Refrigerated vehicles are the go-to logistics option when you’re looking to transport perishable goods such as seafood, fruits or vegetables. If you own a business that deals with frozen goods, then you already understand the value of using a refrigerated vehicle; with the capacity to transport these goods in bulk quantities for extended periods, you can keep your products fresh and secure.

Although they are an excellent way to carry your refrigerated products, these types of vehicles can be very expensive brand new. As such, we are here to assist you in buying a used refrigerated vehicle.

So, what to consider when buying a used refrigerated vehicle- 

To ensure that the money you are spending is worth your and make the purchasing process simpler, consider the following

1. Scrutinise the vehicle:

Look for damages or cracks in the vehicle’s body that could impact insulation performance. Damage like raised spots on the paint, structural rust in door frames or signs of rust on steel sections indicates that the seller has not been carefully maintaining the vehicle. Make sure that the inspection takes place outdoors in daylight to ensure you don’t miss anything.

2. Check the vehicle’s temperature range:

Inspect the refrigerator components to ensure that they are capable of sustaining the right temperature for your goods. There is no point buying a refrigerated vehicle if the temperature range is not adequate to preserve your freight goods.

3. Storage capacity:

It’s essential to calculate the storage capacity of the vehicle. Make sure there is sufficient space so that your goods will fit in the refrigerated van or truck. There are different types refrigerated vans and trucks available in varying in sizes ranging from a 3 pallet sprinter van to a 24 pallet truck, or 44 pallet truck, so choose the one which is the best fit for your needs.

4. Fuel efficiency:

No matter how good an old refrigerated vehicle looks if it’s not fuel-efficient, it will add additional operating costs. When planning to buy a used refrigerated carriage, it’s crucial to keep this in mind.

5. Request maintenance records:

Try to get all of the vehicle’s maintenance records. In doing so, you can be sure you’re not wasting your money buying a faulty truck or van. With these records, you will have a complete view of the vehicle’s maintenance history; oil changes, parts replacements, recent repairs etc.

Is it better to buy or hire?

Honestly? It depends.

It’s hard to deny the benefits of buying a new refrigerated vehicle (e.g. gas mileage, resale value, reliability, etc.). Still, buying a used refrigerated vehicle is undoubtedly a good option in terms of its affordability.

Alternatively, you could hire a refrigerated transport service company to ensure the safety and secure delivery of your chilled or frozen goods. This can save you money and energy, as you won’t have to worry about servicing, maintenance and repair costs, insurance and so on.

So, what are you waiting for? If you are looking for hiring a refrigerated vehicle, OFE Refrigerated Transport, a Melbourne based refrigerated transport company is there with a large fleet of vehicles to provide you refrigerated transport services.