Shipping freight can be tough; however, shipping temperature-sensitive goods is tougher. Refrigerated trucks transport numerous perishable commodities such as food, medication, plants, chemicals, electronics, and other items. Refrigerated shipping is an important aspect of the logistics sector since it allows grocery shops and pharmacies to send items in and out of their locations. CENEX data estimates around 100,000 refrigerated trucks in the UK, playing a crucial supply chain role in ensuring access to perishable goods.
What do you call a refrigerated truck?
A refrigerated truck is designed to transport frozen or fresh goods in a closed van. The vehicle features refrigeration units, equipment, and a freight box insulated with polyurethane for transport. The refrigerated truck could be sorted by the freight box type, chassis charrying capacity and manufacturer. They are frequently ideal for delivering frozen food, dairy products, fruit and vegetables and sometimes for moving vaccines and other items.
Refrigerated Trucks Types
Several kinds of refrigerated vans are available to meet the demands of various industries. So the primary challenge is to choose what piques your attention and is more cost-effective for your business. Failure to do so might result in an expensive blunder. You can consider the following types of refrigerated vans when making a decision.
- Insulation-only van
- Chiller conversion van
- Semi-freezer chiller van
- Full freezer conversion van
Consider a few factors, including the temperature required for your particular good, before choosing which refrigerated truck or van will be suitable. It is essential to consider if the refrigerated transport provider can keep the goods overnight.
How does refrigeration on trucks work?
If you are transporting temperature-sensitive items, you will need a container to maintain them within a safe temperature range. Some people may advise using a refrigerated truck, but how does it work? Investigating how the refrigerated truck works might reveal its genuine utility and dependability. The summary below will assist you in knowing how this utility machine operates.
Compressor
The most visible cooling component is the compressor mounted to the engine and powered by the refrigerated truck’s belt system. It operates on refrigerated gas, pressing it close together and delivering it to the condenser.
Condenser
The condenser, which is normally located on the refrigerated truck and faces the truck, collects compressed refrigerant gas and turns it into a liquid. This happens when the refrigerant flows through narrow, twisted passages that open the coolant to the outside air. The small tubes’ surface area allows maximum cooling to create a cool, liquefied refrigerant.
Evaporator
The refrigerant is then sent to the condenser, positioned within the refrigerated truck. The heat that would otherwise flow and compromise your goods departs here, sucked in by the cold refrigerant. As the liquid heats up, it condenses into gas and returns to the compressors to repeat the process.
Insulation
This cooling method would be useless if your truck lacks adequate insulation. The whole truck is often covered in a homogeneous layer of polyurethane foam, which acts as a wall between your temperature-controlled interiors and the warmth and moisture outside.
What is refrigerated transport?
Refrigerated transport involves moving perishable goods using trucks with insulated refrigerated superstructures to guarantee coolness and maintain the quality of the goods. Truckloads that require refrigeration will cost you more than typical dry van transport since they run on more fuel and maintain warmth.
The COVID-19 epidemic has impacted business in general. Many commodities saw a drop in demand when the country went into lockdown. However, food and pharmaceutical sales increased. Consequently, the market for refrigerated trailers increased when the need for those perishable goods rose. Based on increasing demand and limited supply, refrigerated transportation charges continue to grow. People immediately think of perishable foods when they consider the items requiring refrigerated freight. In reality, refrigerated or temperature-controlled shipping is required for many products, from fine art to costly chemicals and personal care items.
What are the advantages of utilising refrigerated trucks?
Millions of people are affected by food-related illnesses yearly, with thousands of casualties. Prioritising food safety is no longer an option, but a must and one of the best ways to achieve this is by using refrigerated trucks. We depend on trucks daily, and keeping refrigerated trucks at the right temperature can prevent people from acquiring food-borne sickness or disease.
Below are many of the advantages of using a refrigerated truck.
Increased shelf life
Food goods might spoil before they reach homes if temperatures are not kept low. This is when refrigerated shipping might come in handy. Refrigerated truck and van fleets allow items produced in remote locations to be delivered to marketplaces and retailers. They keep the temperature low, increasing products’ shelf life and allowing them to reach families in good condition even after some days.
Environmental protection and preservation
It is easy to notice that the use of refrigerated trucks is helping protect and preserve the environment. These trucks or vans are primarily built to prevent food deterioration and guarantee that it remains fresh as it travels to retailers and houses. By preventing food deterioration, there are fewer products to discard in landfills. Aside from that, ensuring that most produce is distributed to markets and ultimately to families for consumption is a positive indicator for the agricultural industry.
Boost health and build stronger economies
Aside from helping products maintain their freshness, a cold storage van can also help foods keep their nutrients. Consequently, consuming fresh food significantly improves your health and helps you to produce your best work. Refrigerated trucks contribute to the nation’s economic progress in the grand scheme of things. Transporting food to every part of a country successfully equals greater cash for local farmers.
Transporting perishable items to various regions of the country may appear simple. However, a closer study reveals that a significant part of the food industry’s profitability depends on the type of trucks employed and how they are used. It has become imperative for firms to collaborate with well-established and knowledgeable refrigerated truck providers to thrive and succeed in the food business.