Refrigerated vans are used for transporting food and goods in cold stocks. There are different types of refrigerated vehicles available in the market, which are designed to carry different quantities of loads with varied temperatures.
Towards that, refrigerated vans can be broadly divided into categories based on the type of refrigeration they employ. Following is a list and buying guide of various types of refrigerated vans:
Side by side refrigerated vans
Side by side refrigerated vans are built to carry small loads over short distances. They are ideal for transporting hot or cold beverages like beer and soft drinks, as well as chilled food products like ice cream and poultry. The refrigeration system used in these vehicles is simple and efficient, though it may not be able to handle large loads.
Flat-bed refrigerated vans
These are used for transporting larger loads for longer distances. They can be fitted with dividers and racks to keep the load organized and secure throughout the journey. Flat-bed refrigerated vans have better insulation than side by side vehicles, which means they can carry more perishable materials without losing temperature control. These vehicles also have large interiors that can accommodate covers and curtains for added privacy.
Trucks
These are the common refrigerated vehicles that are used in all the cities by restaurants and supermarkets for transporting food from one place to another. These trucks are not very spacious and are used for small deliveries. They are also used for carrying a small fridge on the backside of the truck. The main advantage of these vans is that they can be easily parked at roadside, which is not possible with bigger trucks.
They come in various sizes, though the most common ones are usually 10 feet long or 20 feet long.
Box vans
These vans are larger than trucks but smaller than trailers. They have different sizes depending on the requirement of the user and organizations use them for small business purposes as well as large scale transportation facilities.
Trailers
These are larger than box vans and usually come with a trailer attached to them. These vans are mostly used by big companies that have a lot of deliveries to make in a day. They have many wheels and can be moved easily from one place to another without blocking traffic flow.
Extractors
Extractors are another popular type of van for transportation purposes. They have a unique shape due to how their refrigeration system works. The front of the van is extended in order for the equipment to be placed in a position that allows for more air circulation, which reduces condensation inside the van. This allows them to be used for longer periods of time without having to empty ice or gas from the system. Extractors don’t require as much maintenance as refrigerated trucks and are more affordable than reefers. These types of vans are typically used by smaller businesses with short delivery routes who cannot afford a refrigerated truck.
