Refrigerated trucking refers to the use of a refrigeration unit in the cargo area of a truck to protect cargo that is sensitive to temperatures above a certain point. Refrigerated units can be either semi-tractor trailer combinations or straight trucks. Other factors often determine which type of truck is used to transport the goods because refrigerated trucking units are cooled in the same way.
The storage area of the truck must first be well insulated from the outside air in order for refrigerated trucking to work. Steel, plastic, or other non-porous materials can be used to keep cold air inside the cargo area in this way. This also relieves some of the strain on the refrigerator, saving energy and lowering the overall cost of transporting the unit.
On most refrigerated trucking units, the refrigeration unit is either immediately behind the driver’s cabin or on top of the unit. The unit is usually behind the cab on semi trailers. Though there are some exceptions, semis prefer to have the units in this location because it allows them to have more height on the trailer. Because it is difficult to place the refrigeration unit in any other location, the top is often the preferred location for straight trucks.
The use of refrigerated trucking may be required for a variety of products. Refrigerated trucking is most commonly used to transport agricultural products that spoil or decompose quickly, such as fruits and vegetables. Frozen foods, of course, require refrigeration as well, and the same units that can be used to refrigerate can usually be used to freeze as well. Some types of photo processing equipment may also require that they be kept within a specific temperature range, which traditional trucking would most likely exceed.
Refrigeration units are typically built to withstand the rigors of commercial shipping, allowing for all standard loading and unloading methods. This includes the use of forklifts and pallet trucks, among other things. Some refrigeration units have grooved floors so that freight sitting on the floor does not obstruct airflow. As a result, some loading equipment with smaller wheels may be rendered ineffective because the wheels may become stuck in the grooves. These grooves are usually less than two inches (five centimeters) wide.
The cost of refrigerated trucking is frequently higher than that of traditional trucking, but this is primarily due to the specialized equipment and additional costs associated with its maintenance and upkeep. Furthermore, there are fewer refrigeration units available at any given time, which means higher prices.