Pulling reefer trailer

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/forums/refrigerated-trucking-forum.391/

Read that subforum, good luck!

 

Read the above threads mp gave the link to.

Really,reefer trailers are no big deal once you learn the basics.
Be sure they show you how to check the oil,coolant level and that type of stuff.Also the basics on setting temps and such.
Always ask every shipper the set temp and ask if it is to run on cycle mode or continuous mode.
Once you use Thermo-King and Carrier units the controls are a little different but easy.

And NEVER let one run out of fuel.....Pain in the butt if you do!

 

Personal advice: load securement and damaged boxes.

Both things can ruin Your day quickly and cost MC a loot of mulla!

Will be great if Your trailer has e-track (horizontal logistic rail for the folks who not familiar).
If You load produce especially,stay inside, keep an eye on everything, last 2 pallets sideways, they will fill whole width of trailer.

 

Reefer is a dry van with an extra engine and extra fuel tank.

 

Also see if your company will get you a couple of the good ratchet style load locks(the square ones). Most reefer trailers have no E-track for load straps and the cheapo load locks are about useless.
Also remember you are a little more limited on the weight of the load.Depending on the brand of trailer they weigh about 2k more than a dry box at least.
If they have a shop let them show you how to clean the fuel screen behind the banjo bolt.These tend to be a problem and clog up easy.And also is how you bleed the air out of the fuel lines if it ever runs out.
I never run one under 1/4 of a tank of fuel.(bleeding fuel lines on a 100 degree day sucks on the side of the road!
Keep any eye on the trailer door seals too....You need a good tight seal especially on frozen loads.
Be prepared to get more trailer washouts as most food grade shippers can be picky!

A cordless leaf blower makes for easy sweep out!

 

Check the drain holes, 2 in front and 2 in rear in the corners. If they don't have the rubber tube on the bottom pinching to close if the drain is wide open, on frozen loads I plug the hole with a paper towel. It is more difficult to keep a minus 10 temp with hot air rushing in the drain holes.

 

Once in awhile you get some freebie stuff to take home.....lol!
If the receiver refuses a few bent boxes and the company most likely says throw it in the dumpster.

I got 3 cases of Alaskan king crab legs one week.......SWEET!

 

Biggest difference I have had is, reefer trailers ride better, are more nose heavy, and are different when it comes to cleaning out general pallet debris and dirt. Many shippers may also want a washout depending on your previous load. I bought a 20 volt rechargeable leaf blower to keep the general dirt/pallet scraps blown out.

My company's Thermo king reefers don't have an option for cycle/continously run, they are programmed for 'product type', and that program is set for which ever cycle is needed. Our Carrier units still give us a choice.

The biggest issue you might run into is getting use to the noise and vibration of a unit. Once you get use to it, you'll have a hard time sleeping without one running.