Spec’ing the right light- and medium-duty refrigerated trucks results from working closely with suppliers to help drive innovation. With rising fuel prices, fleet managers considering light- and medium-duty refrigerated trucks have one more concern on their already full plates.
“Regulations and industry trends are already shaping the future today,” said Matt Nelson, vice president of FG Products, the manufacturer of single and multi-temp solutions for fleets that transport refrigerated cargo, including a Sprinter van insulation package called the Cool-R Kit.
“Many of the vehicles that fleets are retiring now were specified perhaps eight years ago, and much has happened since then,” Nelson continued. “CSA, the Food Safety Modernization Act and CARB compliance are all moving targets, and along with fuel prices and higher operating costs in a questionable economy, calculating ROI effectively is critical. In addition, upfitters need to work with the vehicle supplier and the customer to make sure the finished product fits all the parameters desired.”
Scott Bates, truck product manager for Thermo King, advised fleet managers to consider the whole package and coordinate body and reefer unit specifications to optimize performance. “Weigh all factors to identify the right solution at the right temperature,” he said, “including body and refrigeration unit construction, driver behavior and truck weight and axle loading.”
“The cargo area body and transport refrigeration unit should be thought of as an integrated solution,” noted David Dunn, product manager—truck products at Carrier Transicold. “In most cases, this is a customized approach that takes into consideration the customer’s logistics model, the truck operating environment and cargo being transported. Factors to consider include ambient temperatures of the operating environment, the type of product being transported, required cargo area size, and anticipated number and frequency of deliveries.”
All suppliers are quick to point out that they offer a variety of solutions to help fleet managers control refrigerated load integrity. “Suppliers can help identify best practices and share real-world experience,” related Thermo King’s Bates. “Dealer networks offer a wide range of experience working with fleets in various industries. These dealers can share best practices regarding what solutions work well with specific types of delivery schedules, geographies and other factors. They also can advise customers regarding specific distribution practices and challenges common to particular areas.”
Carrier Transicold’s Dunn added that dealers are experienced in providing body recommendations based on customer requirements. “Dealers work on a regular basis with end users, leasing companies and body manufacturers to optimize the body specification and refrigeration unit combination,” he said. “This helps the customer realize higher operating efficiencies and a lower cost of ownership, all while achieving the ultimate goal of maintaining the integrity of the refrigerated goods being delivered.”
“Many of the conversations we have with customers are geared toward thinking about things differently,” said FG Products’ Nelson. “There is an old saying, “If you’re not trying, you’re dying.” Effective suppliers will always want to work with their customers to find ‘their’ solution. That’s what drives innovation for new products.
“As suppliers,” Nelson concluded, “it is critical that we listen closely and communicate equally with our customers. For fleet managers, it is important to be willing to try new concepts and take part in research and development and pilot programs. Remember that change often requires stepping away and looking at things differently to find the best solution.”
