Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall Truck Accidents Articles
Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm
A reefer truck is a specialized refrigerated trailer transporting perishable and temperature-sensitive goods. These refrigerated trailers are attached to semi-trucks to fulfill logistics requirements.
Reefer trucks are not limited to cooling needs; they also serve transport requirements for heated goods. The temperature of a reefer truck can vary from subzero up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the goods in the refrigerated truck.
While reefer trucks serve a vital niche in the transport sector, there are some risks. In the event of an accident, the goods or components of the truck can be extremely dangerous.
If you’ve sustained an injury in a crash involving a negligent reefer truck driver accident, consult a trusted truck accident attorney.
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The reefer trailer contains an advanced temperature control system. The temperature control system contains the following elements:
The compressor circulates the refrigerant, which absorbs heat from inside the trailer and keeps the temperatures cool. The condenser then releases heated air outside the trailer, maintaining constant internal temperatures set by the thermostat.
Insulation is also a crucial component of a reefer trailer. The refrigerated truck has foam insulation that creates an airtight seal to maintain a constant temperature.
Cooling in reefer trucks is achieved through different methods, including:
A reefer trailer has an expansion valve that regulates the refrigerant flow throughout the system. During the regulation of the flow of the refrigerant, molecules expand, resulting in low pressure on the cold liquid.
An evaporator in the truck’s cargo section also converts cold liquid into low-temperature, low-pressure gas.
Modern reefer trailers have advanced monitoring and control systems. The control system lets drivers and users remotely monitor humidity levels, temperature, and other vital parameters in real time.
Users also receive notifications if there are deviations from set parameters, allowing immediate corrections to protect the cargo. Frequent monitoring can mitigate consequential losses in case of a truck accident.
Apart from the refrigeration unit, the dry van and reefer trailer look nearly identical. The main difference between them is temperature control. Another crucial difference between dry vans and reefer trailers is the goods they transport.
Dry vans suit non-perishable items like office supplies, clothing, furniture, and paletted materials. Reefer trailers transport temperature-sensitive items like dairy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, frozen goods, and hazardous materials.
A reefer trailer transports temperature-sensitive goods on the road. Reefer containers can transport goods by road, sea, and rail, providing the same temperature-controlled environment as reefer trailers.
The reefer containers are crucial for shipping delicate products that may go bad in dry containers. Similar to reefer trailers, containers have an evaporator, condenser, and a set of interior fans.
Unlike reefer trailers, containers are 20 to 40 feet long, which makes them easy to transport off intermodal chassis.
Although the size of reefer trucks can vary, standard-sized refrigerated trucks share several dimensions.
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Reefer trucks are suitable for any type of cargo that is prone to damage due to temperature variations.
Here’s a list of cargo ideal for transporting in reefer trucks:
Since each product has unique specifications, professional drivers must adhere to cargo specifications as listed in the bill of landing by the broker.
A fully loaded reefer truck can weigh up to 65,000 pounds, which explains the severe injuries that can result when a crash occurs. A victim of a reefer trailer accident deserves compensation for injury-related losses from the negligent driver.
More importantly, working with an experienced attorney from Parnall Law can often increase the chances of obtaining a fair settlement for your losses. Contact us online or at (505) 268-6500 for a free consultation.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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