Reefer Trailer

Overview

Reefer trailers are fully enclosed, insulated trailers equipped with a refrigeration unit to maintain controlled temperatures during transit. They are commonly used for chilled, frozen, and other temperature-sensitive freight.

Unlike standard Dry Vans, Reefer trailers are designed with insulated walls, roof, and flooring, along with airflow systems that help maintain the required cargo temperature throughout the trailer.

Key characteristics:

• Fully enclosed and insulated cargo space
• Active temperature-control system
• Rear-door loading
• Designed for chilled, frozen, and temperature-sensitive freight
• Commonly available in 48 ft and 53 ft lengths
• Available in single-temperature and multi-temperature configurations
• Reduced interior space compared with a standard Dry Van because of insulation and refrigeration components

Manufacturers such as Great Dane and XTRA Lease offer both 48 ft and 53 ft refrigerated equipment, including single-temperature and multi-temperature configurations.

Reefer Trailer Image Gallery

Available Sizes & Configurations

Reefer trailers commonly used in North American freight include:

Sizes:

• 48 ft Reefer
• 53 ft Reefer

Configurations:

• Single-Temperature Reefer
• Multi-Temperature Reefer

A Single-Temperature Reefer maintains one temperature-controlled cargo environment throughout the trailer.

A Multi-Temperature Reefer can divide the trailer into separate compartments for products requiring different temperature conditions. Some multi-temperature equipment can support several controlled compartments plus an ambient section.

Because these configurations belong to the same refrigerated trailer family, they can be covered within one equipment page rather than treated as separate trailer types.

Typical Dimensions & Capacity

Current manufacturer examples show 53 ft refrigerated trailers around 102 in exterior width, roughly 97–98 in interior width, and approximately 104–106 in interior height. Door dimensions and usable interior space vary with insulation thickness, floor design, and configuration. Note: Dimensions, interior clearance, and allowable payload may vary by trailer configuration, manufacturer, insulation package, refrigeration equipment, and applicable weight regulations. Always confirm the specific equipment before booking.

Best For / Not Ideal For

Reefer trailers are best suited for freight that must remain within controlled temperature conditions during road transport. Cargo requiring open-deck access, additional height clearance, or specialized loading may require Flatbed, Step Deck, RGN, or other equipment instead.

Industries & Typical Cargo

Reefer trailers are widely used for products whose temperature must be controlled during transportation.

Food & Beverage

• Fresh produce
• Frozen foods
• Meat and seafood
• Dairy products
• Beverages
• Packaged food products

Retail & Grocery

• Refrigerated grocery products
• Frozen retail inventory
• Temperature-sensitive consumer goods

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

• Certain medicines
• Healthcare products requiring controlled transport
• Other temperature-sensitive products, subject to shipment-specific requirements

Agriculture & Floral

• Fresh produce
• Flowers and plants
• Other perishable agricultural products

Loading & Handling Considerations

Before booking a Reefer trailer, confirm:

• Required cargo temperature or temperature range
• Total cargo weight
• Number of pallets
• Cargo dimensions
• Trailer interior and door clearance
• Single-temperature or multi-temperature requirement
• Loading and unloading method
• Airflow requirements around the cargo
• Origin and destination facility requirements
• Required monitoring or temperature records
• Weight distribution throughout the trailer

Cargo should be loaded in a way that does not unnecessarily block airflow within the trailer, since effective air circulation is an important part of refrigerated transport.

Temperature requirements should also be confirmed before dispatch so the appropriate equipment and configuration can be selected.

When Should You Choose a Reefer Trailer?

A Reefer is usually a good option when your shipment:

• Requires active temperature control
• Contains chilled or frozen products
• Includes perishable or temperature-sensitive cargo
• Fits within standard enclosed trailer dimensions
• Can be loaded through rear doors
• Requires enclosed protection during transit
• May need one or multiple temperature zones

A different trailer may be more appropriate when cargo does not require temperature control, is oversized or over-height, or requires side, top, or ground-level loading.

FAQs