The global market for refrigerated vehicles is expected to reach $10.5 billion by the end of 2026, experiencing a compound annual growth rate of about 5.1% through that period, according to a study by Market Research Future.
Within that, the use of the vehicles for beverage delivery likely will continue to grow as certain styles of craft beer and functional beverages require special, climate-controlled handling in the last mile.
With those applications in mind, here’s what’s happening with some of the industry’s top suppliers of refrigerated bodies and trailers.
Great Dane
Great Dane recently announced that all of its refrigerated trailers will come standard with its FleetPulse telematics solution, delivering real-time data and insights for fleets — including GPS location, mileage information, geofences, automated yard checks, tethered status, heading, speed and proprietary trailer specs and parts information.
Johnson Truck Bodies, a unit of Great Dane offers both side-load and real-load refrigerated solutions. Its C-Series walk-in body and R-Series reach-in side loaders feature multi-temperature capabilities, as well as mechanical and all-electric refrigeration options.
They both offer the company’s patented ArcticTherm interior liner protection option, composed of reinforced chopped fiberglass, which, Johnson says, are 10 times more puncture resistant than traditional glassboard liners.
Mickey Truck Bodies
Mickey’s 16-foot refrigerated van body uses thermal-efficient composite panels on the roof, walls and floor that maintain the inside temperature from zero degrees to 32 degrees Fahrenheit more efficiently than conventional panels. Roof, front wall and floor panels are four inches thick, while sidewall panels are three inches thick. It also features smooth side walls, sans fasteners, for improved decal application and appearance. Overall width is 96 inches and interior height is 91 inches.
Vanguard
Meanwhile, Vanguard Trailer contends that its refrigerated trailers offer 12% more thermal efficiency than other units — thanks partly to a triple rear door seal — resulting in fuel savings, longer equipment life and safer transportation of the cases on board. Additionally, its trailers offer enhanced corrosion resistance, meaning that more standard galvanized steel components do not require extensive maintenance, it says. The trailers are available in single-temperature and multi-temperature and in rear load and sideload configurations.
Wabash National
Wabash National offers both refrigerated bodies and trailers, dedicated to last-mile delivery applications. Its Kold King refrigerated bodies promise up to 25% greater thermal efficiency, thanks to a new foaming process. A weight reduction of about 200 pounds also improves thermal and fuel efficiency and a one-piece header system that eliminates corner caps, increasingly durability of the front wall. It, too, is available in single and multi-temperature options to meet diverse product needs. Wabash offers Kold King solutions for traditional, alternative and electric chassis.
Its ArcticLite refrigerated trailers include computer-controlled foaming to ensure 100% insulated side walls with thermal breaks to prevent heat transfer and maintain the operating temperature. Its single-piece, high-strength liner and scuff design resists damage and prevents debris from collecting behind the wear band. It also features the proprietary SolarGuard roof material to prevent UV ray absorption, thus reducing heat transfer and unit operating costs. Its heavy-duty duct floor system is available in either a 16,000-pound or 18,000-pound dynamic load rating, supporting high-cycle loading and unloading. Wabash products meet all Food Safety Modernization Act requirements.
