A refrigerated semi-trailer is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment in cold chain transportation. When selecting a refrigerated semi-trailer, consider three key components: the trailer chassis, the insulated cargo box, and the refrigeration unit.
1. Chassis Selection
The chassis tonnage should generally be determined based on the type and quality of the cargo being transported, as well as the volume of the insulated cargo box. The chassis' load capacity, fuel consumption, and emission standards should also be considered. Furthermore, since refrigerated semi-trailers typically transport cargo that cannot be stored for long periods of time, even with refrigeration equipment, they still need to be delivered quickly to their destination. A breakdown along the way could easily lead to the deterioration of the cargo, resulting in significant losses. Therefore, chassis reliability is crucial.
2. Body Selection
A refrigerated semi-trailer body must ensure excellent sealing and thermal insulation. When selecting a body, consider the material's water absorption, air permeability, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. The body must also exhibit good temperature stability, ensuring that other performance characteristics are not affected by temperature fluctuations.
Furthermore, different types of cargo require different cargo compartments. For example, a refrigerated semi-trailer transporting fresh meat requires custom hooks inside the compartment, while supermarket deliveries require multi-temperature refrigerated trucks.
3. Refrigeration Unit Selection
Refrigeration units are divided into independent and dependent units. Independent units have their own power source. Dependent units are powered by the vehicle chassis and are significantly cheaper than independent units. The choice should be based primarily on transportation needs: For short-distance deliveries within urban areas or between districts and counties, independent units are recommended due to their lower cost. For medium- and long-distance transport, independent units are recommended.
