Reefer Trailer

A reefer trailer is a semi-trailer equipped with an integrated refrigeration unit that maintains a controlled temperature environment for perishable cargo during over-the-road transportation. Unlike a straight reefer truck where the cab and cargo box are on the same chassis, a reefer trailer is a detachable unit pulled by a tractor, offering greater flexibility for loading, unloading, and fleet management.

Standard reefer trailers in the United States are 53 feet long with interior dimensions of approximately 52 feet 6 inches in length, 8 feet 2 inches in width, and 9 feet in height. This provides roughly 2,500 to 2,800 cubic feet of cargo space with a typical payload capacity of 42,000 to 45,000 pounds. The walls, floor, and ceiling are constructed with high-density foam insulation, typically 2.5 to 4 inches thick, to minimize heat transfer from the external environment.

The refrigeration unit, commonly manufactured by Carrier Transicold or Thermo King, is mounted on the front wall of the trailer and operates independently of the tractor's engine. These units run on a dedicated diesel engine and can maintain temperatures from -20 degrees Fahrenheit for frozen goods up to +70 degrees Fahrenheit for certain pharmaceutical products. Multi-temperature trailers use internal bulkheads and dual evaporators to maintain different temperature zones within a single trailer.

Reefer trailers require significantly more maintenance than dry van trailers due to the complexity of the refrigeration system. Regular service intervals include compressor oil changes, refrigerant level checks, belt inspections, air chute integrity verification, and door seal replacement. A well-maintained reefer trailer has a useful life of 12 to 15 years, though the refrigeration unit may need major overhaul or replacement at the 7 to 10 year mark.