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Refrigerated Box Trucks for Sale: A Smart Investment for Cold Chain Businesses GuideMechanic.Com In today’s fast-paced economy, transporting perishable goods requires reliable and temperature-controlled vehicles.
Refrigerated box trucks, also known as reefer trucks, play a crucial role in industries such as food distribution, pharmaceuticals, floral delivery, and catering.
Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding your logistics fleet, this guide will help you understand the value of refrigerated box trucks, what to look for when buying one, and where to find great deals. Plus, we’ll share a pricing table to give you a solid idea of what’s on the market.
See Also: Box Trucks for Sale Under $5000
Refrigerated Box Trucks for Sale
What Are Refrigerated Box Trucks?
Refrigerated box trucks are medium-duty vehicles with insulated cargo areas and built-in refrigeration units. These trucks maintain specific temperature ranges—typically from 0°F to 50°F—ensuring that cargo remains fresh during transport.
They are available in a range of sizes, from small 10-foot trucks ideal for city deliveries to larger 26-foot models suitable for regional hauls.
Who Uses Refrigerated Box Trucks?
Reefer trucks are essential for businesses that rely on the cold chain, where maintaining consistent low temperatures is vital. Common industries include:
- Grocery & produce distributors
- Meat and seafood suppliers
- Dairy delivery
- Bakery and catering businesses
- Medical and pharmaceutical transport
- Floral shops
The ability to safely move goods at controlled temperatures helps prevent spoilage, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with food safety laws (like FDA and USDA regulations).
Refrigerated Box Trucks for Sale
Price Table: Refrigerated Box Trucks for Sale (2025 Market Overview)
Here’s a sample table of used refrigerated box trucks available in the U.S. market, based on average listings from nationwide dealerships and online platforms:
| Year | Make & Model | Reefer Unit | Cargo Length | Mileage | Condition | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Isuzu NPR-HD | Thermo King V-500 | 14 ft | 140,000 mi | Good | $28,500 |
| 2019 | Ford Transit 350 | Carrier Xarios 500 | 12 ft | 95,000 mi | Very Good | $32,900 |
| 2016 | Hino 268A | Carrier Supra 650 | 20 ft | 180,000 mi | Fair/Good | $29,000 |
| 2020 | Freightliner M2 106 | Thermo King T-880R | 22 ft | 110,000 mi | Excellent | $42,750 |
| 2015 | GMC Savana 3500 | Carrier 40X | 10 ft | 130,000 mi | Good | $24,900 |
| 2018 | International 4300 | Carrier Supra 760 | 24 ft | 160,000 mi | Good | $34,500 |
| 2021 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | Thermo King V-520RT | 10 ft | 80,000 mi | Very Good | $39,900 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Express 3500 | ColdZone 35 | 12 ft | 120,000 mi | Fair | $23,500 |
Prices vary by location, condition, maintenance history, and whether warranties or service contracts are included.
What to Look for When Buying a Refrigerated Box Truck
Purchasing a reefer truck is more complex than buying a regular box truck. You’re essentially buying two systems: the vehicle itself and the refrigeration unit.
1. Refrigeration Unit Type
- Popular Brands: Thermo King and Carrier dominate the market.
- Power Source: Some run off the engine, others off an auxiliary power unit (APU).
- Cooling Range: Make sure the unit can handle your required temperature range.
- Run Hours: Like engine mileage, reefer units have “hours” logged; lower is usually better.
2. Insulation Condition
- Look for wear, mold, or damage inside the cargo box.
- Check the door seals—air leaks lead to inefficiency.
3. Box Size
- Choose the length based on your business model: urban delivery vans (10–14 ft) or regional distribution trucks (20–26 ft).
4. Mileage & Mechanical Health
- High-mileage trucks can still perform well if they’ve had regular oil changes and maintenance.
- Inspect tires, suspension, and brakes.
5. Emission Compliance
- Ensure the truck meets EPA emissions standards, especially for use in California or other regulated states.
Where to Find Refrigerated Box Trucks for Sale
Online Marketplaces
- CommercialTruckTrader.com
- TruckPaper.com
- eBay Motors
- Facebook Marketplace
- Ryder Used Trucks
Local Dealerships
- Commercial truck dealers often have used reefer trucks available with financing options.
Auctions
- Ritchie Bros.
- GovPlanet
- FleetVehicleAuctions.com
These auctions can offer significant savings, but you must be confident in your ability to inspect used vehicles or bring a mechanic.
Refrigerated Box Trucks for Sale
Tips Before You Buy
- Bring a mechanic or reefer specialist: Diagnosing refrigeration issues requires expertise.
- Test the reefer unit: Run it through a full cooling cycle.
- Ask for maintenance logs: Especially important for reefer units, which need regular servicing.
- Negotiate based on reefer hours: Even if the truck runs great, a worn-out reefer unit can be expensive to replace ($6,000–$10,000).
- Consider total cost of ownership: Factor in fuel, insurance, repairs, and reefer maintenance.
New vs. Used: Which is Better?
New Refrigerated Trucks
- Warranty coverage (often up to 3 years)
- Latest fuel efficiency and emissions standards
- Expensive: typically $65,000–$110,000+
Used Refrigerated Trucks
- More affordable
- Can still offer 3–5 years of reliable service if well-maintained
- No warranty unless provided by seller
If your business is just starting, a used refrigerated truck under $35,000 may be a smart initial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a reefer unit last?
Most last 7,000–12,000 hours with proper maintenance. That’s roughly 8–10 years of use.
Can I lease a refrigerated box truck?
Yes, many dealers and fleet companies offer leasing. Leasing is ideal if you need a newer unit without a large upfront cost.
How often do reefer units need servicing?
Generally, every 500–750 hours of operation. Regular maintenance keeps temperatures stable and prevents breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re delivering ice cream, fresh produce, or medical supplies, a refrigerated box truck is a vital asset for maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction. Choosing the right one depends on your business size, delivery range, and budget.
Used reefer trucks offer excellent value if you know what to look for. With the right research, inspection, and negotiation, you can find a reliable refrigerated truck that serves your business for years—without freezing your finances.
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