Chemically, reefer fuel is similar to diesel. However, it is not the same as diesel because it can only be used on private property. It is dyed red to prevent misuse or confusion in its intended purpose. It can be used to maintain refrigeration in reefer vehicles – but not to power the truck.
How long will a reefer unit run on a tank of fuel?
Since a reefer unit is on a closed loop system independent of the truck, driving habits don’t affect fuel efficiency. However, a poorly maintained reefer unit could increase your fuel consumption. If everything is running close to normal, a reefer’s 50-gallon tank could last up to 4-5 days.
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.
What fuel goes in a reefer? – Related Questions
How much fuel does a reefer use per hour?
Modern reefer units use between 0.4 and 1.1 gallons of diesel per hour of engine run time. In automatic mode, the engine runs a fraction of the time that the unit is switched on and protecting cargo, so fuel consumption per hour most likely will be at the low end of the estimate.
Is tractor fuel and reefer fuel the same?
Reefer diesel and standard diesel are essentially the same fuel. Reefer diesel is a special classification of diesel that uses a red dye to signify a different tax designation. It finds uses in refrigerated trailers, agricultural equipment, and construction vehicles in an off-road identification.
How long can a reefer be unplugged?
Therefore, it is expected that the reefer container’s insulation system can maintain internal cargo area temperatures within 1-2 degrees Celsius of the cargo protocol temperature, even with average power disconnection time periods of 1 to 6 hours during its trip.
What happens if semi runs out of gas?
Of course, your machine will shut down because it needs fuel in order to operate. But what happens after that is anyone’s guess. Sometimes, it’s as simple as adding more fuel to your tank and restarting the engine. If you have extra diesel nearby, the whole ordeal could only take a few minutes.
The answer to that question is, yes, of course. Dry freight shippers don’t often remember that they can actually make good use of reefer trailers to ship their goods.
How long can reefer run continuous?
Often, refrigerated trucks can run two to three days without refueling them. However, it ultimately depends on how you maintain vehicle systems, as well as how often you open the truck. You burn more fuel when you constantly open the trailer doors.
How much fuel does a reefer use in a day?
How Much Fuel Does a Reefer Use for a Day? At the low-end, a reefer truck will burn about . 4 gallons per hour, meaning 9.6 gallons of fuel in a regular 24-hour period. On the high-end, trucks can burn at about 1.1 gallons per hour, meaning 26.4 gallons over a day.
Why do reefer drivers make more?
Typically, reefer loads pay more money. Since fresh food and medicine is always in demand, there’s a consistent need for refrigerated trucking services. Many require long-haul transport, which also usually means more money.
What temp should a reefer be set at?
Reefer temperatures for plants are best at 33˚F. A few degrees higher dramatically increases the rate of deterioration. Another consideration with plants is the humidity level. Plants, flowers, and even produce immediately begin to lose moisture when they are cut or picked.
How many hours will a reefer unit run?
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.
On continuous setting, the refrigerated trailer unit does have a set defrost cycle (definition: Defrost cycle – the process of removing ice or frost buildup from a coil). The intervals are factory set for every 6 hours, but the unit will auto defrost based on a temperature difference across the coil.
Why are reefer containers White?
Reefer Containers are white because the color white reflects all wavelengths of light and, thus absorbs the least amount of heat.
How cold do reefers get?
It’s pretty easy to remember: Your freezer temperature should be set to a chilly 0° Fahrenheit or below (-18° Celsius or below). Food stored at 0° Fahrenheit or below is safe to eat indefinitely (although quality and taste may be compromised as time passes).
How cold do reefer trucks 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. These reefers are typically used for the transport of items in the medical and chemical industries.
Why is it called a reefer truck?
In trucking, a “reefer” is a refrigerated trailer that gets attached to a semi-truck in order to transport perishables and other temperature-sensitive goods. It was originally the ice cream industry that gave birth to the reefer around 1925. Reefers may also be used for heated goods.