However, reefer trailer fuel, which can easily be identified by its distinct red color, is another form of diesel, and it’s considered an off-road fuel. Since off-road fuel isn’t taxed the same as on-road fuel, reefer fuel helps reduce the cost of operating a reefer trailer.
In a reefer trailer, its compressor is driven by a small diesel engine. The compressor draws gaseous refrigerant in and compresses it. This pressure is then able to liquefy into gas. The liquefied gas then gives off heat to the body of the compressor and the air.
How long will a reefer unit run on a tank of fuel?
Reefer Trailers typically can run for two days without a refuel if opened only once or twice a day. Three days if you go a weekend without opening the trailer if fueled on Friday. If you have staff leaving the door open regularly expect to need fuel daily.
Modern reefer units use between 0.4 and 1.1 gallons of diesel per hour of engine run time.
Is diesel and reefer the same? – Related Questions
Can you put regular diesel in a reefer trailer?
You can use off-road diesel or reefer fuel in a reefer trailer, as long as the fuel is not used to propel the vehicle on the road. Reefer fuel or low emission diesel are often used to maintain temperature controls in reefer trailers.
What happens if reefer runs out of fuel?
If you run out of fuel for the reefer, you run out of cold, so to speak – a problem that can put cargo at risk. Additionally, restarting the refrigeration unit may be problematic, because when the tank runs dry the engine can lose its prime. That can force a costly service callout.
Is reefer gas regular diesel?
Reefer fuel is a particular type of diesel fuel that does not have taxes like regular diesel. Regardless of the red dye and special tax designation, reefer fuel is like regular diesel and will power any diesel engine. Because of this special tax designation, reefer fuel isn’t allowed for use in on-road vehicles.
What do reefer trailers run on?
A reefer trailer is a trailer that has a built-in cooling system, usually powered by diesel fuel, to keep freight cold.
How do you fuel a reefer trailer?
What refrigerant do reefer trailers use?
Refrigerated containers (reefers) that are designed for use with R-134a are being offered as compatible with R-513A for future conversion or are available with non-flammable HFC/HFO refrigerant R-513A. This refrigerant has a GWP of 631 compared to 1430 for R-134a.
How Long Does a Tank of Reefer Fuel Last? Reefer trucks burn around 3/4th of a gallon of reefer fuel per hour, and most tanks are 50 gallons.
How cold can a reefer get?
The average reefer maintains temperatures within a range of about -13 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there are highly specialized refrigeration units that go as low as -85 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much does it cost to run a reefer trailer?
But reefer rates per mile vary for several reasons. The average national rate is $2.97 per mile, but this rate will differ from one state to another. Other factors that affect the rate per mile include: Distance the cargo is shipped.
What pays more dry van or reefer?
Refrigerated truck drivers typically average more per mile than dry van and flatbed drivers. At Knight Transportation, reefer drivers average 2-3 cents more per mile.
What pays more reefer or flatbed?
Flatbeds. Advantages: Typically better paying positions. Disadvantages: Chaining, strapping, and securing tarp are long and tedious processes required for each load.
Can you make money with a reefer truck?
Yes, reefer trucks can make more money because the cargo they ship costs more. Also, reefer trucks are in high demand, which gives their drivers more leverage and more opportunities to make money.
What is the most profitable form of trucking?
9 Highest Paying Trucking Jobs
Owner-Operators. Salary: $247,850.
Ice Road Drivers. Salary: $65,455 per year.
Oversized Load. Salary: $71,442 per year.
Specialty Vehicle Haulers. Salary: $82,099.
Team Drivers. Salary: $96,573.
Private Fleet. Salary: $95,999 – $110,000 per year.
Mining Industry Drivers.
Liquids / Tanker.
How many hours does a reefer last?
A common rule of thumb is a reefer trailer should last for an average of 40,000 hours of use which equates to about 8 years on the open road. These values are based on an average of 4,000 to 5,000 hours of use per year. Keeping your hours under 4,000 annually will then extend the lifespan of your trailer considerably.