Refrigerated Trailer
A refrigerated trailer (reefer) is a temperature-controlled trailer or container with its own refrigeration unit, used to move perishable or temperature-sensitive goods such as food, supplements, cosmetics, and some pharmaceuticals.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Choosing a reefer instead of a dry van protects heat-sensitive inventory, but it costs more and capacity tightens during produce season. A reefer holds a set temperature with its own refrigeration unit, and carriers can usually provide a temperature record for the trip. For example, if a dry van lane runs $2,200 and a reefer runs $2,700, the $500 premium on a $60,000 load of chocolate is far cheaper than writing off a melted load in July. Many brands ship reefer only in the hot months and use dry van the rest of the year.
Origin
Frederick McKinley Jones developed a mechanical refrigeration unit for trucks in the late 1930s, patented in 1940, which made refrigerated trailers practical and led to Thermo King.
Common questions
- When should a DTC brand ship freight in a reefer instead of a dry van?
- Use a reefer when the product has a temperature range it must stay within, such as food, live cultures, or items that melt or separate in heat. Seasonal reefer use for summer heat protection is common for chocolate, candles, and some cosmetics.
- How much more does a reefer cost than a dry van?
- Reefer rates usually run above dry van rates on the same lane because the equipment, fuel for the refrigeration unit, and handling cost more. The gap widens during produce season and summer heat, so get quotes for both before committing.
- What temperature should a reefer be set to?
- Set it to the range in your product specification, such as frozen, chilled, or a cool range for chocolate, rather than a guess. Write the setpoint and whether the unit should run continuous or cycle mode on the bill of lading.