At the moment when the cold chain logistics industry is booming, refrigerated trucks have become an essential tool for many companies to transport perishable goods. As a company that has been deeply involved in this field, Snewang knows that factors such as price, performance and cost are crucial when companies choose refrigerated trucks. The price span of refrigerated trucks is large, usually between US$30,000 and US$200,000, and the specific price varies depending on the size and specifications. Taking common models as an example, a brand new 26-foot refrigerated truck costs about US$75,000; while the price of a used car is relatively affordable, about US$40,000. However, when making decisions, companies should consider factors such as maintenance costs and fuel efficiency in addition to price.
Small refrigerated trucks: flexible and efficient short-distance transportation tools
For companies that operate perishable goods, small refrigerated trucks are indispensable, which can ensure the safe transportation of goods at a specific temperature. Snewang found that the starting price of small refrigerated trucks is mainly affected by specifications and quality. In terms of brand and refrigeration performance, the price range of new small refrigerated trucks is roughly between $20,000 and $50,000. If it is a high-end model equipped with advanced refrigeration equipment, the price may be as high as $60,000. When choosing, companies also need to weigh the investment pros and cons of new and used vehicles. A high-quality used small refrigerated truck costs between $15,000 and $30,000, but it should be noted that used cars often have shorter warranty coverage and relatively higher maintenance costs in the later stage.
In the operation of small refrigerated trucks, operational efficiency is the focus of companies. Take a refrigerated truck with an average fuel consumption of 20 miles per gallon as an example. Long-term use can save a lot of costs for the company. Assuming the price of $3 per gallon of oil, if the company’s vehicle travels 200 miles a day, it will consume about 10 gallons of fuel per day, and the fuel cost is about $30, totaling $900 per month. In addition, drivers can further reduce costs by adopting fuel-saving driving techniques, which is undoubtedly the key for companies seeking higher profit margins in a highly competitive market.
The service life of a refrigerated truck is generally 10 to 15 years, but this is closely related to the maintenance and use of the vehicle. Snewang recommends that companies do regular maintenance work, such as timely oil changes and refrigeration system inspections, which will not only help extend the service life of the refrigerated truck, but also ensure its efficient operation and minimize the risk of product deterioration during transportation. It is estimated that the average cost of maintaining a small refrigerated truck for a company is about $1,500 per year. At the same time, companies cannot ignore the downtime costs caused by repairs, as repairs will interrupt operations and affect customer satisfaction.
Medium-sized refrigerated trucks: reliable partners for long-distance transportation
For companies that need to transport perishable products over long distances, medium-sized refrigerated trucks are of great value. Snewang learned that the cost of purchasing a medium-sized refrigerated truck is usually between $50,000 and $100,000, and the specific price will fluctuate depending on the brand, size and refrigeration technology. For example, a standard mid-sized refrigerated truck that can carry 15 to 20 cubic meters of cargo can cost as much as $70,000, while newer models with enhanced insulation and temperature control can cost as much as $90,000. Companies need to balance these costs with their actual needs to find the most cost-effective option when purchasing.
Fuel efficiency is a key factor that companies must consider when using mid-sized refrigerated trucks. Compared with small refrigerated trucks, mid-sized refrigerated trucks have relatively high fuel consumption, typically 10 to 15 miles per gallon. Based on a fuel price of $3.50 per gallon for 300 miles per day, the fuel cost per day is $52.50, or about $1,575 per month. Therefore, it is important to monitor fuel consumption and explore solutions to optimize routes and reduce costs.
In terms of maintenance costs, the average annual routine maintenance cost of a medium-duty refrigerated truck is expected to be between $2,000 and $3,000, covering items such as oil changes, brake checks, and refrigeration system inspections. Good routine maintenance is essential to extend the life of the truck and ensure reliable operation. A properly maintained medium-duty refrigerated truck can have a service life of 10 to 15 years or even longer. In addition, companies should estimate repair costs in advance, because vehicle wear and tear may cause unexpected failures, resulting in costly downtime and compromising the integrity of the product during transportation.
Cargo capacity is an important factor that cannot be ignored when selecting a medium-duty refrigerated truck. Generally speaking, the maximum payload of a refrigerated truck is between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds, which can meet the bulk transportation needs of enterprises. For example, a refrigerated truck with a cargo capacity of 20 cubic meters can efficiently transport approximately 8,000 pounds of refrigerated agricultural products, providing a practical transportation solution for food distributors, florists, pharmaceutical companies, etc.
Large refrigerated trucks: the “giant” for long-distance transportation
Large refrigerated trucks are the lifeline for long-distance transportation of perishable products. The price of such refrigerated trucks is usually between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on its size, capacity, refrigeration technology and other specifications. Snewang reminds that when companies choose large refrigerated trucks, they must fully evaluate their own transportation needs and make the most suitable decision based on vehicle performance and cost.
Today, as the cold chain transportation industry continues to develop, Snewang, with its professional knowledge and rich experience, provides companies with a full range of refrigerated truck purchase suggestions to help companies reduce costs and increase efficiency in logistics and transportation and achieve sustainable development.
