Refrigerated trucks – All you need to know
Refrigerated trucks, also known as “reefers,” are specialized vehicles that are designed to transport perishable goods, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, under controlled temperature conditions. These trucks play a vital role in maintaining the freshness and quality of perishable goods during transportation, thereby reducing waste and preserving their value.
The primary purpose of refrigerated trucks is to keep goods at a specific temperature range, typically between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of product being transported. The temperature inside the truck is maintained through the use of a refrigeration unit that is powered by electricity or diesel fuel. The refrigeration unit circulates cool air throughout the truck’s cargo compartment to keep the temperature consistent. Some refrigerated trucks also have a temperature-controlled cabin for the driver, ensuring that they are comfortable during long journeys.
The Importance of Refrigerated Trucking
Refrigerated trucking is an essential aspect of the transportation industry, providing a vital link in the supply chain of perishable goods. These specialized vehicles play a crucial role in ensuring the freshness and quality of food, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable products during transportation.
One of the key benefits of refrigerated trucking is its ability to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. This allows suppliers to transport their goods over longer distances, reaching a wider market and reducing waste. For example, farmers can transport fresh produce from rural areas to urban centers, where there is a higher demand for fresh food. This not only increases the availability of fresh produce but also boosts the economy by providing jobs and generating revenue for local communities.
Another advantage of refrigerated trucking is that it helps to reduce food waste. In many countries, a significant amount of food is wasted due to improper storage and transportation. Refrigerated trucks ensure that perishable goods are transported under optimal temperature conditions, preserving their freshness and reducing waste. This not only benefits the environment but also saves resources and money, as less food needs to be produced to meet the demand.
In addition to its practical benefits, refrigerated trucking is also equipped with various safety features to ensure the safe transportation of goods. These trucks are equipped with sensors that monitor the temperature and ensure that it remains within the required range. If the temperature deviates from the set range, the sensors trigger an alarm, alerting the driver to the issue. This helps to prevent the contamination or spoilage of perishable goods and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
How does refrigerated truck work?
Refrigerated trucks work by using a refrigeration unit to cool the air inside the truck’s cargo compartment. This allows for the safe transportation of perishable goods, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, by maintaining a specific temperature range that is optimal for the type of product being transported.
The refrigeration unit is a self-contained system that typically operates using either electricity or diesel fuel. It circulates refrigerant through a series of coils and a compressor, which cools the air and removes heat from the cargo compartment. The cooled air is then circulated throughout the cargo compartment to keep the temperature consistent.
The temperature inside the truck is controlled by a thermostat, which sets the desired temperature and regulates the flow of refrigerant to maintain that temperature. Some refrigerated trucks also have a temperature-controlled cabin for the driver, ensuring that they are comfortable during long journeys.
In addition to the refrigeration unit, refrigerated trucks also have insulation and sealing features to minimize the amount of heat that enters the cargo compartment. This helps to maintain the desired temperature and prevent the spoilage of perishable goods.
How do refrigerated trucks stay cold?
Refrigerated trucks stay cold through the use of a refrigeration unit, which is a self-contained system that uses refrigerant to cool the air inside the truck’s cargo compartment. The refrigeration unit is powered either by electricity or diesel fuel, depending on the specific model and the type of goods being transported.
The refrigeration unit works by circulating refrigerant through a series of coils and a compressor, which cools the air and removes heat from the cargo compartment. The cooled air is then circulated throughout the cargo compartment to keep the temperature consistent. The temperature inside the truck is controlled by a thermostat, which sets the desired temperature and regulates the flow of refrigerant to maintain that temperature.
Some refrigerated trucks also have a temperature-controlled cabin for the driver, ensuring that they are comfortable during long journeys. This can help to reduce driver fatigue and improve safety on the road.
Conclusion
Refrigerated trucking is an essential component of the modern supply chain, providing a crucial link in the transportation of perishable goods. The benefits of refrigerated trucking extend beyond just the transportation of goods, and its importance cannot be overstated. By ensuring the freshness and quality of perishable goods, reducing food waste, and providing a safe and reliable transportation option, refrigerated trucking plays a vital role in the economy, the environment, and public health.
Contributed by Ms. Cecilia Dias