Reefer
A refrigerated trailer or container used to transport temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
A reefer (short for refrigerated trailer or refrigerated container) is a temperature-controlled transportation unit used to ship perishable and temperature-sensitive goods. Reefer trailers are among the most specialized and expensive equipment in the trucking industry, with new units costing $60,000 to $90,000 or more — roughly double the cost of a standard dry van trailer.
Modern reefer units use a diesel-powered refrigeration system (the most common being Carrier and Thermo King brands) mounted on the front wall of the trailer. These self-contained units can maintain temperatures from as low as -20°F to as high as 80°F, with precise temperature control within ±2-3 degrees of the set point. The refrigeration unit can operate in cooling mode, heating mode (for protecting temperature-sensitive goods in cold weather), or defrost mode. Multi-temperature reefers use internal partitions and multiple evaporators to maintain different temperature zones within a single trailer.
Reefer operations are governed by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its Sanitary Transportation Rule, which establishes requirements for temperature monitoring, pre-cooling trailers, cleaning between loads, and maintaining temperature records. Many shippers require continuous temperature monitoring with data loggers that create an unbroken chain-of-custody temperature record from origin to destination. Temperature excursions — even brief ones — can result in load rejection and claims.
Operating costs for reefers are substantially higher than dry vans. The refrigeration unit consumes approximately 1-1.5 gallons of diesel per hour of operation, adding significant fuel costs. Maintenance requirements include regular service of the refrigeration unit (every 1,500-2,500 engine hours), annual structural inspections, and periodic calibration of temperature sensors. Despite these higher costs, reefer freight commands premium rates — often 20-40% higher than comparable dry van rates — reflecting the specialized equipment, higher operating costs, and the sensitivity of the cargo.