CKD Refrigerated Truck Body Kits Save 60% on Shipping
CKD (Completely Knocked Down) refrigerated truck body kits are the smart solution for international buyers looking to minimize shipping costs while maintaining full control over local assembly and quality. TS Brothers' CKD kits include all components needed to assemble a complete refrigerated truck body: pre-cut PU/XPS sandwich panels, aluminum extrusion profiles, door hardware, sealing strips, lighting systems, and comprehensive assembly instructions.
By shipping panels flat-packed rather than as assembled truck bodies, CKD kits reduce shipping container volume by 60–70% compared to CBU (Completely Built Unit) shipments. For a standard 7.5m refrigerated truck body, this means fitting 3–4 CKD kits into a single 40ft container versus just 1 CBU unit - a dramatic reduction in per-unit shipping cost that makes CKD the preferred format for bulk orders and distant markets.
TS Brothers has exported CKD kits to over 30 countries, with established assembly partners in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Nigeria, Kenya, and Peru. Our kits are designed for assembly by 2–3 technicians with basic tools in 2–4 days per unit, depending on size and complexity.
Key Features & Advantages
1. 60–70% Shipping Cost Reduction
CKD kits pack flat, allowing 3–4 truck body kits per 40ft container versus 1 CBU unit. For shipments to Africa or South America, where sea freight can exceed $3,500 per container, this translates to savings of $7,000–$10,500 per truck body. The savings often exceed the cost of local assembly labor, making CKD the economically superior choice for bulk orders of 5+ units.
2. Pre-Cut, Pre-Drilled, Ready to Assemble
All panels are precision-cut to exact dimensions at our factory using CNC equipment. Holes for bolts, wiring channels, and door hardware mounting points are pre-drilled. Aluminum profiles are pre-cut to length with matching holes. No cutting, drilling, or modification is required during assembly - technicians simply align and bolt the components together following the step-by-step instruction manual.
3. Complete Kit - Nothing Else Needed
Every CKD kit includes: (1) Pre-cut sandwich panels (front, rear, sides, roof, floor, doors); (2) Aluminum extrusion profiles (corner posts, roof bows, floor rails); (3) Door hardware (locks, hinges, handles - 304 stainless steel); (4) EPDM sealing strips and butyl sealant; (5) LED lighting system with wiring; (6) Reflective markings; (7) Assembly hardware (bolts, nuts, washers); (8) Illustrated assembly manual; (9) Quality checklist.
4. Remote Assembly Support
TS Brothers provides comprehensive assembly support: (1) Detailed video tutorials covering each assembly step; (2) WhatsApp/WeChat video call support during assembly; (3) On-site technician dispatch for orders of 20+ units (technician travel and accommodation costs apply); (4) Assembly certification program - we certify your local technicians as approved TS Brothers assemblers after completing their first unit under our guidance.
5. Flexible Core Material Options
CKD kits are available with PU foam core (for superior insulation, deep-freeze applications) or XPS foam core (for high strength, humid climate operation). Panel thickness can be specified at 60mm, 85mm, 100mm, or 105mm based on your temperature requirements. This flexibility allows you to configure each kit for its intended application without paying for unnecessary insulation thickness.
6. Same Quality as CBU Units
CKD kit panels are manufactured on the same production line, using the same materials and quality standards as CBU truck bodies. The only difference is final assembly location. Each panel undergoes the same quality inspections (dimensional accuracy, surface finish, core density, thermal conductivity) before packaging. The assembled truck body meets the same ATP Class A standards as factory-built units.
What's Included in a CKD Kit
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Sandwich Panels | Front panel, rear door panel(s), 2 side panels, roof panel, floor panel - pre-cut to exact dimensions |
| Aluminum Profiles | Corner posts, roof bows, floor rails, door frame profiles - pre-cut and pre-drilled |
| Door Hardware | 304 stainless steel locks, hinges, handles, latches - complete set |
| Sealing System | EPDM labyrinth sealing strips, butyl sealant, polyurethane adhesive |
| Lighting System | LED interior lamps (12V/24V), wiring harness, switches, reflective markings |
| Floor Reinforcement | Pre-installed pine beams within floor panel (for XPS) / wooden strips (for PU) |
| Assembly Hardware | All bolts, nuts, washers, screws, rivets - pre-sorted and labeled |
| Documentation | Assembly manual (illustrated), parts list, quality checklist, packing list |
| Packaging | Fumigated wooden crates/pallets with moisture barrier, labeled for customs |
CKD vs CBU - Comparison
| Factor | CKD Kit | CBU (Built Unit) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Volume | 3–4 kits per 40ft container | 1 unit per 40ft container |
| Shipping Cost per Unit | 60–70% lower | Baseline |
| Assembly Required | Yes - 2–4 days, 2–3 technicians | No - ready to mount on chassis |
| Assembly Tools Needed | Basic hand tools + drill + sealant gun | N/A |
| Quality Control | Assembly-dependent (TS Brothers certifies) | Factory-controlled |
| Best For | Bulk orders (5+ units), distant markets | Single units, nearby markets |
| Lead Time | 10–15 working days production | 15–20 working days production |
| Customization | Same options available | Same options available |
Assembly Process Overview
Foundation Setup (2 hours): Place floor panel on chassis truck bed, secure with bolts through pre-drilled holes. Apply sealant between floor panel and chassis mounting points.
Side Panel Installation (3 hours): Position side panels upright on floor panel edges. Secure with aluminum corner profiles and bolts. Apply sealant at all panel joints.
Front Panel Installation (1 hour): Position front panel between side panels. Secure with aluminum profiles. Install refrigeration unit mounting bracket (if applicable).
Roof Panel Installation (2 hours): Lower roof panel onto side panel top edges. Secure with roof bow profiles and bolts. Seal all roof joints thoroughly.
Door Installation (2 hours): Install rear door frame, hang door panels on hinges, adjust locks and latches. Install EPDM sealing strips.
Lighting & Electrical (1 hour): Install LED lamps, connect wiring harness, test all lights. Apply reflective markings.
Quality Inspection (1 hour): Follow quality checklist - inspect all seals, test door operation, verify panel alignment, check for air leaks.
Total assembly time: approximately 12–14 hours (2 technicians, 2 days) for a standard 4.2m–7.5m truck body. Larger bodies (9.6m–18m) require 3–4 days with 3 technicians.
Applications
Bulk Fleet Orders
Logistics companies expanding their refrigerated fleet with 5+ vehicles benefit significantly from CKD's shipping cost savings. A 10-unit CKD order to Africa can save $70,000+ in freight compared to CBU - savings that fund local assembly labor with substantial margin remaining.
Local Truck Body Builders
Truck body assembly workshops in importing countries can use TS Brothers CKD kits to offer refrigerated truck bodies without investing in panel manufacturing equipment. This enables local businesses to compete in the cold chain vehicle market with internationally sourced components.
Distant Markets
For markets in South America, West Africa, and Oceania where sea freight to China is expensive and transit times exceed 35 days, CKD's shipping volume advantage makes refrigerated truck bodies economically viable where CBU pricing would be prohibitive.
Government & NGO Programs
Government cold chain development programs and NGO food security initiatives often require large numbers of refrigerated vehicles for deployment across regions. CKD kits allow centralized procurement with decentralized assembly, supporting local capacity building.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many CKD kits can fit in one 40ft container?
A: Depending on truck body size: 4.2m bodies - 6–8 kits per 40ft HQ container; 5.2m–6.8m bodies - 4–5 kits; 7.5m–9.6m bodies - 3–4 kits; 12m–18m semi-trailer bodies - 2–3 kits. We optimize container loading at no additional cost and provide a loading plan before shipment.
Q: Do you provide assembly training for our technicians?
A:Yes. For first-time CKD customers, we provide: (1) Step-by-step video tutorials accessible online; (2) WhatsApp video call support during your first assembly (at no cost for the first 2 units); (3) On-site technician dispatch for orders of 20+ units (travel and accommodation costs at buyer's expense); (4) Assembly certification - your technicians receive a TS Brothers Assembly Certificate after successfully completing their first unit.
Q:What tools are needed for CKD assembly?
A:Basic hand tools: cordless drill, socket wrench set (17mm, 19mm), screwdrivers, rubber mallet, sealant gun, utility knife, measuring tape, level, clamps. No welding or specialized equipment is required. A complete tool list is provided with each kit. For large bodies (12m+), a small crane or forklift is recommended for roof panel placement.
Q:Can CKD kits be customized for specific truck chassis models?
A:Absolutely. We manufacture CKD kits to match your specific truck chassis dimensions, including floor panel length/width, wheel arch cutouts, front panel angle (for cab-over vs conventional cabs), and mounting point locations. Provide us with your chassis specifications (make, model, wheelbase, bed dimensions) and we'll engineer the kit accordingly.
Q:What happens if panels are damaged during shipping?
A:Each CKD kit is packaged in fumigated wooden crates with foam padding and moisture barriers. In the rare event of shipping damage: (1) Document the damage with photos before unpacking; (2) File a claim with the carrier within 7 days; (3) Contact TS Brothers with photos - we will manufacture and ship replacement panels via express courier at no cost for damage caused by inadequate packaging. Minor surface scratches can be repaired with FRP repair kits (included in the kit).
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