Dry freight and refrigerated trucks: how to choose?

Dry freight trucks and refrigerated trucks play key roles in cargo transport around the globe. They play an indispensable role in the field of transportation. When picking between refrigerated and dry cargo transport, you should look at their benefits and performance. You should know about their cost, maintenance, load weight, and more. They also have different approaches to daily operations.

Once you know the pros and cons of dry freight trucks and reefer trucks, think about your operation and cargo needs. Choose the truck that will support your growth in an efficient manner.

Composite Box is a specialized manufacturer of refrigerated trucks and dry freight truck solutions. We provide you with authoritative industry information. Let you grasp all the content and information you want to know.

What is a dry freight truck?

Understanding the structure and function of a dry van can give you more clarity in contrast to a refrigerated truck.

A dry freight truck is the most widely traveled truck on the road. It resembles a closed “rectangular” box, with common sizes ranging from 3.8 meters to 4.2 meters, and the longest length being a “box” of 9.6 meters. Typical dry freight truck compartments are made of fiberglass sandwich, aluminum, and steel sheets. Inside, it is possible to install E-track, loading and unloading ramps, and other equipment.

To learn more about the Composite Box dry freight box truck body, you can click here.

What is the purpose of a dry freight truck?

Dry freight trucks serve many purposes. They enable fast loading, unloading, and transportation of goods. They are often used to move non-perishable items. This includes fully packaged goods, ambient dairy, common fruits, clothing, and electronics. You can transport these products on pallets or in boxes. They can be transported on pallets or in boxes. In logistics, dry freight trucks are the most common. They are about four times more common on the road than refrigerated trucks.

What is a refrigerated truck?

A refrigerated truck is a special type of truck. It looks like a dry freight truck but works like a “mobile refrigerator.” It has a temperature control system that ranges from -18℃ to 7℃. This system is known as a refrigeration unit. The truck’s diesel engine powers the refrigeration system. The temperature control system keeps the temperature steady by reacting to changes inside.

More notably, in order to get better temperature control, the refrigerated box truck body has the function of heat preservation and thermal insulation, thanks to the development of material science, mainly using foam sandwich material, most of the buyers will choose fiberglass XPS foam panels.This makes it possible to transport perishable goods to the destination more safely, preventing the goods from rotting.

What is the purpose of refrigerated trucks?

Refrigerated trucks mainly carry perishable food, frozen items, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Besides food, it can transport sensitive items like chemicals and cosmetics. These goods are affected by high temperatures and can react chemically. In a cold environment, goods stay fresh and don’t rot easily. The low temperature also slows down bacterial growth, keeping food hygienic and fresh.

Refrigerated trucks carry many types of goods. They need different temperatures. For example, fresh vegetables can get damaged if frozen. Therefore, the emergence of refrigerated multi-temperature zones perfectly solves this problem. A multi-temperature zone is the best feature of refrigerated trucks. It can keep different temperatures in one truck body. This way, it meets the needs of various goods.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dry Freight Trucks

Pros:

• Dry freight trucks are easy to maintain and require less equipment to operate.
• Dry freight trucks have lower operating costs and fuel consumption.
• Dry freight trucks can transport more types of goods.
• Large customer base

Disadvantages:

• Dry freight trucks can’t transport temperature-sensitive goods.
• Dry freight trucks usually need less maintenance than reefer trucks.
• Box truck bodies are not insulated against extreme temperatures.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Reefer Trucks

Pros:

• Has a temperature control system for low temperatures.
• Can transport perishable food and other goods.
• Can transport frozen, cold, dry, and other types of goods.

Disadvantages:

• Requires advanced refrigeration to reach a predetermined temperature.
• Refrigerated cargo requires more cost and expenses.
• Refrigerated trucks require more upkeep and maintenance.
• Prone to breakdowns.

Which is better, a dry freight truck or a refrigerated truck?

In some ways, refrigerated trucks are more advantageous, but dry freight trucks are still the choice of most people.

They are both more popular and practical means of transportation and differ mainly in the goods they transport as well as in cost. They tend to be the same in terms of size, and while they each have their pros and cons, they all come with quite a bit of cost and maintenance.

As it stands, the market share of refrigerated trucks is starting to rise, and many people recognize the lucrative benefits of refrigerated trucks. However, they choose dry freight trucks because of their lack of understanding of refrigerated trucks. Refrigerated trucks have a temperature control system. They also feature a thermal insulation box body, which adds versatility. If the refrigeration system fails, then the refrigerated truck will not be able to operate, requiring certain maintenance and maintenance experience; it becomes very important.

Dry freight trucks have a lower upfront cost than refrigerated trucks; however, they do not have temperature control and cannot transport products that require temperature. It is not possible to get a higher profit than that of a refrigerated truck.

If your budget allows, a refrigerated truck is the best choice. They cost more and require more maintenance, but they offer greater benefits.

Composite Box Final Thoughts

When choosing between reefer trucks and dry freight trucks, consider your needs. Reefer trucks can bring in more profit, but dry freight trucks are cheaper. If you are looking to spend less, then choosing a dry freight truck is a good choice. If you wish to be able to transport goods that require temperature control, then choosing a refrigerated truck is the best option.

Composite Box manufacturer offers flexible box truck bodies for refrigerated cargo or dry freight. We provide a full solution. The truck body is made of fiberglass and rigid insulation foam. It offers thermal insulation, strength, and durability. Plus, we have more truck kits for you to choose from.

Author introduction

Hello, customers

My name is Jack Yu and I am the Business Manager of Composite Box. I have been in the business of sandwich panels, refrigerated trucks and RVs for more than 10 years. Please feel free to contact us. I am happy to provide you with the best service and products.

Email:  info@composite-box.com | Tel: 86+17280837525