What Is a Reefer Truck?
Refrigerated trucks, also called reefer trucks, revolutionized the transportation of perishable goods when they were first introduced. Things like meat or medical supplies that may become hazardous to use if they went bad could now be consistently transported across the country and arrive in excellent condition. If you’re interested in learning more about reefer trucks and their history, check out this guide from Tri-County Truck & Equipment.
Before Reefer Trucks
Before reefer trucks were invented, the best way to transport perishable goods was via mechanically refrigerated railcars. These railcars were invented all the way back in the 1880s, and while they worked fairly well, they were also expensive to operate and maintain. Companies searched for a cheaper option, eventually settling on van trailers cooled by huge blocks of ice. These van trailers were equipped with large fans that helped to circulate the cold air throughout the trailer. Unfortunately, these van trailers proved not much more practical than the refrigerated railcars. This was because even 100 lb blocks of ice eventually melted, forcing drivers to stop every 200-300 miles to purchase another block. The added logistical hurdles created by using the van trailers increased both operational costs and delivery times, especially on long hauls.
Invention of Reefer Trailers
The reefer truck was invented in 1925, and while early models struggled, it quickly became clear that reefer trucks were far more efficient to use than both refrigerated rail cars and van trailers. Improvements were made, and by 1930, reefer trucks had become reliable enough to transport even the most temperature-sensitive of goods, like ice cream. Specialized reefer trucks like milk trucks and meat trucks began to appear, and the industry continued to grow. Today, reefer trailers are by far the most common method of transporting perishable goods.
Shop reefer trucks at Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach, Florida. We also offer truck parts and servicing. We’re proud to serve the tri-county area, including Fort Lauderdale, Florida.