Refrigerated Trucks

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between a refrigerated truck and an insulated one?+

  The refrigerated truck has a cooling unit (Thermoking, Carrier) that actively generates and maintains -25 C to +25 C. The insulated truck only has polyurethane insulation panels with no cooling unit: it preserves the load temperature for a limited time, ideal for short trips with pre-cooled goods. If you need frozen transport or long routes, you need a refrigerated unit. Coatrucks sells both and advises based on your cold chain.
• What Thermoking or Carrier hours are acceptable when buying?+

  Under 10,000 hours the unit is considered low with long remaining life. Between 10,000 and 20,000 is medium use, normal for a 4-6 year-old truck. Above 20,000 it is worth checking the compressor, clutch and circuit tightness. A reconditioned compressor costs €3,000-5,000. Coatrucks provides the real hour meter and a pull-down report (temperature drop time) before each sale.
• Is the ATP certificate mandatory and how long does it last?+

  Yes, for international transport of perishable goods (meat, dairy, frozen). The ATP certificate classifies the vehicle (FRC, FNA, etc.) by thermal range and capacity. It is valid for 6 years on a new vehicle and renewed every 3 years after a thermal integrity test at an official station. When buying used, check the expiry date: a renewal costs €300-600. Coatrucks confirms the ATP status of every unit.
• What do I need to carry several temperatures at once?+

  A multi-temperature unit with a movable bulkhead and twin evaporators: it allows, for example, -25 C in one compartment for frozen and +4 C in another for chilled. Manufacturers such as Lamberet or Chereau integrate repositionable insulated aluminium partitions. The premium over single-temperature is €8,000-12,000, but it avoids a second truck for supermarket or HORECA delivery. Coatrucks stocks inspected multi-temperature units.
• What should I check on the insulated body of a used refrigerated truck?+

  Check the K coefficient (must be below 0.40 W/sqm K for FRC class), the absence of thermal bridges and the integrity of the polyurethane sandwich panels. Inspect door seals, strip curtains, the floor with aluminium rails (no perforations) and any moisture ingress that drives up unit consumption. Coatrucks checks body tightness and insulation as part of the pre-delivery appraisal.
• Can I import a refrigerated truck from the Netherlands or France?+

  Yes, and it is common: the Netherlands and France offer very well-kept Lamberet and Chereau refrigerated fleets. The intra-EU transaction is zero-VAT (Spanish form 349 via VIES). Coatrucks handles deregistration at origin, refrigerated transport, reduced homologation with COC and registration. It is key to confirm the ATP is still valid or renew it in Spain. Total time 7-15 days, with the truck delivered ready to load.
• What warranty does Coatrucks offer on a refrigerated truck?+

  B2B sale with contractual warranty: 6 months on the truck mechanicals (engine, gearbox) and 12 months on structure. On the cooling unit we offer specific compressor and refrigerant-circuit cover based on hours, with a full Thermoking or Carrier service before delivery. Wear items are excluded (belts, periodic gas recharge). We include a temperature test under a simulated load at no extra cost.
• What other names does this type of vehicle go by?+

  It is also known as refrigerated truck, reefer truck, fridge truck, temperature-controlled truck. They all refer to the same vehicle — you'll find them all here.