What is Reefer Trucking? Everything you need to know

A reefer load is a truckload of temperature-sensitive cargo that is transported in a refrigerated truck or trailer.

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This cargo must be kept at a certain temperature to avoid damage or spoilage, and the reefer unit ensures that it is maintained at the correct temperature during transit.

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Reefer loads are common in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where it is important to keep perishable items cold or frozen. These items can include anything from produce to meat to ice cream.

Hauling Reefer Freight

Hauling reefer freight comes with additional responsibilities. In addition to regular driving duties, reefer drivers have the following responsibilities while hauling refrigerated cargo:

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• Identify temperature requirements – different cargo will require different refrigeration levels and will have various windows of acceptable temperatures
• Pre-cool the trailer – before loading the trailer with cargo, drivers must pre-cool it to the cargo's specifications
• Monitor the temperature – cargo needs to be cooled to the right temperature once it is loaded it must stay at that temperature during the entire trip
• Monitor loading and unloading – to make sure the cargo’s temperature doesn’t rise or drop too quickly and that cargo is properly loaded regarding weight distribution, etc

A reefer truck is any truck with a refrigeration system or a truck that hauls a refrigerated trailer.

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Since these vehicles require special equipment to keep goods at the proper temperature, they are more expensive to maintain and more difficult to manage than a traditional vehicle.

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Popular configurations for reefer trucks include:

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Semi trucks with a reefer trailer

The largest type of reefer truck, these are used to transport large loads over long distances with a refrigerated trailer attached.

How much does it cost to run a reefer trailer?

There is no definitive answer as it will vary depending on a number of factors. These factors include the size and type of reefer trailer, the distance it is being driven, and the cost of fuel in the area. However, most modern reefer units use between half a gallon to a gallon of reefer fuel per hour of engine run time. At current diesel prices, that comes out to roughly $5,000-$10,000 per year.

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Refrigerated Trailer Operation 101

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Box trucks

Box trucks are smaller than semi trucks, and they are used to transport small loads over shorter distances. The reefer units are located in the back of the truck, and the driver's cab is attached to the trailer.

Cargo vans

Even smaller than box trucks, cargo vans are used to transport small loads over very short distances. The refrigeration unit is located in the back of the van, and the driver's cab is attached to the front.

Pickups

While pickups are not true reefer trucks, they can be used to transport temperature-sensitive cargo if they are outfitted with a refrigeration unit. This is most common in hot shot trucking.

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How much does a reefer truck cost?

A reefer truck can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $200,000, depending on the size and features of the truck. The refrigeration unit can also be expensive to maintain, so it is important to factor this into the overall cost of owning a reefer truck.

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How long do refrigerated trucks last?

The average lifespan of a refrigerated truck is around 8 years, or approximately 40,000 hours of reefer run time.

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However, the lifespan will depend on how the reefer is maintained and the level of usage. A truck that hauls dry freight half of the time will last longer than a truck that hauls reefer freight full-time.