A refrigerator truck is an isothermal van equipped with a refrigeration unit. It is designed for the safe transportation of goods that require compliance with a certain temperature and humidity regime. These are mainly food products, medicines, fresh flowers and other perishable goods. The base for a refrigerator can be a van of a minibus, a truck, as well as a trailer or semi-trailer, for transportation of which a tractor is used.
Order a free consultation on choosing a referral
Each refrigeration unit corresponds to a specific class. Therefore, when you choose which refrigerator is best to buy for work, first of all focus on the temperature regime required for the group of goods being transported. You also need to take into account the vehicle’s carrying capacity and the distance over which transportation is planned. To find out more about which refrigerator is best to buy for your business, order a free consultation directly on our website.
The autonomous ref has the lowest fuel consumption - it is installed only on vans with a volume of 30 m³ or more
Ref selection
So, the main points that you should pay attention to when choosing and clearing refrigerated trailers and semi-trailers if you are planning to buy one in Germany or any other European country. You can, of course, buy a refrigerator made in Russia, but many people prefer imported models. Customs clearance and delivery of refrigerators is perhaps the most frequent order received by customs brokers who deal with customs clearance of special and commercial equipment in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad (according to monthly statistics from the Northwestern Federal District-online portal). This topic is dedicated to them.
Cooling system control
Modern refrigerators are equipped with a remote control system. Commands to the system can be issued from the driver's cabin. The remote control is also a control display that reflects the state of the microclimate in the compartments of the van. If necessary, settings can be easily changed on the go using the same remote control. An electronic action planning system will allow you to program a change in temperature or defrost the chamber at a certain time. It can be set with a timer. For example, you can defrost the sanitizing chamber at night. The programmed system will turn off the unit itself.
Refrigerated trailers and semi-trailers
First, let's differentiate between the concepts of trailer and semi-trailer . Their main difference is that a semi-trailer is attached to a truck tractor using a fifth wheel and transfers its load to it, while a trailer is a self-sufficient vehicle (self-sufficiency in this case, however, excludes the possibility of independent movement) and, when coupled to a tractor, by means of a drawbar, the load is transferred through its wheels to the ground, and not to the supporting frames of the tractor. This is where the difference ends.
Refrigerated container 20 feet. Specifications
Those who choose the most economical and small-sized container opt for this type.
Such refrigerated containers can be purchased or rented for transporting a small consignment of goods or for the purpose of equipping a mobile temperature-stabilized mini-warehouse. With a length of 6.058 m and a width of 2.438 m, such a container has a height of 2.591 m. These are the external dimensions. Taking into account the thickness of the walls, the internal dimensions are 5.513 m x 2.284 m x 2.269 m. The internal volume is therefore 28-30 cubic meters, depending on the modification.
- Maximum load capacity - 21950 kg.
- Own weight - 3050 kg.
- Maximum total weight - 25,000 kg.
- Energy consumption - 4.6 kW/h.
Refrigeration units
Refrigeration units in refrigerated trailers and semi-trailers also come in different types:
- autonomous (driven by a separate diesel engine);
- driven by an electric motor;
- with eutectic plates (a special liquid that turns into a solid phase at a temperature of -18 ° C, preventing ice from freezing using “No frost” technology);
For more efficient use of refrigeration units, manufacturers use the isothermal trailer assembly model, when the trailer frame has very high thermal insulation properties. This is achieved in the following way: the frame is assembled from so-called sandwich panels, the voids between which are filled with foamed polyurethane foam of a special consistency. The price of the trailer depends on the quality of the plastic, its thickness and strength. And the amount of customs duties levied during customs clearance also depends on the price. But more on that later.
What brands of refrigerators are there?
There are about a dozen companies represented on the Russian refrigeration equipment market, and the products of each brand have their own characteristics. Here at , you can buy refrigerators from the following manufacturers:
- "Thermo King" - high quality compact refrigeration units made in the USA. They are easy to install, provide a high degree of cooling capacity, and have service support in Russia.
- “Elinzh” are domestically produced refrigerators with a high level of cold. They are distinguished by compact dimensions and increased reliability of connecting pipes and fittings.
- "H-Thermo" - relatively inexpensive South Korean refrigeration units. They can boast of a decent level of quality and low prices for spare parts.
- "Carrier" - high-quality refrigerators from the famous French brand. Refrigeration units are presented in a wide range, distinguished by ergonomics, environmental friendliness and low noise levels. They have increased requirements for the bodies of isothermal vans.
The XOU drive can be either autonomous or from a vehicle engine or generator
What to look for when buying a refrigerator
Frame
When buying a used trailer, you must make sure that the frame and engine elements that provide the required temperature conditions are not worn out. There should be no large cracks on the body and no gaps at the joints of the skin. If a trailer is purchased during a personal inspection - in the daytime - professional buyers check the integrity of the interior skin for the penetration of light rays by closing the doors. But this is already a “clinical” case if there are through holes in the case. Exceptions are emergency models, sold at a bargain price, imported for the purpose of further repair, in which the main part - the refrigeration unit - is in perfect order. But when purchasing emergency trailers, do not forget that customs will not be concerned about the fact of an accident and the justification of the customs value, on which the amount of customs duties depends, is unlikely to be affected. Customs officers take the average price for trailers and semi-trailers of certain brands, based on data from special catalogs, and can easily conduct a CTS, forcing them to pay duties at average rates.
Refrigerated container 40 feet. Specifications
For larger shipments or larger warehouses, a 40-foot refrigerated container is suitable. Its length is 12.192 m, width 2.438 m, height 2.591 m (external dimensions). Internal dimensions are 11.638 m x 2.282 m x 2.252 m. The volume of internal space is 56-60 cubic meters.
- Maximum load capacity - 27990 kg.
- Own weight - 500-5000 kg.
- Maximum total weight - 32500 kg.
- Energy consumption - 5.8 kW/h.
Calculation of customs clearance for reef (main article)
Now a little about customs clearance of refs. At the link above you can find a table of duties on new and used refrigerated trailers, but we will look at a special case that took place not so long ago. We received an order for the purchase, delivery and customs clearance of a refrigerated trailer of the SCHMITZ SKO 24 , manufactured in 2008. In this case, purchase and delivery will be skipped; we will calculate the costs of customs clearance (excluding broker services - in case you decide to do everything yourself).
So, the trailer fell under the category from 3 to 7 years, its internal volume was 88 cubic meters, and the customs value (let’s take a slightly rounded number) was 36,000 Euros. The European currency exchange rate was 41.10 rubles per 1 Euro. The customs duty rate in this case was 10%. 148,016 rubles of import duty were paid to the treasury 5,500 rubles were fees for customs clearance (calculated from the local value of the vehicle) and VAT amounted to 293,072 rubles. In total, during customs clearance of this trailer, the Client had to pay 446,589 rubles. This does not take into account customs brokerage services and conclusions for the refrigeration unit. The amount is significant, but the Client was satisfied. In general, he is our regular customer for referrals; we have been cooperating for quite a long time and fruitfully.
Tips for choosing a refrigerated semi-trailer. What should you definitely pay attention to when purchasing? Types of refrigeration units in refrigerators.
Every buyer wants the product they purchase to be of high quality and reliable, but not to cost exorbitant amounts of money. A refrigerated semi-trailer is not cheap, and therefore its purchase should be taken seriously.
Before you write in a search engine: I will buy a refrigerator or I will buy a refrigerator semi-trailer, you should learn something about this type of equipment. This will help you make the right choice and buy a truly high-quality refrigerator.
First, you need to understand the difference between a trailer and a semi-trailer. The trailer is attached to any tractor using a drawbar.
The main reasons to buy a refrigerator from Business Auto
Our group is the official dealer of the largest manufacturers of refrigeration units. From us you can buy refrigerators, as well as original spare parts for them at a competitive price.
In the service centers of our company (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Tyumen), experienced craftsmen perform a full range of work on installation, repair and maintenance of equipment of domestic and foreign production. We have all the necessary certificates to provide this type of service and provide an official guarantee for up to 2 years. To get detailed information, order a call back on the website or contact us in another convenient way. Our manager will answer all your questions and help you choose the best refrigerator for the job.
Order a consultation on choosing a refrigerator
Foreign brands of refrigerators
DAF - the model range of the most popular refrigerators of the Dutch brand consists of: DAF FA LF55.250 Sleeper Cab, DAF FA LF55.300 Day Cab, DAF LF 55.3 Thermo King. The LF55 series vehicles have a total weight from 12 to 21 tons, and have a wheel configuration of FA 4x2, FA 6x2.
HINO - chassis of light and medium-tonnage trucks of the HINO-300, HINO-500 series, with a load capacity of 5 tons and 8 tons, are equipped with a Toyota isothermal van with a long and short wheelbase. Japanese refrigerators are adapted for use in Russia.
ISUZU - among the models of refrigerators from the Japanese manufacturer: ISUZU ELF 5.5, ISUZU ELF 7.5, ISUZU ELF 9.5, ISUZU GIGA, with a carrying capacity of 3 tons, 4.7 tons, 6.5 tons, 23 tons, respectively. It is possible to use a trailer weighing up to 3.5 tons. The trucks have high maneuverability and are adapted to any operating conditions.
NAVECO – on the NAVECO C-300 series chassis, insulated vans made of modern sandwich panels are installed, equipped with highly efficient refrigeration equipment of the brands – Zanotti, Thermo King, Carrier. The carrying capacity of Italian refrigerators is up to 6.7 tons.
Refrigerated semi-trailer design
Standard refrigerated semi-trailers have two types of designs: framed and frameless.
Refrigerated frame semi-trailers are equipped with a frame - a durable metal structure made of reliable material, followed by hot-dip galvanizing or varnishing. It is important to use vehicles when operating on low-quality roads; a significant part of the load when transporting goods over potholes falls on the frame, which allows maintaining the integrity of the semi-trailer.
Frameless refrigerated semi-trailers are suitable for working on roads with good surfaces; when operating on uneven surfaces, the load is so great that the body can break.
Any refrigerated semi-trailer has an isothermal body, which can be made of fiberglass or steel sandwich panels. The most reliable is a metal structure; it provides enhanced insulation, but its repair is quite complicated, so you should choose equipment from a reliable manufacturer.
As a rule, refrigerated semi-trailers, it is not difficult to buy such equipment in St. Petersburg today, are equipped with four locks, they are quite enough to secure the body doors and prevent them from opening even when driving on bad roads.
Refrigerators are often found with additional equipment: hooks for transporting meat carcasses, cross bars for compact placement of cargo on two tiers, dividing partitions that allow creating different temperature conditions for cargo transported simultaneously.
Refrigerated container 40 feet HiCube
The external overall dimensions of this type of reefer container differ from the usual 40-foot containers only in height. It is 2.895 m. The internal dimensions are also distinguished only by the height - 2.557 m. Due to this, the internal volume is slightly increased and amounts to 67-68 cubic meters. m.
- Maximum load capacity - 27790 kg.
- Own weight - 4800 kg.
- Maximum total weight - 32500 kg.
- Energy consumption - 5.8 kW/h.
Please note: the 45-foot refrigerated container has technical characteristics close to the 40-foot HiCube, differing slightly in length (by 1.5 m).
Types of cargo transported
Transportation of products.
Refrigerated trucks transport goods that are commonly called perishable. The latter require compliance with certain temperature indicators.
Products that require special transportation conditions are divided into the following groups:
- meat, fish, poultry in frozen or chilled states at temperatures from -5 ̊C to +18 ̊C;
- dairy products, cheeses are transported at +4 ̊С, butter – about -18 ̊С, for ice cream – up to -20 ̊С;
- vegetables and fruits are separated by type and transported separately, individually determining the temperature range;
- confectionery and bakery products require no higher than +15 ̊С;
- soft drinks – up to +15 ̊С, alcoholic beverages – up to +20 ̊С.
The transportation of medicines, biological cultures, vaccines, cosmetics, plants, and flowers requires special attention. For them, the conditions of transportation are determined separately.
