Transporting temperature-sensitive goods can be a real headache for logistics professionals. Fortunately, refrigerated trailers provide an ideal solution to this challenge. But what exactly is a refrigerated trailer? How does it work? How should you use it? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of refrigerated transport.
What is a Refrigerated Trailer?
A refrigerated trailer is specifically designed to transport temperature-sensitive goods. These can include perishable food items, pharmaceuticals, and other products requiring precise temperature control.
These trailers are equipped with refrigeration or heating systems to maintain the desired internal temperature, ensuring the quality and safety of the transported goods. They are widely used in the transport and logistics industry.
Types of Refrigerated Trailers
There are various types of refrigerated trailers tailored to meet specific needs in the cold chain, such as:
- Insulated Trailer: Designed to maintain a stable internal temperature without an active refrigeration system, preserving the quality of temperature-sensitive goods.
- Trailer with Refrigeration Unit: Equipped with an active refrigeration system, allowing precise temperature control and regulation, ensuring a robust cold chain for perishable products.
- 500 kg Refrigerated Trailer: This small trailer can handle up to 500 kg of load, ideal for small businesses and local deliveries of perishable goods.
- 750 kg Refrigerated Trailer: With a maximum load capacity of 750 kg, this trailer offers more storage space for delivering fresh or frozen products.
- Semi-Refrigerated Trailer: Typically used for long-distance transport, this large trailer can accommodate a significant number of pallets.
- 2-Axle Refrigerated Trailer: This trailer features two axles, providing better stability and balanced load distribution, suitable for transporting large quantities of perishable goods.
- 3-Axle Refrigerated Trailer: With three axles, this trailer offers even greater load capacity and better weight distribution, ideal for long-distance transport of large quantities of fresh or frozen products.
Dimensions of a Refrigerated Trailer
The internal dimensions of a semi-refrigerated trailer are usually about 13,700 x 2,500 x 2,750 mm (L x W x H), accommodating up to 33 pallets.
In comparison, a 500 kg refrigerated trailer has significantly smaller dimensions, approximately 1,250 x 800 x 825 mm (L x W x H), allowing the transport of around 800 litres of goods.
Types of Goods Transported in Refrigerated Trailers
Refrigerated trailers are designed to transport products that can be damaged by temperature fluctuations, whether high or low. Commonly transported goods include:
- Perishable Food Items:
- Fresh or frozen meat and fish
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Prepared meals and catering products
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products:
- Temperature-sensitive vaccines and medicines
- Sterilised medical equipment
- Biological samples and blood for laboratories
- Chemicals and Hazardous Materials:
- Temperature-sensitive chemicals
- Flammable materials requiring temperature control
- Miscellaneous Products:
- Cut flowers and live plants
- Beauty and cosmetic products
- Chocolates and confectionery
- Artwork and valuable items sensitive to humidity and temperature
Refrigerated trailers are not just for keeping things cool; they can also heat the air inside. In winter, shippers use them to protect heat-sensitive products from freezing.
How Does a Refrigerated Trailer Work?
The primary goal of a refrigerated trailer is to maintain the temperature of the products, rather than cooling them. The main components of a refrigeration system are:
- Evaporator
- Compressor - powered by the evaporator
- Small diesel engine - powering the compressor
The refrigeration process involves extracting heat from the air inside the trailer, rather than introducing cold air. Variations in air pressure create an airflow. As the air inside the trailer circulates over the evaporator, the heat is removed, and the now cooler air is redistributed throughout the trailer.
Proper Use of a Refrigerated Trailer
- Hitching:
- Ensure the parking brake of the trailer is engaged.
- Lower the trailer supports if available.
- Connect the refrigeration unit to an electrical outlet, especially for positive cold models.
- Remove the vehicle’s anti-theft device.
- Adjust the hitch head to the height of the vehicle’s trailer ball using the jockey wheel.
- Attach the emergency brake cable.
- Connect the trailer plug to the vehicle’s power supply.
- Raise the jockey wheel and supports to complete the vehicle setup.
- Loading a Refrigerated Trailer:
- Proper load distribution improves vehicle stability and transport safety.
- Place heavy, durable goods on the floor without pressing them against the compartment walls, ensuring better cold air circulation.
- Driving:
- Familiarise yourself with the vehicle's dimensions before driving with the refrigerated trailer on the road. Remember that when reversing, the trailer typically moves in the opposite direction to your car’s steering wheels.
- Unhitching:
- Park both vehicles on flat, stable ground.
- Disconnect the trailer plug.
- Lower the supports and jockey wheel until the hitch head disengages from the trailer ball.
- Engage the trailer’s parking brake.
- Install the anti-theft device.
Maintenance and Care of Refrigerated Trailers
Ensuring the safety of the driver and the transported goods requires regular maintenance and care of your refrigerated trailer. Follow these five tips to prevent problems and extend the life of your equipment.
- Cleaning:
- Frequent cleaning with hot water is recommended to maintain the trailer’s hygiene. Avoid steam cleaning, which could damage sensitive components. Remember to clean the door seals and tracks for optimal functionality.
- Daily Checks:
- Before setting off, check the locking system, electrical equipment, parking brake, and supports. These elements are crucial for safe transport.
- Weekly Inspections:
- Examine the doors and refrigeration unit weekly to detect any potential issues. A damaged seal or poorly adjusted door can compromise the cold chain and affect product quality.
- Regular Checks:
- Periodically inspect the chassis and tyres. A well-maintained chassis and properly inflated tyres contribute to the trailer’s stability and safer driving.
- Preventive Maintenance:
- Schedule regular professional inspections for thorough checks and preventive maintenance. This helps identify potential problems before they become serious and costly.
By focusing on the maintenance and care of your refrigerated trailer, you ensure road safety, as well as the quality and freshness of the goods you transport. This is a wise investment to protect your reputation and customer satisfaction.
Regulations and Standards
Complying with current regulations and standards for refrigerated trailers is crucial to ensure the safety and quality of transported goods. Here are the main regulations and standards to be aware of to remain compliant and protect your business.
ATP Standards
Refrigerated trailers must comply with ATP (Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs) standards, which define temperature and insulation quality requirements for transporting perishable products. These standards guarantee the quality and freshness of goods throughout the cold chain.
Weight and Dimension Regulations
Ensure your refrigerated trailer complies with local and national weight and dimension regulations. Limits vary by country, so it’s important to check the regulations in the areas where you operate.
Technical Inspections
Refrigerated trailers are subject to periodic technical inspections to verify compliance with safety and maintenance standards. Schedule these inspections regularly to avoid penalties and operational issues.
Driver Training
Drivers of vehicles equipped with refrigerated trailers must have the necessary skills and qualifications to drive safely. Ensure your staff are trained and informed about current regulations.
Environmental Standards
Finally, refrigerated trailers must also comply with environmental standards, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions and noise levels. Consider these standards when purchasing and maintaining your equipment.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of your refrigerated transport services, protecting both your business and the quality of the goods you deliver.
