Advice for buying a fridge van

Buying a fridge van, can  be for refrigerated food transport or pharma delivery? Are you unsure of exactly what to go for? Different refrigerated vehicles will come with different specifications, so you’ll always find an option that’s going to suit your needs and requirements. At Fresh Logistics we have decades of experience of buying fridge vans indeed all types of vehicles as a consumer which is an alternative view.

If you are in the market for a fridge van in the UK? Whether you’re a caterer, florist, or run any other business that requires temperature-controlled transportation, buying a fridge van is a significant investment. Here’s what you need to know before making a purchase.

First a quick plug – Our sister companies ‘Fresh Logistics‘ whom are Refrigerated Couriers and ‘Fresh Fridge Hire‘ are out (compliant GDP) refrigerated vehicle hire

Determine your exact requirements when buying a fridge van:

Before you start browsing different models, determine your requirements including van security. Consider the size of the van you need, the type of cargo you will be transporting, and the distance you will be travelling. These factors will help you narrow down your options.

Check the van’s temperature range:

Different vans have different temperature ranges. Ensure that the van you purchase can maintain the temperature required for your specific cargo. For example, if you need to transport ice cream, you’ll need a van that can maintain temperatures of -18°C.

When Buying a fridge van you must consider the van’s insulation :

The insulation in a fridge van is essential for maintaining a consistent temperature. The thicker the insulation, the better the van will maintain its temperature. Look for vans with at least 50 mm of insulation.

Check the van’s refrigeration unit:

The refrigeration unit is responsible for maintaining the temperature inside the van. Look for a reliable brand with a good warranty. The unit should also be easy to maintain and repair.

Check the van’s loading capacity:

The ‘gross weight or maximum weight a van can carry is 3500kgs. Most panel vans are weight or load weight is 1200 Kgs to 1500kgs and that is without a fridge fit out. When the fridge is fitted into a van, the best load weight I have ever seen is 960 kg. The normal or average is c750kgs. When carrying ‘pharma’ this weight carrying capability is not an issue but carrying ‘meats’, vegetables, fruits etc needs to be considered. Some of our temperature controlled ADR service can be up to maximum carrying weight.

Check the vehicle Warranty if Buying a fridge van under 3 years old.

When buying a fridge van you will find most brands have a warranty for 100,000 miles or 3 years apart from VW (MAN), MB, Isuzu which have unlimited miles for 3 years. If you are in a company supplying refrigerated distribution services the 100k miles warranty is not enough, but a local butcher delivery service a Nissan etc would be suitable.

Review Fuel efficiency.

With all the increase in fuel costs (click link) and the removal of rebated red diesel One lesson has been learned. Fuel efficiency is very important to the health of the business

Dual temperature also called ‘split chamber’ ‘mattress’ ‘dual compartment’.

When Buying a fridge van consider carrying a mobile mattress that can be moved up and down the chamber to create two chambers.

The vehicle can hold two evaporators. One for each chamber or a cheaper option of a single evaporator with a fan in the mattress.

Handling and transporting samples includes strict protocols. Samples should be kept at the necessary temperature and in a similar quality condition of the sample’s time of sampling. Refrigerated vans with partitions are a great option, ideally with dual refrigeration units. This is so that samples can be kept at a constant temperature. The racks can be fold away but although aluminium still cut into the vehicles carrying weight

Do you want Single temperature or Multi Temp. (MT) when Buying a fridge van?

At Fresh Logistics our vehicle heat as well as cools. So when it’s a cold morning at – 5°c and we are transporting at +12°c unlike our competitors we can transport within the product spec. At Fresh Pharma the heated vehicles are a must to carry out as a positive ambient courier for pharma and food industry.

Conclusion

Buying a fridge van in the UK can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to make an informed decision. Consider your requirements, check the van’s temperature range, insulation, and refrigeration unit, and check the van’s loading capacity before making a purchase. With the right van, you can transport temperature-controlled goods safely and efficiently.