According to Hale Trailer, “A high-quality reefer trailer is a must-have for any shipping, produce or food company.”. Here’s how you can find the right one for your needs without breaking the bank:
Make Sure the Truck You Choose is the Right Size
While most refrigerated trucks range between 28 and 53 feet long, they’re usually less than 13.5 feet tall. In most cases, the weight capacity is approximately 44,000 pounds or a bit less. However, you’ll need to know how much cubic space your truck has, and this is easy to calculate.
All you have to do is multiply the length, width, and height of the truck. Simply multiply the length, width, and height of the truck. For instance, a 28 foot by 8.5 feet truck that’s 13.5 feet tall will have 3,213 cubic feet of space in its interior.
Running a refrigerated truck requires between 0.4 and 1.1 gallons of diesel per hour of run time. So, while the average cost associated with running a refrigerated truck is around $4,000 per year, it could be significantly more or less than this depending on the truck’s size.
Know the Ideal Temperature for Your Cargo
In order to set the thermostat to the right temperature, you’ll need to know the point at which your cargo is likely to spoil. Here are a few ideal temperatures for some of the most common types of perishable items:
- Milk: 40 degrees
- Steak: 28 to 32 degrees
- Salmon: 32 to 40 degrees
- Cheese: 35 to 45 degrees
- Wine: 45 to 65 degrees
Learn About all the Options
You can choose from many different truck types and manufacturers if you’re looking into reefer trailer rentals. You’ll also be able to find a large selection of refrigerated vans as well. This works best for business owners who don’t have much parking space.
Decide Whether or Not You Need Dry Ice
In some cases, you might need dry ice to keep your cargo cool for a long trip. Here are a few situations where you’re likely to need dry ice:
- Certain vaccines
- Some frozen foods
- Gases that remain in a liquid or solid state at low temperatures
- Certain medical supplies
- Some types of industrial supplies
Choose the Right Storage Space
It’s important to make sure that you have enough space for your refrigerated truck or van. On average, a refrigerated tractor-trailer will occupy approximately 250 to 450 square feet in a parking lot, and you’ll need at least 14 feet of clearance if you’ll be parking it in a covered garage. However, refrigerated vans occupy significantly less space, which makes them perfect for many restaurants and catering businesses.
Refrigerated Trucks and Vans Can Make Transporting Perishables Much Easier
As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your perishable items reach their destination in good condition. Luckily, a refrigerated truck or van will be perfect for the job.
