Refrigerated trucks, also known as reefer trucks, play a crucial role in the transportation industry by ensuring that temperature-sensitive goods reach their destinations in optimal condition. These specialized vehicles maintain precise temperature control, preventing spoilage, contamination, and degradation. If you’re new to cold freight, our cold‑vs‑normal supply chain guide explains why temperature management matters across different product categories.
Perishable Food Products
Food is one of the primary commodities transported in refrigerated trucks. Different types of perishable food require specific temperature settings to maintain freshness and safety:
- Dairy products. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter must be kept at temperatures between 34°F and 39°F to prevent spoilage.
- Meat and poultry. Fresh and frozen meat, poultry, and seafood require strict temperature control, often between 28°F and 32°F for fresh products and below 0°F for frozen goods.
- Fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables need different temperature levels; for example, berries and leafy greens require colder temperatures (33°F-36°F), while bananas and tomatoes need slightly warmer conditions.
- Frozen foods. Ice cream, frozen meals, and other frozen goods must be kept at -10°F or lower to maintain quality and texture.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on refrigerated transport to ensure medications and vaccines remain effective. If you ship high‑value medical cargo, RVN’s refrigerated courier services provide dedicated vehicles with real‑time monitoring:
- Vaccines. Many vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, require precise temperature conditions, often between 36°F and 46°F, while some need ultra-cold storage (-94°F for mRNA vaccines).
- Insulin and other medications. Insulin and certain biologics require refrigeration to maintain potency.
- Blood and plasma. Blood products, plasma, and organs for transplant require controlled temperatures during transit to preserve their viability.
Flowers and Plants
Florists and garden centers depend on refrigerated transport to keep flowers and plants fresh and prevent premature wilting:
- Cut flowers. Roses, lilies, and tulips require cool temperatures (33°F-37°F) to extend their lifespan.
- Live plants. Some tropical plants need humidity control and slightly warmer temperatures to prevent stress and damage.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Certain beauty and skincare products require refrigerated transport to maintain their effectiveness and prevent spoilage:
- Organic and natural cosmetics. Without preservatives, organic beauty products may spoil if not kept cool.
- Perfumes and essential oils. Heat can alter the chemical composition and scent of perfumes and essential oils.
- Medical-grade skincare. High-end skincare products with active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C need temperature-controlled conditions.
Beverages
Many beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, require cold storage during transport to preserve taste and quality:
- Dairy and plant-based milk. These need to be kept below 40°F to prevent spoilage.
- Wine and craft beer. Temperature fluctuations can alter the flavor and quality of wines and certain craft beers.
- Cold-pressed juices. Fresh juices without preservatives require constant refrigeration to avoid fermentation and bacterial growth.
Chemicals and Specialty Industrial Products
Certain chemicals and industrial materials require refrigerated transport to maintain their stability and effectiveness:
- Adhesives and coatings. Some industrial adhesives and coatings require cool temperatures to prevent premature curing.
- Pharmaceutical chemicals. Raw materials used in drug manufacturing often need specific storage conditions.
- Perishable laboratory samples. Biological samples and test reagents must be kept within specific temperature ranges to ensure accuracy in scientific testing.
Conclusion
Refrigerated trucking is essential for industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and chemicals. Maintaining the correct temperature during transport is crucial to ensuring product safety, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards. Whether it’s fresh produce, life‑saving medications, or delicate flowers, reefer trucks — and specialized partners like RVN with same‑day fridge delivery — play a vital role in delivering these temperature‑sensitive goods efficiently and securely.
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