What to Know About Reefer Trailers?

Over the years, there have been different developments in trailer construction and styles. One of the most prominent types of trailers is a reefer trailer.

These trailers have their own unique features that make them ideal for job-specific purposes, such as transporting foodstuff or frozen seafood.

However, many questions remain unanswered about reefers that could benefit professional truck drivers and others interested in using a reefer trailer to get their jobs done. Here are the top three questions about reefers that are sure to be asked by any future truck-driving applicants.

What is a Reefer Trailer?

A reefer trailer is a refrigerated truck-mounted trailer that keeps the temperature of its contents at an optimal level for transportation. These trailers are specifically designed for transporting temperature-sensitive goods such as perishable food or milk.

The primary parts of a reefer truck are the reefer unit, an insulated container, the reefer air chute, the tire inflation system, and the air ride suspension. The engine, compressor, condenser, and evaporator are also crucial elements of a reefer unit. Reefers are normally 53 feet long; however, they come in a range of sizes.

Truckers typically invest in reefer trailers to prevent product spoiling in their shipments. As such, reefer trailers offer both manufacturers and retailers an efficient method for transporting perishable products in a cost-effective manner.

The History of Reefer

Reefer trailers were first introduced in the early 1900s. At first, these trucks were used to transport meat from farms to processing plants without spoiling them. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that refrigerated trucks became widely used in commercial applications. Since then, technology has been continuously developed and refined. This is largely due to advancements in technology, particularly improvements in compressors and engines.

Today, refrigerated trucks and trailers are used not only for transporting food and other perishable goods but also for a variety of other applications such as ship transportation and air cargo.

The Vital Role of Refrigerated Trailers

It's no secret that reefer trucks and trailers are a vital part of the food supply chain. Without them, we wouldn't be able to transport temperature-sensitive goods like dairy, meat, and produce. But what you may not know is that reefers aren't just for food. These days, refrigerated trailers are also used for transporting vaccines, pharmaceuticals, blood products, and other medical supplies that need to be kept at specific temperatures.

The following are just a few of the many industries that rely on refrigerated trailers and trucks.

Wrapping Up

Reefer trailers play an important role in many different industries. They help companies move perishable goods quickly and efficiently, which is important in an era when consumers demand fresh produce on a year-round basis.

Hopefully, we were able to provide you with detailed information about what you should know about reefer trailers. If you have any questions or inquiries, feel free to contact us.