First, the tractor head:
Depending on factors like the weight of the cargo and road conditions, you need to consider the chassis structure, load-bearing capacity, fuel efficiency, and emission standards.
Compared to selecting a regular truck chassis, refrigerated trucks need to prioritize chassis stability. Since refrigerated goods typically cannot be stored for long periods, even with refrigeration equipment, they still need to be delivered quickly. Refrigerated goods also require a more controlled environment during transport. Any malfunction or breakdown that causes the goods to spoil can result in significant losses.
Second, the truck body:
The body of a refrigerated truck differs from a regular box truck, as it requires excellent sealing and insulation to ensure that the refrigerated goods remain in a stable temperature environment.
The design of refrigerated truck bodies focuses on airtightness and insulation performance. Typically, refrigerated trucks have a three-layer structure, with the inner and outer skins made from composite materials such as fiberglass, color steel plates, or aluminum alloy. The material of the inner panel can vary depending on the type of cargo being transported, with the most expensive being stainless steel. The middle layer is made of insulation material, usually polyurethane foam. The four sides are bonded with high-strength adhesive, forming a sealed panel.
Besides materials, the thickness of the cargo box also affects insulation performance. The thicker the insulation layer, the better the thermal insulation. However, a thicker layer reduces the internal cargo space, limiting the load capacity. Therefore, users should choose the appropriate thickness based on their actual needs.
Third, choosing the refrigeration unit:
Among the three main components of a refrigerated truck, the refrigeration unit is the most critical. Due to the relatively small cargo space, temperature control demands higher technical standards.
As they say, you get what you pay for—imported refrigeration units are very expensive. For example, a new set of imported refrigeration units for a semi-trailer refrigerated truck can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In comparison, domestic brands offer a significant price advantage, making them a good option for cost-conscious buyers.
Refrigeration units can be classified into independent and non-independent units based on their power source. Independent units have their own power source, with the unit powered by a separate diesel engine. Non-independent units, on the other hand, rely on the truck’s engine to power the refrigeration system.
In terms of cost, non-independent refrigeration units are several thousand dollars cheaper than independent ones. If your budget allows and you require a lower internal temperature (at least -10°C or below), an independent unit is recommended for better performance.
