Refrigerated Trucks
Used refrigerated and insulated trucks for sale
Used refrigerated and insulated trucks for sale
Browse our selection of used refrigerated trucks and insulated trucks for sale for temperature-controlled transport. Fitted with Thermoking and Carrier cooling units, from multi-temperature to insulated-only without a cooling system. We stock leading brands including Mercedes Atego and Actros, MAN TGL and TGM, DAF LF, Scania P and Iveco Eurocargo. All units are inspected with documentation for ATP certification. From Lleida with over 35 years of experience, we ship across Europe. Also known as refrigerated truck, reefer truck, fridge truck, temperature-controlled truck.
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.Cooling unit condition and running hours
When buying a used refrigerated truck, the key figure is the Thermoking or Carrier unit hour meter: under 10,000 hours is considered low, 10,000 to 20,000 medium, and above that warrants checking the compressor and clutch. Verify it holds -20 C with a high ambient temperature and test the automatic defrost. A reconditioned compressor costs €3,000-5,000. At Coatrucks we measure the pull-down (temperature drop time) and provide a unit report before sale, including belt condition and refrigerant gas.
Multi-temperature versus single-temperature
If you carry frozen and chilled at the same time (supermarket or HORECA delivery), multi-temperature with a movable bulkhead and twin evaporators is essential: it allows -25 C in one compartment and +4 C in another. Brands such as Lamberet and Chereau integrate repositionable insulated aluminium partitions. It costs more than a single-temperature unit, but it avoids a second vehicle. For a single thermal range, single-temperature is lighter, gains payload and reduces cooling-unit maintenance.
Used refrigerated and insulated trucks
Box bodyCurtainsiderFlatbedRefrigeratedInsulatedTankerContainer carrierCar transporterLivestockTipperDumperConcrete mixer
Refrigerated trucks with Thermoking and Carrier units and insulated bodies. ATP certification and Europe-wide delivery.
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. 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. It costs more than a single-temperature unit, 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.Does Coatrucks offer a warranty on a refrigerated truck?
No. Sale between professionals, with no warranty: the vehicle is sold as it stands. Before delivery we give the Thermoking or Carrier unit a full service. 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.