What Is a Reefer Trailer?

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.

How Reefer Trailers Work?

The reefer trailer contains an advanced temperature control system. The temperature control system contains the following elements:

• Compressor
• Condenser
• Evaporator
• Thermostat

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 diesel-powered generator attached to the reefer trailer
• Cryogenic cooling melts frozen carbon dioxide ice to maintain cool temperatures

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.

Monitoring and Control of Reefer Trucks

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.

Reefer Trailer vs. Dry Van

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.

Reefer Containers Vs. Reefer Trailers

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.

How Big Are Reefer Trucks?

Although the size of reefer trucks can vary, standard-sized refrigerated trucks share several dimensions.

• What is the standard length of a reefer trailer? It is 48 to 53 feet long.
• What is the width of a reefer trailer? A standard reefer trailer is approximately 8 feet and 6 inches long, and its internal dimensions are 8 feet and 1.5 inches.
• What is the height of a reefer trailer? A standard reefer trailer measures 13 feet and 6 inches high and is suspended on a 46.5-inch fifth wheel. The typical height of a reefer trailer is about 8 feet and 7 inches, plus a door height of 9 feet and 2 inches.
• What is the weight of a reefer trailer? The standard weight of a reefer trailer, including tires and wheels, is approximately 12,455 pounds. The reefer unit weighs an additional 2,000 pounds. The gross weight of reefer trailers is 65,000 pounds.

Types of Cargo in a Reefer Truck

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:

• Flowers
• Pharmaceuticals
• Technology components
• Fish, meat, and dairy products
• Cosmetics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals
• Flowers and plants
• Paint
• Artwork

Since each product has unique specifications, professional drivers must adhere to cargo specifications as listed in the bill of landing by the broker.

Get Help from a Truck Accident Lawyer

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.