Refrigerated transport is the carriage of temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, flowers and chemicals in insulated vehicles with a refrigeration unit at a constant, set temperature. The aim is to keep the cold chain unbroken and preserve product quality from the loading point to the delivery address.
How Is Refrigerated Transport Carried Out?
- Setting the temperature: the transport temperature is defined according to the product type and the manufacturer's instructions.
- Choosing the vehicle: a refrigerated truck, rigid truck or van is selected according to the load quantity.
- Pre-cooling: the vehicle body is brought to the target temperature before loading, and the product temperature is measured at loading.
- Correct stowage: pallets are placed so as not to block the air channels, allowing cold air to circulate around the load.
- Monitoring on the way: the reefer unit and temperatures are monitored; temperature records are kept on long journeys.
- Delivery: the product is delivered without breaking the cold chain, and temperature records are shared with the consignee if needed.
Transport Temperatures by Product
| Product group | Recommended transport temperature |
|---|---|
| Ice cream and deep-frozen desserts | -25 °C / -20 °C |
| Frozen meat, poultry, fish and vegetables | -18 °C or below |
| Fresh meat and poultry | 0 °C / +4 °C |
| Fresh fish and seafood | 0 °C / +2 °C |
| Milk, dairy products and cheese | +2 °C / +6 °C |
| Most fresh fruit and vegetables | 0 °C / +8 °C (by product) |
| Citrus fruit | +4 °C / +12 °C (by variety) |
| Bananas | +13 °C / +14 °C |
| Cut flowers | +1 °C / +6 °C |
| Pharmaceuticals and vaccines (cold chain) | +2 °C / +8 °C |
| Pharmaceuticals (controlled room temperature) | +15 °C / +25 °C |
| Chocolate and confectionery | +12 °C / +18 °C |
The values in the table are general references. The exact temperature should be set according to the product variety, ripeness, packaging and manufacturer's instructions.
Refrigerated Vehicle Types
| Vehicle | Approximate capacity | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated truck (13.60 m) | 33 Euro pallets, 20-22 tonnes | Long-distance and international full loads |
| Refrigerated rigid truck | 14-18 Euro pallets, 8-12 tonnes | Regional distribution |
| Refrigerated van | 2-4 Euro pallets, 1-1.5 tonnes | Urban distribution |
Documents Required for International Refrigerated Transport
- CMR consignment note
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of origin or A.TR / EUR.1 movement certificate
- Phytosanitary certificate for fresh plant products
- Veterinary health certificate for animal products
- Halal certificate and import permits where required
Practical Tips for Shippers
- Bring the product to the transport temperature before loading; do not load warm products.
- Secure pallets with stretch film and do not fill up to the ceiling or the door.
- Do not load products that need different temperatures in the same compartment.
- Make sure unloading at the delivery address can be done quickly.
- Request temperature records (data logger) on long journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "reefer" mean?
"Reefer" is short for refrigerated. A reefer truck is a vehicle with an insulated body and a refrigeration unit that keeps the cargo at a set temperature.
Is refrigerated transport the same as the cold chain?
The cold chain means keeping a product at a specific temperature through every stage of storage, transport and distribution, from production to consumption. Refrigerated transport is the transport link of that chain.
What is the difference between a refrigerated truck and an insulated truck?
An insulated truck only has insulation and tries to maintain the temperature. A refrigerated truck also has an active refrigeration unit that produces and keeps the required temperature regardless of outside conditions.
What is the ATP certificate?
ATP is the international agreement on the transport of perishable foodstuffs and the special equipment to be used. An ATP certificate shows that a vehicle's insulation and refrigeration capacity comply with the agreement; for example, FRC-class vehicles can cool down to -20 °C.
Why is pre-cooling important?
Refrigerated vehicles are designed to maintain the product's temperature, not to cool it down. Therefore both the vehicle and the product should be brought to the transport temperature before loading.
How is the price of refrigerated transport determined?
Distance and route, vehicle type (full load, groupage, truck), temperature range, load quantity, loading date and, for international transport, border and customs procedures determine the price.
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