Reefer Trailers Facts, Temperatures, Popularity, and More

At KEEP LOADINGS, we’re passionate about keeping America’s supply chain moving smoothly. As a leading truck dispatching company in the USA, we specialize in connecting shippers with reliable carriers, including those operating reefer trailers. These refrigerated trailers are the backbone of cold chain logistics, ensuring perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive items reach their destinations fresh and safe. In this blog, we dive into the world of reefer trailers, covering essential facts, temperature ranges, their popularity, and their prevalence across the United States.

Reefer Trailer Facts:

• Advanced Cooling Systems: Unlike standard dry vans, reefer trailers are equipped with active cooling systems powered by diesel generators or cryogenic cooling methods. These systems maintain precise temperatures, ensuring cargo like fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pharmaceuticals remains in optimal condition.
• Insulation for Efficiency: Reefer trailers feature insulated walls, floors, and ceilings made of materials like polyurethane foam or metal to prevent heat exchange with the external environment. This insulation ensures consistent temperatures, even in extreme weather conditions.
• Key Components: A reefer trailer’s refrigeration unit (TRU) consists of three main parts: a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The compressor, powered by a small diesel engine, compresses gaseous refrigerant to initiate the cooling process. The condenser facilitates heat exchange, while the evaporator redistributes cold air throughout the trailer.
• Versatility in Cargo: Beyond food, reefer trailers transport pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, and even artwork, which require specific temperature and humidity controls to prevent damage. Some trailers feature multiple temperature zones, allowing different types of cargo to be transported simultaneously.
• Compliance with Regulations: Reefer trailers must adhere to strict regulations, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which mandates proper temperature control and documentation to ensure food safety and prevent contamination. Real-time temperature monitoring systems help drivers and fleet managers stay compliant.

At KEEP LOADINGS, we ensure our carriers use well-maintained reefer trailers equipped with the latest technology to deliver your goods safely and on time.

• Standard Reefer Trailers: Most reefer trailers can maintain temperatures between -20°F (-29°C) and 70°F (21°C). This range accommodates a wide variety of goods, from frozen foods to fresh produce and beverages.
• Specialized Units: For highly sensitive cargo, such as certain pharmaceuticals or vaccines, specialized reefer trailers can reach temperatures as low as -85°F (-65°C). Cryogenic reefers, using liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide, can even achieve temperatures down to -150°C for critical medical supplies.
• Heated Transport: Reefer trailers aren’t just for cooling. In colder climates, they can act as heaters to maintain temperatures above freezing, protecting goods like electronics, chemicals, or alcohol from damage. This flexibility makes reefers ideal for year-round transport.
• Precise Control: Modern reefer trailers are equipped with advanced temperature monitoring systems, including digital thermostats and sensors. These systems provide real-time data and alerts if temperatures deviate from the set range, ensuring cargo integrity throughout transit.

With KEEP LOADINGS, we prioritize matching your cargo with carriers who can maintain the exact temperature requirements, ensuring your goods arrive in perfect condition.

• Critical for Food Supply: Reefer trailers transport approximately 70% of the food consumed in the United States, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and frozen goods. This makes them indispensable for grocery stores, restaurants, and food distribution centers.
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Needs: The rise in demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines and blood products, has boosted the need for refrigerated transport. About 10% of medical items require strict temperature control to maintain efficacy.
• Year-Round Demand: Unlike other freight sectors that experience seasonal fluctuations, refrigerated transportation remains in consistent demand. Essential goods like food and medicine are needed regardless of the season, providing stability for carriers.
• Global Reach: The cold chain has become a global phenomenon, enabling developing countries to export perishable goods and receive life-saving medical supplies. In the U.S., the reefer truck market is expected to grow by over 4% between 2023 and 2028, driven by agriculture and pharmaceutical needs.
• Higher Revenue Potential: Reefer freight often commands higher shipping rates due to the specialized equipment and expertise required. This makes it an attractive option for carriers and a reliable choice for shippers.

At KEEP LOADINGS, we recognize the importance of refrigerated transportation and work tirelessly to connect shippers with top-tier reefer carriers to meet this growing demand.

• Estimated Fleet Size: Approximately 500,000 reefer trailers are actively operating in the United States, contributing to the cold chain logistics network. This number is part of the roughly 4 million refrigerated vehicles worldwide.
• Common Trailer Sizes: Reefer trailers come in various sizes, with the 53-foot trailer being the industry standard for long-haul transport. Other common sizes include 28-foot and 48-foot trailers, which cater to different shipping needs. These trailers typically carry 42,000–44,000 pounds of cargo, slightly less than dry vans due to the weight of refrigeration units.
• Industry Impact: Reefer trailers are critical for maintaining the integrity of perishable goods, reducing spoilage, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Their widespread use supports industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, making them a vital component of the U.S. economy.

KEEP LOADINGS partners with a vast network of carriers operating reefer trailers, ensuring we can meet your transportation needs, whether you’re shipping locally or across the country.

Why Choose KEEP LOADINGS for Your Reefer Transportation Needs?

At KEEP LOADINGS, we understand the complexities of refrigerated transportation. Our expertise in truck dispatching ensures your perishable goods are handled with care and delivered on time. Here’s why we’re the right choice:

• Expert Carrier Selection: We carefully vet carriers to ensure they use well-maintained reefer trailers with advanced temperature control and monitoring systems.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Our strong industry connections allow us to secure competitive pricing, saving you money on reefer freight.
• Real-Time Monitoring: We work with carriers who use state-of-the-art technology to track temperature and location, ensuring compliance and cargo safety.
• Nationwide Coverage: With access to a vast network of reefer trailers across the USA, we can handle shipments of any size, anywhere.

Whether you’re transporting fresh produce, frozen foods, or pharmaceuticals, KEEP LOADINGS is your trusted partner for seamless, reliable reefer transportation.