The types of refrigerated vans or trucks to be used depend on the items being transported. If the items are perishable, temperature-controlled vans are used. These vans are specifically designed to maintain a certain temperature so the goods don’t get spoiled or contaminated in transit. There are different types of vans and refrigerated trucks that can ensure your food, beverages, and perishable items can be safely transported and preserved until the final destination.

Why are refrigerated vehicles so important? How does a refrigerated vehicle work?

Commonly known as reefer trucks, refrigerated vehicles are specially designed trucks with proper insulation and temperature-controlled units installed to maintain an even temperature throughout the journey. There are different types of cooling technologies, like evaporative cooling, thermoelectric cooling, and refrigeration, installed in these reefer vans. These cooling units help in controlling the temperature and make sure the desired temperature is achieved, depending on the item being transported.

Why are reefer trucks so important?

Refrigerated vehicles can vary from small vans to full-length trailers, providing multiple benefits in transit, such as:

• Supply Chain Logistics: Refrigerated vehicles are a core part of any supply chain network working in the food and pharmaceutical industries. With temperature-sensitive items like dairy, meat, and medicines, these trucks provide a temperature-controlled environment, allowing the items to reach their destination while maintaining their integrity and freshness.
• Prevent Spoilage: These refrigerated vans are important in maintaining the quality of perishable items when transported from one location to another. Delivering the goods in perfect condition and quality helps the business retain customers and build a trusting relationship.
• Medical Supplies: Medical supplies are extremely sensitive to temperature, and exposure to high temperatures can effectively change the properties of medicine. Refrigerated trucks allow the transportation of medicines at the specific temperature recommended to ensure their properties are not altered and they stay effective after transportation.

All in all, refrigerated vans and trucks are extremely important when it comes to temperature-controlled transportation. They allow the businesses to deliver their products as promised without worrying about the location or distance.

Different Types of Refrigerated Vehicles:

Let’s go through a list of different types of vans and trucks used for cold storage transportation.

1) Insulation Vans

Insulation vans are essentially regular vehicles that have had their interiors insulated. This insulation slows the process of heat transfer, keeping the interior of the van colder for longer periods of time. While most insulation vans lack built-in refrigeration equipment, ice or cold packs can be used to keep temperatures low for a set length of time. These trucks are fitted with 50-millimeter Styrofoam or polystyrene insulation. This polystyrene insulation keeps heat from traveling from outside to inside. Insulation vans, which are ideal for short trips, are a low-cost and energy-efficient way to transport less perishable commodities.

2) Chiller Conversion Vans

Chiller conversion vans, sometimes known as “chiller vans,” are essential for keeping perishable products fresh throughout transit because they do not require below-zero temperatures for storage. These cold vehicles are similar to insulator vans, but they have a refrigerated component connected, which draws in cool air and keeps non-frozen perishable commodities such as flowers and beverages fresh during delivery by providing a chilly environment. Chiller vans are essential in the logistics network when things need to be kept cool but not frozen.

3) Semi-Freezer Vans

Semi-freezer trucks have earned quite a name for themselves in cold storage transportation. They are equipped with an advanced insulation system and can handle a higher refrigeration capacity in comparison to their predecessors, which are chiller and insulated vans. The advanced cooling system allows the semi-freezer vans to maintain a low temperature consistently, and the temperature can be adjusted according to the requirements of the item being transported. On top of a cooling unit, semi-freezer vans are also equipped with defrosting mechanisms. This feature sets them apart, as a defrost heater is not a necessity. In essence, the semi-freezer van represents the advancement of cold supply chain solutions, combining cutting-edge technology with reliable performance.

4) Full-Freezer Vans

Full-freezer trucks and vans are the ultimate solution for refrigerated transport. These vans have all the latest freezing equipment and the ability to control and regulate the temperature inside the container. Temperature can be monitored and controlled, making sure the products are always at optimal temperature. Full-freezer vans are the perfect choice for commodities that require freezing temperatures throughout the journey. Items like meat, sea food, and dairy products require freezing temperatures so they don’t get infected with bacteria due to heat. Full-freezer vans are well-equipped to handle all the mentioned products, and the integrity of perishable products is never compromised. These vans have a thick exterior with heat-resistant doors, preventing heat from reaching the interior of the van. An advanced cooling system keeps the interior cold at a specific temperature, and perishable products are delivered to consumers fresh and without any impurities, upholding the strict food regulations.

Do all refrigerator vehicles share the same characteristics?

Looking at the characteristics, one might think all the refrigerated vehicles are the same or work on the same principle, but in reality, there are significant differences depending on the goods being transported. To explain it further, there are some goods that require quick defrosting and maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the journey, and full-freezer vans are well equipped for that. Not all refrigerated vehicles have advanced cooling and defrosting systems. In the event of a fluctuation in temperature or a journey getting extended due to traffic blocks, there are chances that the integrity of the products might be compromised. Therefore, the temperature requirement and the impact of heat highly influence the choice of reefer to be used. From the exterior, all refrigerated vehicles might look the same, but the ability to maintain a low temperature and the type of goods being transported play a significant role in choosing which vehicle will suit specific items best.

Factors to Consider in Choosing a Refrigerated Vehicle:

Refrigerated vehicles must be kept at cold temperatures for optimal supply chain operations, particularly when transporting perishable commodities. Many corporations install refrigeration units in rail carriages, trucks, and ships to ensure that their commodities are carried safely. There are various sorts of refrigeration options to choose from. But which type of car is best suited to your needs? Choosing the correct sort of refrigerated vehicle for your business can be challenging. However, here are some important aspects to consider before choosing one:

1) The load size:

The size of the shipment is vital when choosing a truck. You need to look for the best truck that can fit in stock without having to break it down into different parts. Take into consideration the packed size of the cargo and the truck that is suitable depending on the available space, and pick the right one for smooth transit.

2) Temperature requirements:

The temperature requirement depends on the items that you want to transport. For perishable items like flowers and fruits, chiller vans suit best as they can maintain 0–5 degrees Celsius. If you want to transport highly perishable items like meat, ice cream, or medicines, full-freezer vans are an ideal choice, as they can easily maintain a sub-zero temperature of -18–0 degrees Celsius.

3) Location of Delivery

When choosing a refrigerated vehicle, you should also consider the delivery location. If you’re delivering goods over long distances or over a large area, an insulated van or semi-freezer van may be more cost-effective because they offer greater insulation and better refrigeration management.

4) Budget:

When choosing a refrigerated vehicle, you also need to consider your budget. Budgets for various types of trucks may vary depending on the model and features provided. However, investing in a quality refrigerated van is critical to ensuring that your goods arrive safely and on time.

Tips to use the maximum truck load:

After choosing the reefer truck or van, you need to carefully follow a few steps to ensure space is utilized efficiently.

Keep monitoring the temperature frequently to make sure the goods are stored at optimal temperatures from departure to arrival. Temperature-controlling instruments and systems need to be inspected, and a contingency plan should be in place if the primary system fails. Keep on inspecting the reefer at regular intervals—not just the cooling system, but fans, pumps, and switches—to make sure every functionality is working for the system.

To prevent sunlight and warmth from entering the reefer, use insulated panels or covers, as well as reflective materials such as aluminum foil, to deflect any heat that does penetrate. When loading your refrigerated vehicle, keep the type of goods you’re carrying in mind so that you can arrange them neatly. This will help keep your goods organized throughout transit and provide optimal temperature management. When transporting your goods, use appropriate packaging materials, such as insulated boxes and containers. This can reduce any damage during shipment and keep your goods at the proper temperature.

Choosing the appropriate type of refrigerated vehicle for your needs is critical for the safe and successful delivery of perishable commodities. Other issues to consider are temperature control, budgeting, and suitable loading practices.

How Zorka Transport Can Assist You:

Zorka Transport is the industry’s leading supplier of transport refrigeration equipment, offering professional solutions to businesses for over 30 years. We provide a diverse selection of refrigerated trucks, including vans, trucks, reefers, and other options, to guarantee that you find the ideal vehicle for your needs. If you want dependable transport refrigeration solutions, look no further than Zorka Transport.

Conclusion:

When it comes to carrying perishable goods, having the correct refrigerated vehicle might mean the difference. Choosing the correct truck and following key suggestions for maximizing its utilization are vital for successful and safe transportation. Zorka Transport understands your demands and has developed a variety of dependable solutions to address them. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with your refrigerated transportation needs.

Types of Refrigerated Vans—FAQs

How do you transport food safely?

Transporting food items over long distances can be a challenge if the right temperature is not maintained. To make sure food is fresh at delivery, refrigerated vehicles can be used where the temperature inside the container is controlled and food remains safe from external factors like heat and dust.

Are there different types of cooling trucks?

There are multiple options available with refrigeration vehicles, like semi-freezing vans, in which heavy insulation is used to maintain temperature. Chiller vans are there to ensure low temperatures, close to 0–5 degrees Celsius. Lastly, there are full-freezer trucks available to maintain an extremely low temperature for highly perishable items like meat, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals.

How do you make your truck a cold storage truck?

Insulation is the first step to ensure heat cannot enter the interior and light does not affect the products. Aluminum or any reflective metal can be used to reflect the sunlight back. A good cooling unit should be installed to maintain the required temperature inside the van. If you don’t want to go through the hassle, you can simply hire Zorka Transport to handle your cold freight needs.

How do you differentiate between a reefer truck and a reefer container?

A reefer container is a temperature-controlled container used to store different products that are temperature-sensitive. On the other hand, reefer trucks are refrigerated trucks used to transport products that are temperature-sensitive. A cooling system is installed to maintain the temperature inside the truck. Reefer containers can also be transported on reefer trucks.

What is a freezer van?

A freezer van is the most equipped reefer van, with an advanced temperature-controlled system that maintains it at -18–0 degrees Celsius. These specialized vans are ideal to transport multiple food items, like sea food, meat, and dairy products, that cannot be transported without maintaining optimal temperature. These highly perishable items, especially sea food items, which stay outside the ocean before reaching any shipping facility, required urgency and freezing temperatures to ensure products didn’t get spoiled before reaching the end market. Items like sea food require special attention, and an inexperienced company or poor supply chain network can result in compromising the quality of the delivered goods. With vast experience in reefer trucking, Zorka Transport can manage temperature- and time-sensitive products with great efficiency.

Streamline your shipping

The most critical task is to streamline your shipping process. When transporting fresh products rather than frozen ones, there is less time before they spoil. According to FSR Magazine, transporters take 10–24 hours to deliver cold chain food to a store from the manufacturing or storage site. Given the sensitivity of seafood, avoiding delays by unitizing the product and handling other delivery logistics helps preserve it.

Limit Exposure to Heat

You need to make sure a minimum amount of time is taken from taking sea food from the ocean to the reefer container. More exposure to heat has an indirect effect on the freshness of the food. Even a slight increase in temperature during transit can reduce the shelf life of the product. To counter these issues, it is vital to protect the product from exposure to sunlight and heat during movement and loading onto reefer trucks. Whenever the product is going to change hands, either loading in containers or dropping off at retailers, the protection of the cold environment will not be there. So, minimizing exposure and sharp handling can help retain the shelf life and freshness of the products.

Refrigerate Appropriately

In order to keep seafood fresh during shipping to a local market, it must be correctly refrigerated. Doing it correctly is essential due to the fact that seafood consists of different types and sizes of sea life, such as lobsters, crabs, fish, and other creatures. Their irregular shapes and weights make it difficult to cool them, as delivery individuals have to follow certain protocols to maintain their freshness. This includes following steps such as choosing boxes that limit air in the packages and making sure they remove excess air from certain packages. Dry ice becomes essential as it acts as a refrigerant, keeping the seafood fresh and cool during transport. That is why insulated and refrigerated transport becomes an important tool. Contact ZORKA Transportation Company, one of the top refrigerated truck manufacturers, for further inquiries on the expansive refrigeration-related vehicle deals.

Reliability is the key element that every retailer is concerned about when partnering up with any reefer trucking company. Time management and timely delivery of goods are important elements for retaining customers. When the delivery of fresh vegetables and fruits is in question, the integrity of the delivered product takes precedence. Retailers and distributors expect fresh vegetables and food products to expand their business and retain loyal customers. If your transportation company promises to uphold all points mentioned above and their reputation is vetted by other businesses, then partnering up with such a company is a big step forward in the growth of the company. When delivering fresh food products, a few things should be kept in mind. All the products are in compliance with the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act rule on the sanitary transportation of human and animal food. Reefer Company knows how to handle fresh products, how to store them, and what temperature is optimal for transportation. These requirements are specifically designed for food transportation trucks, which must be thoroughly cleaned before storing any food and be able to maintain the proper temperature. All carrier workers must have FDA training in hygienic practices, which must be documented.

Second, give only the best vegetables. Just like a customer looks for the best-looking veggies at the grocery store, you should do the same when choosing which vegetables to convey. They should be underripe and devoid of injury or bruising.

The next step is to pack your vegetables for delivery. Some veggies are delivered in wooden or plastic boxes, while others are wrapped in plastic bags. The most critical consideration when packaging veggies is to ensure that they remain at a safe temperature in transit to avoid contamination. Tomatoes and green vegetables are particularly vulnerable to microbial infection. Bacteria flourish at temperatures ranging from 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit; thus, vegetables should be kept cool during storage and transit. All vegetables should be packaged in a way that allows for adequate air circulation and never come into contact with the bed of the vehicle.

The last step before delivering the vegetables to distributors is the health check of the vehicles. Make sure the reefer truck is in optimal condition and is used for the transportation of food and vegetables. This check will help in stopping cross-contamination. The cooling system needs to be inspected to make sure the vehicle is sanitized and in perfect condition. If you want to avail services that provide all the above-mentioned precautions, look no further than Zorka Transport. Our reefer trucks and vans are sanitized after every shipment, and cooling systems are inspected on a regular basis. We specialize in delivering perishable products to their destination without compromising the integrity of the products. Contact our team now and get our help in expanding your business.

What should I look for when buying a truck? The correct refrigerated vehicle is essential for transporting perishable commodities. Choosing the right vehicle ensures that things arrive in excellent condition. If you need assistance selecting the perfect truck for your needs, we’ve created a useful list below to help you pick the right truck:

Your requirements: Consider the truck’s size, temperature controls, and the commodities you’re hauling. Whether it’s dairy items that demand lower temperatures or fresh produce that requires gentler conditions, make your selection accordingly.

Research Brands and Models: There are numerous truck manufacturers, each with its own distinct set of attributes. Conduct extensive research, read reviews, and request recommendations. Remember, this truck represents a substantial corporate investment.

The refrigerator unit is most important. The effectiveness of a truck’s refrigeration unit takes precedence over its aesthetics. Ensure it is of excellent quality, dependable, and maintains regular temperatures, particularly under extreme conditions.

Fuel efficiency is a long-term investment. With rising gasoline prices, an efficient model can provide long-term savings. Sometimes a higher initial investment yields more future savings.

Budget wisely: Having a defined budget helps with decision-making. However, flexibility can be beneficial, especially if a little higher investment delivers greater dependability.