Understanding Reefer Trailers and How They Work

Have you ever wondered how fresh produce, dairy products, medicine, and other perishable goods maintain their quality while being transported long distances?

The answer lies in the advanced technology of reefer trailers. 

What Are Reefer Trailers?

Reefer trailers are refrigerated trailers used to transport goods that need to be kept cool or frozen. These trailers play a crucial role in the supply chain, helping get temperature-sensitive goods to their final destination in perfect condition.

Unlike regular dry van trailers, reefer trailers are specially designed for cooling purposes. They are fully insulated to minimize temperature fluctuations, keeping the contents at a specific temperature. The trailer is built with advanced materials that help prevent heat from entering and cool air from escaping, making it suitable for carrying perishable cargo over long distances.

How Reefer Trailer Cooling Systems Work

The cooling system is what makes it possible to transport perishable items over long distances without spoilage.

Here’s how the cooling system functions to keep the goods at the right temperature:

• Refrigeration Unit: At the core of the reefer trailer is the refrigeration unit, which cools the air inside the trailer. This unit is powered by a diesel engine, allowing it to run independently of the truck’s main engine.
• Air Distribution: To ensure even cooling, an air chute is installed inside the trailer. This chute directs cold air from the refrigeration unit throughout the entire trailer, from front to back, making sure all parts of the cargo receive the necessary cooling. This helps prevent hotspots so that everything remains at the specific temperature needed.
• Temperature Modes: Some reefer trailers use a feature called cycle sentry. This setting allows the refrigeration unit to cycle on and off as needed to maintain the correct temperature while conserving fuel. The reefer driver must keep an eye on this system to ensure it works properly.
• Insulation and Temperature Monitoring: The trailer’s insulation is key to keeping the cold inside and the warm air out, enhancing thermal efficiency. Many modern reefer trailers also use real-time temperature monitoring systems, providing alerts to the driver if there are any temperature changes that could risk the cargo’s condition.

Types of Goods Transported by Reefer Trailers

Reefer trailers are used to carry many types of perishable items that need to be kept at a specific temperature to stay fresh and safe.

These items include:

• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items need to be kept cool to prevent spoilage. Even a slight increase in temperature can affect the quality of dairy products, causing them to sour or lose freshness.
• Fresh Produce: Fruits and vegetables are sensitive to changes in temperature and can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Maintaining the right temperature helps ensure that produce like apples, lettuce, and berries remain fresh until they reach the market.
• Meats and Seafood: Perishable products such as meats, poultry, and seafood require a proper temperature to stay safe for consumption. If these items are not kept cold enough, bacteria can grow, leading to spoilage and health risks.
• Frozen Foods: Frozen vegetables, ready-to-eat meals, and ice cream need to stay frozen to maintain their quality. If the temperature rises above freezing, these items can thaw, losing texture and freshness, or even becoming unsafe to eat.
• Pharmaceutical Products: Medicines, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive goods need precise temperature control to remain effective. Exposure to improper temperatures can reduce their potency and make them unsafe or less effective.
• Flowers and Plants: Flowers must be kept cool to stay fresh and avoid wilting. If flowers are exposed to high temperatures, they can quickly become damaged, losing their vibrant appearance.
• Cosmetic Products: Certain beauty products like lotions, creams, and other cosmetics can be affected by extreme heat, which may cause separation of ingredients or spoilage, leading to a decline in quality.
• Beverages: Certain drinks, like juice, soda, and even some alcoholic beverages, need to be kept at cooler temperatures to maintain their quality and taste. Warm temperatures can cause spoilage or change the taste of these beverages.

Benefits of Using Reefer Trailers

Using reefer trailers has many benefits, especially when compared to using a dry van for temperature-sensitive goods. The most obvious benefit is that reefer trailers can keep goods at the specific temperature they need to stay fresh. Whether it’s cold or frozen, the reefer container keeps the cargo safe during the entire trip.

Newer reefer trailers even include zero-emission refrigeration trailers, which are better for the environment. These trailers use new technology to keep the goods cold without releasing harmful emissions. This helps the trucking industry reduce its impact on the environment.

Another benefit of using reefer trailers is that they are built to protect cargo during long trips. Features like air ride suspension help make sure that even delicate items are protected while being moved from distribution centers to their final destination.

Reefer Maintenance and Challenges

Keeping a reefer trailer working well means taking care of it regularly. Regular maintenance is needed to make sure the refrigeration system stays in good shape and keeps the trailer at the correct temperature. If the system breaks down, the cargo can spoil quickly.

Another challenge is keeping the trailer temperature stable when the rear doors are opened. Whenever the doors are opened, warm air can get inside, which makes it harder to keep a consistent temperature. Reefer drivers need to be careful when they open the rear door to make sure the cold air stays inside.

To help with this, many modern reefer trailers use real-time temperature monitoring. This helps the driver keep track of the trailer temperature and make adjustments if needed to keep the cargo in good condition.

The Shipping Process of a Reefer Truck: Step-by-Step

1. Booking and Planning: The shipment is booked, and the logistics team plans the route based on the cargo details and delivery requirements. Factors like distance, road conditions, reefer temperature requirement, and cargo type are all taken into consideration.
2. Pre-Trip Inspection: Before the journey begins, the reefer driver conducts a thorough inspection of the reefer trailer and refrigeration unit. This includes checking for any issues with the cooling system, ensuring the diesel engine is functioning properly, and verifying that the air chute is in good condition to circulate cool air effectively.
3. Loading the Cargo: Goods are carefully loaded into the trailer and the shipping facility, ensuring efficient air circulation, and the rear doors are closed quickly.
4. Temperature Monitoring: During transport, the reefer driver monitors the trailer temperature to make sure it remains at the desired level. Many trailers have real-time temperature monitoring systems that alert the driver if there are any changes.
5. In-Transit Checkpoints: On long journeys, drivers may need to stop for fuel or rest. At each stop, they check the reefer trailer to ensure that the cooling system is still working properly and that the specific temperature is maintained.
6. Arrival at Destination: Once the reefer trailer reaches the destination, the cargo is inspected to confirm that it has been kept at the right temperature throughout the journey. The goods are unloaded carefully to prevent any damage, and any temperature-sensitive cargo is moved to storage facilities that can maintain the needed conditions.
7. Post-Trip Inspection: After delivery, the driver performs a post-trip inspection of the reefer trailer. This includes checking the refrigeration system and ensuring that the reefer unit is ready for the next shipment.

Shipping With Mercer: Reliable Solutions Beyond Just Reefer Trucks

At Mercer Transportation, we understand the importance of safely moving temperature-sensitive goods. While our fleet includes a select number of reefer trucks, we also offer an extensive range of transportation solutions to meet various shipping needs.

At Mercer, we specialize in a wide range of freight services, including flatbed, step deck, and dry van trucking, all backed by our experienced network of owner-operators. We have built a strong reputation for providing dependable, efficient, and safe transportation solutions. Whether you need to move oversized loads, heavy machinery, or other specialized freight, our team is dedicated to delivering your cargo on time and in perfect condition.

If you have perishable goods or any other cargo to move, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s with a reefer truck or another type of specialized trailer, we’ll work with you to find the best way to meet your needs.