When it comes to transporting perishable goods, you can’t just toss them in a regular truck and hope for the best.
Refrigerated trucks (also called “reefers”) — the name comes from refrigerator, and yes, they basically do what your kitchen fridge does, just on a much bigger scale (and on wheels).
These trucks use built-in refrigeration units that can keep temperatures anywhere from just above freezing to deep freeze, depending on the cargo.
From fresh produce to frozen seafood or even sensitive pharmaceuticals, reefers make sure your goods arrive in tip-top shape—rain or shine.
Some advanced models even feature multiple temperature zones, so you can haul ice cream and lettuce in the same trip without drama.
Picking the right truck isn’t as simple as it sounds. From compact van-style reefers to full-size semi-trailers, each type has its own perks, depending on cargo, distance, and delivery schedule.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types, their uses, and what makes each one tick—so your goods stay as cool as you are.
Types of Refrigerated Trucks
Chiller trucks, frozen trucks, fridges for trucks, diesel refrigerators, refrigerated truck trailers, tractor fridges, etc. there are various names for them, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep goods cool during transport.
There are several types of refrigerated trucks, each with its unique benefits. These include:
1- Walk-in Refrigerator Truck
A walk-in refrigerator truck is a refrigerated truck that has a built-in walk-in cooler or freezer. This type of truck has a large refrigerated compartment accessed through a set of doors at the back of the truck.
The compartment is big enough to walk into, which makes it easy to load and unload large items.
These trucks are typically used by businesses transporting perishable goods, such as food or flowers.
The walk-in fridge allows businesses to keep their products at a consistent temperature, ensuring they will not spoil during transport.
These can also store products that need to be kept cold but do not require refrigeration, such as ice cream or beer. These are an essential part of the food industry, and can be found in many different sizes and configurations to meet the needs of any business.
2- Reefer Truck
Another type of refrigerated truck is the reefer truck. This type of truck has a refrigerated compartment accessed through a small door on the side of the truck.
The reefer truck is smaller than the walk-in refrigerator truck. These trucks are outfitted with special cooling units that keep the cargo at a specific temperature, preventing it from spoiling during transport.
Reefer trucks are commonly used to ship food, other perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive goods.
In recent years, reefer trucks have become increasingly popular for transporting fresh produce, allowing farmers to get their products to market quickly and without damage.
Reefer trucks are also used to ship flowers, other plants, and live animals.
With the help of these trucks, farmers and producers can get their products to customers quickly and safely, ensuring that they arrive in perfect condition.
3- Van-Type Refrigerated Truck
The van-type refrigerated truck is the smallest type, but it can transport a significant amount of goods.
A refrigeration vehicle like this is used to transport perishable goods long or short distances without damaging them during transportation.
These are further categorized as:
Full-Freezer Vans are the heavyweights of the refrigerated truck world.
With the thickest heat-resistant walls and doors, they’re basically the armored tanks of frozen transport, keeping the sun’s heat at bay while your ice cream or seafood stays rock solid.
If you need serious freezing power, this is your go-to ride.
Semi-Freezer Vans strike a clever balance between insulation and cooling muscle.
With walls about 75 millimeters thick and higher refrigeration capacity, they handle frozen goods with ease.
Quick-defrost features mean no waiting around for a thaw—perfect for businesses that need efficiency without compromising on frozen perfection.
Chiller Conversion Vans and Insulation Vans cater to the “cool, but not frozen” crowd.
Chiller vans pump in cold air and keep heat out, ideal for florists or beverage companies.
Insulation vans, on the other hand, are the stealth coolers: no active refrigeration, just clever 50-millimeter foam insulation that keeps your cargo chill as it battles the outside heat.
They’re perfect for longer hauls of perishable—but not frostbitten—goods.
How are Refrigerated Trucks Powered?
Refrigerated trucks—those trusty “reefers” you see buzzing down highways—are basically mobile freezers or coolers on wheels.
They get their chill either from an electric motor running the compressor or a diesel engine powering both the truck and the cooling system.
The compressor cools the air and circulates it throughout the cargo box, maintaining a consistent temperature for whatever is inside.
How cold can a refrigerator truck get?
Inside, the truck is split into two main zones: the cab, where the driver navigates, and the box, where the magic happens.
Temperatures can be set anywhere from just above freezing to a bone-chilling -40°F.
No matter how hot it gets outside, the reefer unit—usually a conspicuous green box on a white truck—keeps the interior consistently frosty.
With the right setup, a refrigerated truck can also function as a freezer unit. These specialized cooling systems ensure the cargo stays at a fixed low temperature throughout the journey, even on long hauls under blazing sun.
In short, refrigerated trucks are more than just vehicles—they’re temperature-controlled guardians of perishable goods, blending mechanical muscle with precision cooling.
They make sure your cargo arrives fresh, consistent, and ready for action.
What’s the Benefit of Transporting with a Cold Storage Unit?
If you’ve ever wondered how fresh produce, flowers, or even medicines make it to their destination without losing their charm, the answer is simple: cold storage units inside refrigerated trucks.
These “reefers” don’t just keep things cool—they keep them safe, fresh, and ready for use, no matter what the weather throws at them.
Here’s why using a cold storage unit can make a world of difference:
Extended shelf life: Perishable items stay fresh for longer, letting you transport goods over long distances without worrying about spoilage.
Consistent temperature: Rain, shine, or scorching heat, the reefer keeps the interior at just the right temperature.
Flexible sizing: From small loads to full cargo, there’s a truck size to fit your needs.
Versatility: These trucks can carry both perishable and non-perishable items.
Dual power options: The cooler box can be powered by an electric motor or a diesel engine, depending on your setup.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Shipping with a Truck Reefer Container?
Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and refrigerated trucks come with a few trade-offs you should know about.
While they do an amazing job of keeping goods fresh, there are some challenges compared to traditional trucks:
Higher cost: Reefer trucks are pricier to buy or lease than standard trucks.
More maintenance: The cooling system and insulation require extra care to keep everything running smoothly.
Handling complexity: Driving and operating a reefer can be a bit trickier, especially for those new to temperature-controlled transport.
Despite these drawbacks, the benefits—like extending shelf life, consistent temperature control, and reliable transport—usually outweigh the downsides.
In many cases, a refrigerated truck is less of an expense and more of a smart investment for keeping your cargo in top shape.
What Should I Look for In A Refrigerated Truck – How Much Does It Generally Cost?
Buying a refrigerated truck for your business isn’t just about picking a vehicle with a freezer box—it’s about finding the right partner for keeping your goods fresh and your operations smooth.
Here’s what to consider before making the investment:
- Truck size: How much cargo do you need to transport? Small vans are great for local deliveries, while larger reefers handle full loads over longer distances.
- Cooling system type: Different products require different temperatures, so choose a system that matches your cargo’s needs.
- Power source: Decide whether an electric or diesel-powered truck makes more sense for your routes and efficiency goals.
- Price: Compare suppliers to find the best deal without cutting corners on quality.
- Warranty: Always check what’s covered—it can save headaches down the road.
As for cost, refrigerated trucks vary widely. Smaller models can start around $30,000, while larger trucks with advanced features can top $100,000.
Sure, it’s a significant investment, but considering the control, reliability, and extended shelf life they offer, a reefer is often worth every penny.
Once you’ve figured out the size, cooling system, and budget, the next step is choosing the right manufacturer.
There are several refrigerated truck makers around the world, but in the U.S., some of the most popular and trusted brands include Carrier, Thermo King, and Great Dane.
Other notable names in the industry include Prime Inc., KLLM Transport Services, Swift Refrigerated, and more.
Each brand has its own specialties, features, and service networks, so it pays to do a bit of homework before making a purchase.
After all, a refrigerated truck is more than just a vehicle—it’s a long-term partner in keeping your cargo fresh, reliable, and ready for delivery.