer Trucks Maintain Temperatures?

    Absolutely!

    The right packaging can make a big difference in keeping items at the correct temperature during shipping delays or other potential delays caused by traffic or weather.

  • Are There Any Alternatives To Using Reefer Trucks For Transporting Sensitive Items?

    Yes.

    In addition to traditional reefer trucking, companies use passive cooling methods, such as insulated boxes with gel packs or dry ice, for shorter trips or smaller loads that don’t need constant refrigeration.

  • What Challenges Do Companies Face With Temperature-Controlled Logistics?

    Managing the perfect conditions involves more than just setting a thermostat.

    Proper packaging, avoiding shipping delays due to external factors, and ensuring seamless transitions between different modes of transport (like from sea freight to road) all play a role.

Written By:
Picture of Robert Rajfer
Robert Rajfer

Robert has worked in the supply chain / logistics industry for the past five years. Robert spent the first three years of his career at C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) and the following years at Flock Freight (backed by SoftBank, Google Ventures, and Signal Fire).

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Waggon proactively offers custom solutions that align with shippers’ specific needs — not the other way around.

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“Refrigerated Truck Dashboard.” United States Department of Agriculture, https://agtransport.usda.gov/stories/s/Refrigerated-Truck-Dashboard/56s5-rpde/.

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