Koelwagens

Koelwagens are motor vehicles designed to transport perishable goods at controlled temperatures. In English-language usage they are called refrigerated trucks, reefer trucks, or refrigerated vans. A koelwagen consists of an insulated cargo area and a refrigeration unit that cools (and sometimes heats) the interior to a specified temperature, enabling the transport of food, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and other temperature‑sensitive products while maintaining the cold chain.

Common configurations include rigid box trucks with integrated refrigeration units and semi-trailers, known as reefer trailers, that are towed by a tractor. These vehicles cover a wide range of load capacities, from compact vans to large multi‑axle trailers. They typically operate within a defined temperature range, often from around -25°C to +15°C, depending on the unit and cargo requirements.

Refrigeration systems in koelwagens are usually vapor-compression cycles with a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device. The cargo area is insulated with polyurethane foam or similar materials to minimize heat transfer. Modern units may be engine-driven, have electric or hybrid propulsion, and include data loggers, remote monitoring, and alarms to document and maintain temperature during transit.

Koelwagens are essential to the cold chain in food distribution, dairy, meat, seafood, and pharmaceutical logistics. They often feature cargo handling equipment such as pallet supports, van racking, and interior lighting. Temperature control, reliability, and maintenance are critical to prevent spoilage and comply with safety standards.

Regulatory and industry standards govern the operation of koelwagens, including food safety and traceability requirements, HACCP practices, and transport regulations for temperature-sensitive goods. Operators use route planning and fleet management to optimize uptime and ensure consistent cold-chain integrity.