Wabash National announced a three-year purchase agreement with refrigerated carrier Prime Inc. to build 4,000 ArcticLite refrigerated van trailers over the next 34 months.

2010 trailer production requirements of 725 of those trailers will begin this month.

"Our purchase of their ArcticLite trailers has helped provide Prime's customers with unmatched temperature control," said Robert Low, Prime's founder and CEO. "These thermally efficient and lightweight trailers are equipped with the latest technology to maximize product protection, while reducing our carbon footprint and conserving energy. The superior design of these trailers enables us to maximize cargo weight and cubic capacity."

This is the second big order recently for Wabash. Last month, the company announced a three-year deal with truckload carrier Swift Transportation where Wabash will build 3,100 DuraPlate HD dry vans over the next 12 months.

Wabash also announced last month that it has hired 100 temporary employees and plans to add 90 more this quarter, thanks to the increased trailer demand.