What is a Reefer Semi Trailer?
Learn about reefer semi trailers and how to find a reefer with a 3PL like FreightCenter.
What is a Reefer Semi Trailer?
“Reefer” is a slang term for a refrigerated trailer pulled by your standard semi-tractor (truck). These trailers differ from dry vans, which are just insulated and vented. The reefer is just the trailer, making a “reefer truck,” a semi-truck pulling a refrigerated trailer, usually hauling food, medicine, or other perishable goods.
Reefer semi-trailers are an essential part of the food supply chain and are the primary method used in transporting fruits, vegetables, frozen foods, meats, flowers, medical supplies, and more. Reefers are made from aluminum or stainless steel, have insulated walls to help maintain temperature control, and allow perishable goods to be transported over long distances without spoiling.
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Why Choose FreightCenter for Reefer Semi Trailer Shipping?
Expertise in Freight Shipping: With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is dedicated to guiding you through the entire logistics process, from beginning to end. Our goal is to make freight shipping easy to understand and book. Don’t waste time researching and receiving quotes from individual carriers- FreightCenter’s got your back!
Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions: We prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need a liftgate? We got you! Want to expedite your order? Leave it to us! We’re ready to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your freight shipment.
Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers. Our friendly customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we manage your shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes!
How Does a Reefer Trailer Work?
A small engine within the unit drives the compressor. Compressors draw in gas refrigerant, compress, and liquefy the gas. The refrigerant then goes to the condenser. Condensers receive the liquid and send it through the walls of the tubing. The liquid then goes to the outside fans and the cool air. The liquid has become cool at this point. It goes inside the evaporator and turns back into gas—similar to how a radiator cools an engine.
Reefers maintain climates from -85° to 50° Fahrenheit. While sub-zero temperatures work well for meat, temperatures should remain between 32 ° and 55 ° Fahrenheit for produce. Reefers have many safety features, such as extra insulation and improved airflow, to ensure the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too often and that goods stored inside remain at their ideal temperatures.
Reefers, however, don’t keep their power forever. Eventually, they will run out of fuel. A typical refer fuel tank lasts about two to four days (or 25 to 50 hours, depending on your reefer unit) and runs on a different fuel source than typical semi-trailers. Reefers will make stops at specialized terminals along the way to refuel and allow goods to sit in a refrigerator overnight.
How a Reefer Trailer Differs from a Dry Van
Reefers and dry van trailers may seem similar, but they differ significantly in their composition and purpose.
- Reefers are specifically for refrigerated freight, while dry vans primarily carry dry goods.
- Reefers are heavily insulated to protect their contents from warm outside temperatures. In contrast, a dry van doesn’t have a refrigeration system; instead, it is heavily insulated to protect goods from outside forces, more than the typical semi-trailer.
- Dry vans typically have flat wood or metal flooring, while reefers have metal floors, which sometimes can include grooved floors. These grooved floors allow for the ventilation of perishable goods, helping to maintain consistent temperatures thanks to added airflow.
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Rail shipping is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation method that utilizes trains to move goods over long distances. It's known for its efficiency in handling large volumes of cargo, making it a sustainable and economical choice for businesses seeking reliable freight transport options.
Expedited shipping is a premium service designed to meet urgent delivery needs. It prioritizes speed and quick turnaround, ensuring that packages or goods reach their destination faster than standard shipping options. Expedited shipping is the go-to choice when time-sensitive deliveries are essential, providing businesses and individuals with reliable and prompt service for critical shipments.
White glove shipping is a premium service that goes beyond standard delivery, offering meticulous handling, specialized packaging, and in-home setup or installation for valuable or delicate items, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers.
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart logistics solution for businesses with smaller shipments. It combines multiple smaller shipments into a single truckload, optimizing space and reducing costs. LTL shipping offers affordability and efficiency while ensuring timely delivery, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to save on transportation expenses without compromising on service quality.
Preparing Your Reefer Semi Trailer Shipment
If you are shipping your items via a reefer semi-trailer, you must determine how you will package and prepare your shipment for delivery. However, how you go about it will depend on what you will be shipping. Two main commodities ship via reefers: produce and medication.
Shipping Produce on a Reefer Semi Trailer
When shipping produce, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Figure out the best temperature. Different products have different temperature requirements.
- Pack your produce carefully so it arrives with as little damage as possible. Make sure your products are at the proper temperature before packaging them.
- Avoid overcrowding the packaging and use efficient materials for all meats and produce.
- Label your shipment clearly and include special instructions for handling the produce.
These steps will ensure your crop arrives fresh and safe. Whether you’re shipping to a local market or to a grocery store, your produce will remain at a consistent temperature and without spoiling along the way.
Shipping Medication on a Reefer Semi Trailer
Many medicines must be carefully packaged and delivered, especially those that must be kept at a specific temperature. Medications and medical supplies that need to be refrigerated include:
- Blood and blood products
- Vaccines and injections like typhoid
- Organs
- Insulin
- Certain antibiotics
- Eye and ear drops
- Hydrocortisone
Temperature control is vital to these shipments, as they can spoil or become less effective if exposed to higher temperatures for too long. Reefer trailers help ensure that these supplies remain at the correct temperature during transport and can provide an oxygen-rich environment for them.
If you ship any medication via reefer, your shipment should be insulated and protected. Any liquids should be kept in a sealed container. Other types should be kept in boxes or crates, stacked on pallets, or in a mobile rack.
Finding Your Reefer
Reefer trailers are a much-needed part of the medical supplies supply chain. While many of these shipments are made regularly, they tend to stay small. LTL shipments are perfect for medical supplies. Without reefers and LTL, many lifesaving treatments would not be possible. Partnering with a 3PL is the best way to find the best carrier and lowest rate for your reefer trailer. 3PLs assist in finding the best rates and carriers and track your shipment. FreightCenter is one of your best 3PL options and can help you online or over the phone.
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FreightCenter Is Here to Help You!
Are you having trouble sending your package or have shipping questions? Let FreightCenter help!
We are experts when it comes to shipping products nationally and internationally. Our freight agents can ease you into the process to ensure a smooth ride for you and your shipment. We also offer tailored solutions for all your shipping needs and friendly customer support to solve issues post-shipment.
Use FreightCenter’s free online quote tool to begin shipping with us, or call our experts at (800) 716-7608.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reefer Semi Trailers
Q. What is a reefer semi-trailer?
A reefer semi-trailer, short for “refrigerated trailer,” is a type of truck trailer designed to transport perishable goods that need to be kept at specific temperatures. These trailers are equipped with refrigeration units to maintain controlled environments, ensuring that products like food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive items remain fresh during transit.
Q. How does a reefer semi-trailer work?
A reefer semi trailer works by using a built-in refrigeration unit that can cool or freeze the trailer’s interior. The unit is typically powered by a separate diesel engine or connected to the truck’s power source. The temperature inside the trailer can be set and maintained to suit the specific needs of the cargo, whether it’s keeping fresh produce cool or frozen goods below zero.
Q. What types of goods are transported using reefer semi-trailers?
Reefer semi-trailers are used to transport a wide range of temperature-sensitive goods, including fresh produce and dairy products, frozen foods and ice cream, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, flowers and plants, meat and seafood, and beverages that require temperature control.
Q. How do you maintain the temperature in a reefer semi trailer?
Maintaining the temperature in a reefer semi trailer involves several steps. The trailer should be pre-cooled to the required temperature before loading. Goods should be loaded in a way that allows air to circulate freely around them, and the temperature should be regularly monitored and adjusted as needed. Regular maintenance of the refrigeration unit is crucial to ensure it operates efficiently, including checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, and inspecting the overall system for any issues.
Three Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Reefer Semi Trailer Shipping
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your shipping experience.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs while offering affordable rates you can’t find anywhere else.
Friendly Customer Support
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
