Refrigeration Units for Large or Small Trucks

A reefer box truck is a refrigerated vehicle that comes equipped with an integrated cooling unit and insulated cargo space. Smaller than a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, a reefer box truck is designed to transport temperature-sensitive goods by keeping them cool or frozen.

Box trucks, also called straight trucks, can range in size from 10 feet to 28 feet in length (Class 4-6), with cargo volume from about 380 cubic feet to over 1700 cubic feet.

Depending on size, refrigerated box trucks can be ideal for short to medium haul local deliveries or larger, retail deliveries.

A refrigerated van is a vehicle equipped with insulation and a cooling system, known as a reefer unit or transport refrigeration unit, to keep its cargo area at a specified temperature for transporting perishable goods.

A refrigerated van uses an integrated refrigeration unit, powered by the engine or a separate power source, to remove heat from the insulated cargo area and maintain the desired temperature.

The reefer unit includes a compressor, condenser and evaporator, which work together to circulate a refrigerant. This refrigeration cycle converts the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and back again to absorb heat from the cargo area and release it outside. Insulation and air-tighter compartments maintain temperature by preventing external heat from entering the vehicle.

Yes, a reefer van can be used as a dry van by simply not operating the refrigeration unit, allowing the vehicle to transport non-perishable goods.

A dry van is a standard, uninsulated cargo truck or trailer for hauling dry goods and does not have an integrated cooling unit. A reefer van is insulated and equipped with a refrigeration unit to transport temperature-sensitive cargo.