Multi-Temperature Vehicle
Category: Equipment & Technology
Definition: Refrigerated transport vehicle with partitioned compartments, each with independent temperature control, allowing simultaneous transport of frozen and chilled products.
Configuration:
- Adjustable bulkhead systems divide cargo space into zones
- Multi-zone TRUs provide separate evaporator circuits for each compartment
- Typical configurations: 2-zone (frozen/chilled) or 3-zone (deep frozen/frozen/chilled)
Temperature Ranges:
- Deep frozen compartment: -25°C
- Frozen compartment: -18°C
- Chilled compartment: +2°C to +8°C
- Some include ambient compartment: +15°C to +25°C
Applications: Retail distribution delivering ice cream, frozen meat, fresh produce, and ambient products in one trip. Food service distribution serving varied product needs.
Trade-off: Complexity and cost premium offset by operational efficiency gains and reduced vehicle movements.
SANS 10156:2014 Note: Chilled and frozen products should not be stored together in the same compartment for longer than four hours unless chilled products are covered with insulating materials.
Related Terms: TRU, Refrigerated Transport, Distribution Services
Find Suppliers: Refrigerated body builders and TRU suppliers