what is a reefer truck

A reefer truck, also known as a refrigerator truck or chiller lorry, is a van or truck designed to carry perishable freight at low temperatures. Most long-distance refrigerated transport by truck is done in articulated trucks pulling refrigerated hardside semi-trailers, although insulated curtainsiders are common in some countries. Reefer trailers can be ice-cooled, equipped with any one of a variety of mechanical refrigeration systems powered by small displacement diesel engines, or utilize carbon dioxide (either as dry ice or in liquid form) as a cooling agent. They are often equipped with small "vent doors" at the rear and front of the trailer, which are kept open while hauling non-refrigerated cargo (often "backhaul") . The components of a reefer unit include the compressor, evaporator, condenser, and the reefer engine attached to the trailer that runs the HVAC system. Reefer trucks are used to transport anything perishable or that requires a specific stable temperature, such as frozen goods, perishable foods, chemicals, and even pharmaceuticals.