It’s critical to control environmental temperatures to ensure every good remains safe and high quality during transport. The cold chain is an aspect that pertains to the transportation of goods that require refrigeration such as perishable goods. Different types of refrigerated vehicles such as chiller vans and freezer vans serve this purpose but differ in application and temperature ranges. The difference between the two is pertinent to van selection in order to achieve optimal results.
Chiller Van:
Chiller vans also called refrigerated vans keep temperatures at a constant sub-zero level. These range from 1 to 8 degrees Celsius or 34 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. For products that need to remain cool and cannot be frozen, chill vans are most effective. Examples of such items are:
- Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables)
- Dairy products (milk, cheese)
- Meat (which can spoil if frozen)
- Beverages (juices, soft drinks)
Chiller vans are designed with cooling systems that ensure fresh perishables are stored at the right temperatures throughout the journey, optimizing their quality. Chiller vans are extremely effective in short-distance deliveries during which freezing is not needed but lower temperatures are essential.
Freezer Van:
On the contrary, a freezer van is used for transporting products that need to remain frozen throughout the journey. Such vans have the capability of maintaining temperatures of the products at very low levels: below -18°C (0°F) or even lower in specialty cases. To prevent the frozen goods from spoiling, freezer vans are needed to transport frozen products that, in a frozen state, remain solid. Some common items transported using freezer vans are:
- Frozen meat and seafood
- Frozen vegetables
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Frozen ready meals
The cooling system in a freezer van works more intensively than in a chiller van, maintaining sub-zero temperatures throughout the journey.
Key Differences:
Temperature Range:
While their use is the same, the main difference between a chiller van and a freezer van is the temperature range. A chiller van works with fresh produce or dairy at cooler temperatures that are not freezing (1-8 degrees Celsius), whereas freezer vans are in subzero temperatures below (sub-18 degrees Celsius).
Type of Goods Transported:
Refrigerated but unfrozen substances, such as dairy products and fresh produce, have to be carried in a chiller van, while frozen meat, seafood, and ice cream need a freezer van.
Insulation and Cooling Systems:
Unlike chiller vans, freezer vans have more powerful units for refrigeration and thicker insulation to maintain the freezing temperature below the required level for frozen cargo.
Conclusion:
It mostly depends on the goods you’re transporting-whether fresh or frozen. Depending on their differences, you can ensure that your products are always within the right temperature range possible, minimizing spoilage and ensuring customer satisfaction.