Refrigerated Trailers (Reefers)

Refrigerated trailers haul food, medicine and flowers at controlled temperatures. Drivers and dock workers deal with freezing temperatures inside, icy floors, a running diesel unit, and the pressure of keeping the load at the right temperature.

• Truck drivers
• Dock workers
• Food distribution

Cold and ice

• Wear insulated gloves, layers and boots with good tread when working inside frozen trailers. See Cold-Weather Clothing.
• Limit time in freezer trailers and warm up between loads. See Cold Stress.
• Watch for ice and frost on trailer floors and dock plates; they make forklifts and pallet jacks slide.
• Defrost drains can freeze and leak water that turns to ice.

Don’t get shut in

• Never let the door close behind you. Prop it or have someone outside who knows you’re in there.
• Know whether the trailer has an inside door release, and test it.
• Carry a phone or radio, and tell someone before going in.

The reefer unit

• Unit fueled, with no leaks; the reefer tank is separate from the truck’s fuel tank
• Turn the unit off before working near the fans, belts or condenser
• Hearing protection near a running unit for long periods
• Don’t run the unit inside enclosed buildings (carbon monoxide)
• Know the setpoint and mode (continuous or start-stop) the shipper requires

Temperature and food safety

• Pre-cool the trailer to the required temperature before loading.
• Don’t block the air chute or air flow; leave space along the walls and top as the load plan says.
• Keep and hand over temperature records when required. Federal food transportation rules require carriers to maintain proper temperature for foods that need it.
• Report temperature alarms and problems right away; don’t try to hide them.

Load securement

Refrigerated loads are often heavy and high. Use load bars, straps and airbags so pallets can’t shift during braking or turns, and know your axle weights. See Cargo Securement and Weight Limits & Scales.

Last updated: October 2, 2026