Glossary

Refrigerated Trucks

Definition

Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefer trucks or fridge trucks, are specialized vehicles designed for the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. These trucks are equipped with advanced temperature control systems, including insulation, refrigeration units, and temperature monitoring devices, to maintain the required temperature and humidity levels throughout the transportation process. Refrigerated trucks are essential for preserving the quality, safety, and freshness of perishable goods, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and certain chemicals.

— sennder Team

FAQ

Refrigerated trucks work by combining insulation materials and refrigeration units to maintain a controlled temperature within the cargo area. Insulation materials, such as polyurethane foam, help minimize heat transfer between the truck's interior and exterior, while the refrigeration unit cools the air inside the cargo area to the required temperature. Temperature monitoring devices ensure that the temperature remains within the specified range throughout the transportation process.
Common goods transported in refrigerated trucks include: - Food and beverage: fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy products, and frozen foods. - Pharmaceutical and medical: vaccines, medications, biological samples, and medical equipment. - Chemical: temperature-sensitive chemicals, adhesives, and solvents. - Horticulture: plants, flowers, and seeds.
When selecting a refrigerated truck, factors to consider include: - Required temperature range: Ensure that the truck's refrigeration unit can maintain the necessary temperature for the goods being transported. - Truck size and capacity: Choose a truck with the appropriate cargo space and weight capacity for your shipment. - Insulation quality: Verify that the truck's insulation is adequate to maintain the desired temperature and minimize heat transfer. - Temperature monitoring and control: Confirm that the truck is equipped with a reliable temperature monitoring system and that temperature controls are accessible and easy to use.
Challenges associated with operating refrigerated trucks include: - Maintaining strict temperature and humidity control throughout the transportation process. - Ensuring the cold chain remains unbroken during handling, loading, and unloading. - Managing higher operating costs due to specialized equipment and increased energy consumption. - Complying with regulations and industry standards related to the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

A food distributor needs to transport a shipment of frozen foods from a warehouse to several supermarkets within a city. To maintain the quality and safety of the frozen foods, the distributor uses refrigerated trucks with temperature control systems capable of maintaining the required freezing temperatures. Throughout the transportation process, the temperature is monitored and controlled to ensure that the cold chain remains unbroken, and the frozen foods arrive at the supermarkets in optimal condition.

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