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Box Truck with Reefer Unit for Sale: The Smart Choice for Cold Chain Transport GuideMechanic.Com When it comes to transporting perishable goods, nothing is more important than temperature control.
A box truck with a reefer unit (refrigerated unit) is the go-to solution for businesses that need to deliver products like produce, dairy, frozen goods, pharmaceuticals, or flowers while keeping them at specific temperatures.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about buying a box truck with a reefer unit, including top models, pricing, sizes, benefits, and what to look for before purchasing.
Box Truck with Reefer Unit for Sale
See Also: Box Truck with Roll-Up Door for Sale
What Is a Reefer Box Truck?
A reefer box truck is a straight truck equipped with a refrigerated cargo area. The reefer unit, usually mounted on the front of the cargo box or on the roof, regulates the interior temperature to meet specific cold-chain requirements.
This kind of truck is essential for:
- Food and beverage distribution
- Grocery deliveries
- Floral and nursery businesses
- Pharmaceutical and vaccine transportation
- Catering and cold meal services
Reefer trucks offer both cooling and freezing functions depending on the unit type and temperature range needed.
Benefits of a Box Truck with Reefer Unit
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperature Control | Keeps goods cool or frozen during transit |
| Extended Delivery Reach | Ideal for long distances or hot climates |
| Versatile Use | Can transport chilled, frozen, or dry goods |
| Improved Food Safety | Meets USDA and FDA requirements |
| Branding Opportunity | Trucks often used as rolling ads for food companies |
| Profitability | Higher revenue potential for specialized logistics |
By maintaining precise internal temperatures, reefer trucks protect valuable cargo and reduce spoilage.
| Box Length | Ideal Use | Temp Range (°F) | Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14–16 ft | Local food, florist deliveries | 35–60°F (chill) | 3,000–5,000 lbs |
| 18–20 ft | Dairy, seafood, meal services | 0–40°F (chill/freeze) | 5,000–8,000 lbs |
| 22–26 ft | Bulk transport, commercial meat | -10–40°F | 8,000–12,000 lbs |
Shorter reefer box trucks are easier to maneuver in city deliveries, while larger ones suit regional or long-haul transport.
Top Brands & Models with Reefer Units
Below are commonly seen truck models outfitted with reefer bodies, either OEM or through third-party upfits:
| Make & Model | Box Size | Fuel Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isuzu NPR HD | 14–18 ft | Diesel | Compact, ideal for city routes |
| Ford E-350 Cutaway | 14–16 ft | Gasoline | Reliable for light duty use |
| Freightliner M2 106 | 20–26 ft | Diesel | Preferred for large reefer applications |
| Hino 268 | 20–24 ft | Diesel | Excellent mid-size option |
| GMC Savana Cutaway | 14–16 ft | Gasoline | Often used for medical and floral delivery |
Reefer units from trusted manufacturers like Thermo King, Carrier Transicold, or Klinge are often installed on these trucks, depending on the use case.
Box Truck with Reefer Unit for Sale
Price Table: Used Reefer Box Trucks
Here’s a general overview of price ranges for reefer box trucks in the U.S. used truck market:
| Box Size | Year Range | Condition | Mileage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14–16 ft | 2015–2020 | Excellent | Under 120k | $22,000–$35,000 |
| 18–20 ft | 2013–2018 | Good | 120k–200k | $26,000–$42,000 |
| 22–26 ft | 2010–2016 | Fair to Good | 180k–300k | $28,000–$48,000 |
Prices vary depending on:
- Reefer unit brand and age
- Temperature range capability
- Insulation level of the box
- Additional features like liftgates, ramps, or side doors
What to Check Before Buying
When inspecting a used box truck with a reefer, consider the following points carefully:
Reefer Unit Functionality
- Does it reach and maintain the desired temperature?
- Any history of compressor issues or coolant leaks?
- Age and service history of the reefer unit?
Box Condition
- Walls properly insulated?
- No water or mold damage inside?
- Door seals in good shape?
Mechanical Health
- Engine, brakes, transmission all in reliable condition
- No warning lights on dashboard
- Service records available?
Buying a truck with a faulty reefer unit can lead to expensive repairs, so it’s worth paying a professional to inspect it before purchase.
CDL vs Non-CDL Reefer Trucks
Depending on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), you may or may not need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL):
| GVWR | CDL Needed? | Common Truck Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 26,000 lbs | No | 14–20 ft reefer box trucks |
| Over 26,001 lbs | Yes | 22–26 ft reefer box trucks |
Always check the GVWR plate inside the driver’s door to determine whether the truck qualifies for non-CDL operation.
Ideal Businesses for Reefer Trucks
These trucks are used across a wide range of industries:
- Catering and Meal Delivery Services
- Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Distribution
- Grocery Chains and Food Wholesalers
- Seafood and Meat Processors
- Floral Shops and Nurseries
A properly sized reefer truck can help you expand delivery range and secure high-value clients who need reliable cold-chain logistics.
Where to Find a Box Truck with Reefer for Sale
Here are several places to start your search:
- Local commercial truck dealerships
- Online truck marketplaces
- Refrigerated fleet liquidations
- Used truck auctions
- Refurbished reefer specialists
Make sure to confirm the reefer unit model, run a test cycle, and ask for service records before committing.
Final Thoughts
A box truck with a reefer unit is more than just a vehicle—it’s a cold chain solution that helps you deliver perishable goods safely, reliably, and on time.
When shopping for one:
- Determine your ideal box length and temperature range
- Verify reefer unit functionality
- Choose a fuel-efficient, reliable truck model
- Compare prices based on mileage, year, and unit age
- Consider future maintenance and fuel costs
Whether you’re starting a food delivery business or expanding a logistics operation, this type of vehicle is a smart, long-term investment in reliability and growth.
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