Refrigerated trailers are complex machines with many parts that must be working correctly for them to function as designed. Any driver providing refrigerated truck delivery service should have strong knowledge of the functions of a refrigerated trailer and understand common malfunctions that refrigerated trailers face.

Drivers are always subject to a breakdown.  Depending on the cargo, if it takes longer than it should to fix your reefer, that freight can go bad.

What can go wrong when refrigerated trucks are making long hauls? Here are some of the greatest challenges that these operations face in their day-to-day work.

Collisions

It’s simple physics. When something the size of a commercial truck gets into an accident, it causes significant damage. When a truck of this nature collides with a passenger car, the likelihood of catastrophic injuries is much higher than with most accidents.

Leaks & Seals 

Fluid leaks are a frequent malfunction, mostly due to the fact that there are so many working parts and different types of fluids in a reefer unit. The most common leaks are engine oil and coolant. 

The doors of a refrigerated trailer need to have a complete seal on them to contain the ambient temperature in the trailer. If the door hinges are broken, the seal on the trailer will be affected. 

Rips & Tears 

Cracks, tears, and wear on belts and hoses can affect the reefers performance. It may have to work overtime to accommodate the wear, and might not cool effectively. If gone unrecognized, spoilage becomes a huge concern. Examine the condition of the belts and hoses of the reefer unit prior to each load as part of your pre-trip inspection and be sure to secure long haul trucking insurance. 

It’s very easy for a chute to become damaged. Rips and tears in chutes cause improper air distribution and flow from the reefer unit to the rest of the trailer. This will create cool and hot spots in the trailer, and damage the products. 

Condenser & Calibration Issues 

The condenser is a key component to the refrigeration unit.  Any issues in the condenser (damaged coils, missing clamps/bolts, and leaks) will surely affect the load. 

If a calibration malfunction goes unnoticed, the unit can cool at an undesired rate. 

Sensor Malfunctions 

If the return air sensor is damaged or malfunctioning, it will cause inaccurate readings of temperatures; these temperatures will also be incorrect on the display reading. A driver will not know if there is an issue, so make sure this area is checked during scheduled service.

Blocked Bulkhead 

Bulkhead blockages can cause freezing on top boxes near the bulkhead and warming of product at the tail end of the trailer. Periodically remove the forward bulkhead and keep the airways clean and free of debris.

In order to protect refrigerated trucks and their products, it is crucial to obtain long-haul trucking insurance specifically designed to address these operations and their unique risks. At Tobico Trucking Insurance, we have the specialized solutions for your needs, and we are prepared to help you.

About Tobico Trucking Insurance

Trucking insurance is one of the most difficult types of insurance to obtain, but it doesn’t have to be. At Tobico Trucking Insurance, we are experienced and knowledgable about the trucking insurance market and the needs of trucking operations of all types and sizes. You need an agent who has the specialized knowledge of this ever-changing industry, and we have the products and the dedicated customer service to provide you with what you need. For more information, contact us any time of day at (469) 731-0707 to find out how we can help you.