Like the rest of the industry, refrigerated transporters are struggling to find and keep drivers. Meanwhile, outside factors range from regulations to the growing popularity of fresh convenience foods and e-commerce.
Robinair has released its new 17800C multi-refrigerant machine designed to recover, recycle, evacuate, and charge many different refrigerants and systems, all in one fast and continuous operation through one hook-up.
Transport refrigeration system batteries are increasingly being tapped to power additional electronics such as telematics devices, fuel-level sensors, interior trailer lighting and other accessories. But that means batteries can go dead faster than ever. Solar power to the rescue.
Mickey Truck Bodies has designed a refrigerated van option, featuring thermal-efficient composite panels on the roof, walls, and floor.
Prestolite has added an alternator designed for the refrigeration market to its LoadHandler starter and alternator line.
Plastics -- specifically, molded structural composites -- might constitute the future of trailers. Some are used in Europe, and Wabash National is ready to build them here. Werner Enterprises, K&B Transportation, Combined Transport, and Leonard’s Express will acquire some MSC trailers for testing, and three dealers will help bring the trailers to market.
What will the refrigerated trailer of the future be made of? Strong, lightweight and corrosion-proof composites? Very possibly. Economical, efficient aluminum sheet-and-post design, like now? Yes, for a number of years yet.
Carrier Transicold’s DataLink 2 recorder uses up to three independent temperature sensors, providing an added layer of verification beyond the refrigeration system’s built-in recording ability in a refrigerated trailer.
The same CO2 that government regulators work to control as a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming might be embraced as a more environmentally friendly compound to keep our perishables at safe temperatures.
Todco, The Overhead Door Company, added the new TodCold refrigerated door to its line of roll-up doors.