What custom configurations are available for refrigerated commercial vehicles?

07 Nov. 2024, by Lecapitaine
Livreur en train de prendre un colis à l'arrière d'un camion frigorifique

To meet the demands of professionals in the cold chain, a refrigerated commercial vehicle must be perfectly tailored to the operator's activities and the products being transported. Various interior and exterior configurations can be considered to optimize the loading area, ensure the safety of goods, and maintain a stable temperature. In this article, we highlight the main configuration options available to customize and enhance your refrigerated vehicle’s performance based on the unique requirements of your industry.

 

Interior configurations for refrigerated vehicles

 

Interior configurations offer many ways to customize each type of refrigerated or insulated vehicle according to a company’s activities and the type of goods transported (perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, plants, etc.).

 

Securing goods

To ensure safe, compliant transport, goods must be properly secured and prevented from moving. The interior of refrigerated commercial vehicles should thus include load restraint tracks based on the needs of the sector of activity.

There are several types of load restraint tracks that can be fitted inside a refrigerated box.

Some tracks may be surface-mounted or recessed to avoid limiting the loading area. These tracks allow goods to be secured using straps, horizontal or vertical crossbars, or handles suited for transporting trolleys.

For hanging meat transport, the insulated box can be fitted with ceiling-mounted meat rails. Different types of rails are available: fixed “wolf tooth” rails, tubular rails, and aluminium bi-rails. The choice of rail depends on the load and type of hook used. Meat rails can also be fitted with switches and connectors, easing the transfer of goods between the loading dock and the refrigerated vehicle. For heavier loads, a hydraulic lift may assist with efficient loading and unloading of meat.

 

Organising the loading area

Étagères relevables pour carrosserie frigorifique

When transporting goods that require different storage conditions (packaged/unpackaged products, various temperatures), it may be beneficial to select a configuration with one or more partitions: movable, fixed, foldable, longitudinal, or transverse.

The refrigerated body can also be fitted with an adjustable intermediate floor, doubling the loading surface when needed.

Fixed or foldable shelves can be installed to help organise the space in your refrigerated box. Foldable shelves allow you to load goods on the shelves or fold them away, using the full space of the cold compartment. The depth and number of shelves can be adapted to meet the specific needs of the activity.

Loading organisation should always allow optimal air circulation within the insulated box to ensure uniform temperatures in each compartment (e.g., avoiding load placement near the refrigeration unit’s air blowers and intake).

 

Interior lining of the refrigerated box

 

The inner wall lining of refrigerated vehicles can vary (stainless steel, polyester, aluminium) and is tailored to specific requirements.

Flooring is available in various finishes, smooth or anti-slip, made from aluminium or polyester. The floor’s resistance is adapted to the operating conditions of your refrigerated commercial vehicles (resistance to trolleys, weight carried, etc.). Each body is fitted with protective skirting at the base of the walls and mid-height rails, as required, to absorb impacts and ensure optimal durability of the refrigerated truck’s body.

 

Different types of access 

 

Refrigerated commercial vehicles can be equipped with a variety of access options to the loading area, either at the rear and/or on the sides, according to your needs.

At the rear, options include single doors, multi-panel doors, roll-up curtains, foldable insulated tailgates with an awning, and more.

For the body’s side panels, doors can be hinged (single or double) or sliding on a rail.

The number and dimensions of access points can be customised according to your requirements.

Additional equipment can also be fitted to meet safety, ergonomic, and temperature stability criteria for the insulated compartment.

To enhance safety and handling, each door is fitted with a locking mechanism in the open position to prevent accidents due to unexpected closures (wind, passing vehicles, etc.). Roll-up curtains can be manually operated or come with electric assistance, controlled via a fixed or remote control. Entry into the body can be made easier with various fittings (grab handles, straps, steps, etc.).

To help stabilise the internal temperature of your van when the doors are open, an air curtain or strip curtain is highly effective, ensuring the cold chain is maintained. This also saves energy and optimally stabilises the temperature inside the refrigerated vehicle.

 

Exterior configurations

 

All refrigerated commercial vehicles must be fitted with mandatory features in line with UK regulations. However, a range of exterior customisation and enhancement options is available, based on industry requirements and operator needs.

To facilitate easy access to the refrigerated box, the vehicle can be fitted with rear or side access steps, which can be fixed, sliding, or folding (footsteps, ladders, grab handles, etc.).

For urban deliveries, it is also possible to add lighting to the loading/unloading area to ensure the safety of both operators and pedestrians.

 

Vehicle customisation and branding

 

Homme posant une publicité sur une véhicule frigorifique Lecapitaine

The exterior of a refrigerated van or truck can also be visually customised. Through Lecapitaine's services, you can brand your vehicle to showcase your activities and business. Choose the colour of your refrigerated commercial vehicles or add advertising graphics—a powerful way to differentiate yourself and boost brand awareness when your trucks are on the road.

Lecapitaine is available to create bespoke modifications tailored to the unique requirements of your industry. Our range of refrigerated vehicles is designed for all cold chain professionals, regardless of your vehicle make (Renault, Peugeot, Fiat, etc.).

Need custom configurations for your refrigerated commercial vehicles? Request a quote today!