Refrigerated Trucks

Transwest offers quality refrigerated body (reefer) trucks from Freightliner. Shop our inventory and speak to our team today.

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About Refrigerated Trucks

Refrigerated trucks, also referred to as reefer trucks, are utilized in the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. These commercial vehicles are designed to haul large amounts of cargo, similar to standard semi-trailers. However, built within their design is the ability to keep goods at regulated temperatures, most often keeping items in a chilled state. At Transwest, we can help you as you shop for the right reefer truck for your needs and budget.

In the world of transporting goods, commercial trucks play an integral role. A specialized component of the supply chain is often referred to as the cold chain. This part of the transportation world is where goods that must be kept at a regulated temperature reside. Reefer trucks are the workhorse of the cold chain. They transport everything from fresh produce to packaged meats across state and national lines.

When choosing a reefer truck, it is crucial to have access to the best manufacturers. You need to invest in a refrigerated truck that will keep your goods at the regulated temperature. At Transwest, we are proud to offer the top inventory of reefer trucks available on the market, including trucks designed by Western Star and Freightliner.

Additionally, we pair our quality commercial vehicle inventory with a knowledgeable and helpful sales staff. Our team is trusted for transparency throughout the entire sales process. We can also assist you with financing options if needed. We look forward to helping you soon.

What is a refrigerated or reefer truck?

Embedded deeply in our country’s supply chain is the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. This cold chain is driven through the use of reefer or refrigerated trucks. Reefer trucks are designed to allow for perishables, frozen goods, or other items requiring a specific controlled temperature to be moved across long distances. A reefer truck’s purpose is to ensure that cargo is protected from the elements and kept at the necessary temperature to prevent spoilage or other damage.

Refrigerated trucks are different from a simple insulated or ventilated truck. Instead, these specialty commercial vehicles are designed with a refrigeration system that is often powered by a small-displacement diesel engine. The end result is that a refrigeration truck is capable of hauling goods across the country while keeping them cool and protected.

What is a reefer truck’s refrigeration range of temperature?

While the term “refrigeration truck” leads one to think about keeping items cold, the reefer truck actually keeps goods at any controlled temperature – hot or cold. For that reason, reefer trucks have an incredible range of available temperature options. Some models can keep goods anywhere from -85˚F to 104˚F. More common, smaller models might boast a range closer to 13˚F to 77˚F. The temperature option available will depend on the model and manufacturer chosen.

It is important to ensure that you purchase a reefer truck that meets your temperature needs and also ensures that the vehicle you choose has proper monitoring systems that meet current regulations. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program is a system that is used to help regulate everything from manufacturing to the distribution of raw materials. This act includes strict regulation on the monitoring of temperatures in reefer trucks that are transporting temperature-sensitive goods.

What are the common uses for reefer trucks?

Reefer trucks allow for cargo that must be kept at a specific temperature to be easily transported across any distance. Not only do reefer trucks keep goods held at a specific temperature, but they also protect it from the elements. With built-in refrigeration or heating systems, this type of specialty commercial truck is utilized across a wide array of industries.

A few of the most common uses for reefer trucks include the following:

Food service
Farming
Pharmaceutical
Grocery delivery
Art transportation
Hazardous materials

As you can see, many industries have the need for a truck with controlled temperatures. From transporting fresh produce across state lines to moving artwork from one high-end gallery to another, these refrigerated trucks and trailers play an integral role in the cold chain.

What is the difference between a reefer truck and a dry van?

In the world of transporting goods, semi-trucks and other heavy cargo trailers are center stage. Two distinct types of trucks designed specifically for the commercial road transport industry are the reefer truck and the dry van. A dry van is probably one of the most common types of trucks on the market. Often referred to simply as a box truck, it is utilized for transporting everything from furniture to appliances and other dry goods.

Reefer trucks look extremely similar to a dry van. However, a reefer or refrigeration truck is a specialized version of a transportation truck. These trucks come in a wide variety of sizes and offer the ability to control the temperature of goods during transport. For this reason, a reefer truck is utilized for more specialized cargo needs.

Do you need a CDL to drive a reefer truck?

There are reefer trucks available which do not require a CDL, and reefer trucks which do require a CDL. This will depend on the GVWR of the truck. If the GVWR of the truck is 26,001 lbs or greater, you will need a CDL to operate it. Talk to one of our sales professionals to determine which truck will best suit your business needs for size and weight.

I needed a reefer truck as well as assistance with financing for the purchase. Transwest made the process efficient and seamless, getting me back on the road quickly.

Michael Watkins, Aurora, CO

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The Transwest Difference

When it comes to choosing a trusted resource for purchasing a commercial truck, Transwest has been a reliable partner for over 30 years. At Transwest, we focus on providing quality solutions throughout the entire process of purchasing or renting commercial trucks. Our sales teams are trained to efficiently walk you through your options and match your specific needs to the ideal vehicle. We pride ourselves on our transparent approach to the purchasing, financing, and complete sales process. Whether you are purchasing one truck for a specific task or a whole fleet of trucks for your business, we can assist you with everything you need.

We partner with the top makes in the industry to ensure that we are offering the best commercial truck options. This allows our customers to access the highest quality choices in commercial trucking. If you are currently looking to invest in a commercial truck, please let our team know how we can help. We always put our clients first and will work with you to find the best commercial truck for your situation. Transwest provides you with a one-stop-shop for all your commercial vehicle purchasing needs. From financing options to premium inventory, let us show you why Transwest is the trusted name for purchasing commercial trucks.

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