The Fridge Effect?

lol

 

I used to do reefer work a long time ago and it really depends on what your hauling as to how you run the reefer. Most loads do not require the reefer to run continually. Frozen loads are always more sensitive though, and have to be run all the time. Produce loads are the biggest headache because they have a very specific temp. range you have to keep it in. All in all hauling reefer just requires a little more attention to detail than a dry load. More headaches as well when you consider all the trailer washouts and pallets that you have to search up and lets not forget that if it's refrigerated it's probably going to need a lumper at the other end.

 

kmatic, the reefer tank has a fuel gauge on it, so its not too hard to work out when its getting low on fuel.
How much fuel is used depends on the temp the load has to be kept at and the outside temperature. There are days the kick in infrequently, and other days they run steady. So the frequency that it runs will give you an idea of often you need to check fuel levels.

 

Most places provide unloaders for you, at least the companies I know of do so a lumper is not required or is set up ahead of time and you pay them with a T check. Never had to wash out a trailer, just sweep it. They were all power washed by the various companies on a regular basis. Not something a driver had to worry about (at least for the four companies I'm aware of).

 

Reefer fuel goes on a separate invoice so that the company can get reimbursement of road taxes.

Know your shipper. Some require a trailer wash-out at any truck wash. Show your receipt. Other shippers will wash the trailer for you and make you pay for it regardless of the fact you just had it washed. Meat hooks also have to be cleaned, and they will exchange hooks with you. Get the same number hooks as you brought in.

Truck stop mechanics may not be qualified to work on refrigeration units. There is a separate network of dealerships and repair shops for reefers, and you should have a directory. You haven't lived until you look in the mirror and see that red light on the side of the reefer. Now you have a load that is thawing until you get repairs, and that may take several hours. Many loads carry a recording thermometer. The consignee will know the heat history of the load.

 

Nope. I always check and see how my fuel level is doing, especially in the summer when it runs more. It's just a simple float type gauge on the side of the tank and you can look at it and instantly tell how much is left. You can tell how much it's burning if you actually bother to remember where it was last time you looked.
I check my fluids and belts in the am, and then keep and eye on the idiot light in the mirror. If anything goes wrong it will tell you. I prefer the Thermo-King version over the Carriers myself. TK is just a green T and an orange K. If it's green you go. If it's flashing, then you have some problems.

 

yeah, and then i wouldn't pull a reefer at all, EVER!!