Temperature-controlled transport: refrigerated and insulated trucks
Difference between refrigerated and insulated
A refrigerated truck features a cooling unit mounted on the front or roof of the body, capable of generating and maintaining temperatures from -25 C to +25 C. The leading cooling unit manufacturers are Thermoking (V, T, SLXe series) and Carrier (Supra, Vector). An insulated truck, by contrast, has only polyurethane foam insulation panels with a K coefficient below 0.40 W/sqm K but no cooling unit: it maintains the loaded cargo temperature for a limited period. Insulated trucks are suitable for short journeys with pre-cooled loads.ATP certification
The Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs (ATP) requires both refrigerated and insulated vehicles to pass thermal integrity tests at official stations. The ATP certificate classifies vehicles into categories (FRC, FNA, etc.) based on temperature range and cooling capacity. This certificate is valid for 6 years for new vehicles and renewed every 3 years. When buying a used refrigerated truck, checking the ATP expiry date is essential.Common configurations
Refrigerated trucks are built from 3.5 t (vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter with insulated body) up to 26 t rigids. Insulated and refrigerated bodies are manufactured by companies including Lamberet, Chereau, Schmitz Cargobull and Zanotti. The multi-temperature option incorporates movable bulkheads and two independent evaporators to carry frozen and chilled goods simultaneously. Reinforced flooring with aluminium rails and side doors facilitate loading with pallet trucks or forklifts.
