Understanding and Managing Reefer Fuel Usage

For companies regularly transporting cold shipments, understanding and managing reefer fuel usage is critical. It’s not as simple as continually running it or stop-and-start running your trailer. If you don’t manage reefer fuel usage, your costs can skyrocket. But if you don’t run your reefer to try and save money, you run the risk of taking a claim against the cargo. 

By understanding how to manage reefer fuel usage better, you’ll be able to maintain better control of your costs while delivering cargo on time and under the right temperature conditions. Here’s what you need to know about reefer fuel usage.

How Is Reefer Fuel Different Than Tractor Fuel?

While tractor fuel and reefer fuel are both diesel, they are not interchangeable with one another. Tractor fuel is designed to power the heavy-duty engines of semi-trucks, using high-energy fuel to keep heavy loads moving down the road. You can find reefer fuel at many truck stops across the United States. 

Reefer fuel is designed to run the refrigeration units attached to reefer trailers. These trailers have their own motor and reefer fuel tank to ensure the cargo remains at the right operational temperature even when the truck isn’t running. Reefer fuels are formulated to work in colder temperatures and with higher stability, ensuring the refrigeration unit operates safely. 

So what would happen if you tried to use tractor fuel in a reefer refrigeration unit? Because reefer fuel is refined to have a lower energy density and higher flash point, using regular diesel in a reefer could cause the refrigerator to malfunction, leading to engine damage, engine failure, or even the risk of a fire.

How Much Reefer Fuel Do Trailers Use?

The amount of reefer fuel your trailer will use depends on several factors, including your trailer’s manufacturer, the age of your trailer, and the size of the load. Actual fuel usage depends on what temperature the items inside the trailer need to be kept at, along with how hard the refrigeration unit works throughout the day. 

On average, older trailers can use between 1–3 gallons of reefer fuel per hour, depending on the load and how hard the unit is being run. However, modern reefer trailers are much more efficient and can keep everything cool using less fuel. A newer refrigeration unit can operate effectively using between 0.4 and 1.1 gallons of fuel every hour.

How Can I Manage Reefer Fuel Usage?

If your trailer is burning too much fuel, it could be due to several controllable factors. Before you start worrying about how much you’re spending on energy costs, be sure to consider these ways to manage your reefer fuel usage better. 

Manage the Running Temperature

Rules on temperature-controlled cargo are managed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is why it’s crucial to know which operating mode is right for your cargo. Running in the wrong operating mode or temperature controls can result in losing cargo and claims against your company. 

Before you get on the road, understand what temperature you need to maintain your cargo. Loads that need absolute temperature control need to be run on continuous mode, while those that can be managed with variable temperature controls can be run under the reefer’s auto settings. 

Understand Reefer Fuel Tank Capacity

The bigger your fuel tank, the more reefer fuel usage you can tolerate between fill-ups. As you shop between reefer trailers for sale, be sure to understand what kind of fuel tank you are working with.

Different manufacturers install different fuel tank sizes on their reefer trailers. Carrier Transicold and Thermo King usually offer 50-gallon reefer fuel tanks, but some tanks may max out at closer to 100 gallons. If you’re not sure how big the reefer fuel tank is, turn to the experts at Hale Trailer — we’re happy to help you do the research to find the right unit for your needs.

Perform Regular Reefer Fuel System Maintenance

When your refrigeration unit isn’t properly maintained, it works harder to maintain the right operating temperature for your cargo. As a result, you will inevitably burn more reefer fuel, driving up your costs and cutting into your bottom line. 
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your reefer trailer, complete regular maintenance on the recommended manufacturer schedule. When you need maintenance and repair services, Hale Trailer is here to help. Our mechanics can ensure you get the most out of your reefer trailer, helping it operate more efficiently over the road while saving you money.

Learn More About Reefer Fuel Usage with Hale Trailer

No matter if you’re looking for a new reefer trailer, used reefer trailer for sale, or reefer trailers for rent, Hale Trailer is your one-stop shop. Search our wide inventory of reefer trailers to find the right one to fit your needs and budget. And with flexible financing options, we’ll help you get on the road faster. Reach out to your local Hale Trailer location today and see how we can help you go the extra mile with the perfect reefer trailer.