INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
FEATURE
Supplied by Serco
A vehicle built recently by Serco leaves their factory.
• High-density polyurethane( PU) foam panels boast superior insulation compared to polystyrene, with lower water absorption and faster cooling to set point
• With durable panel facings, coated steel or high strength composite facings resist impact damage and extend body life
• PVC strip curtains retain cold air during frequent door openings
• Insulated bun partitions isolate compartments to reduce cooling load and fuel usage
• 60 / 40 door splits minimise cold air loss during partial unloading
3. Vehicle body maintenance protects your investment
• Corner capping: Maintain seals to prevent water ingress from tree strikes or road debris
• Seal holes promptly: Even small punctures can compromise insulation and hygiene
• Panel damage: Cracks allow water into insulation, reducing thermal efficiency and increasing fuel use. Reinforce with internal scuffing or steel panels
• Floor integrity: Prevent damage from pallet dragging and overloading to avoid cold air leaks and contamination risks
• Door seals: Multi-leaf seals are best for preventing cold air escape – inspect and replace regularly
4. Operational best practices and smart habits that save fuel
• Stabilise internal temperature before loading to protect product integrity
• Load at the correct temperature as the fridge maintains temperature – it doesn’ t cool warm goods efficiently
• Fridge-off during loading – this prevents cold air from being blown out when doors are open.
BONUS TIPS FOR FLEET MANAGERS
• Telematics integration employs realtime monitoring to track temperature, door openings and fridge performance
• Driver training educates drivers on best practices for loading, unloading and fridge operation
• Route optimisation reduces travel time and fuel usage with smart routing software
• Adapt fridge settings and maintenance schedules based on ambient temperature changes
“ Efficient refrigerated transport isn’ t just about keeping goods cold – it’ s about smart maintenance, thoughtful design and operational discipline. By implementing these tips, fleet managers can reduce costs, improve product safety and extend the life of their vehicles,” says Holcroft.
QUALITY LUBRICANTS ARE CRITICAL FOR OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY IN COLD STORAGE TRUCK FLEETS
The most critical aspect for cold storage truck fleets is temperature control. Goods must be transported under optimal temperature conditions at all times, ensuring integrity of goods.“ It is a delicate balancing act as the temperature is dictated by the cargo carried and can vary from-25 ° C to + 25 ° C,” notes Andy Weddell, local segment lead: commercial vehicles at FUCHS Lubricants South Africa.
“ The truck itself needs to run efficiently and effectively to ensure no downtime and potential loss of goods. One would also need to consider if the refrigeration unit runs separately to the truck. In some cases, the compressor runs off the vehicle’ s engine and from a separate source in others,” explains Weddell.
While extreme cold temperatures do not really have a huge impact on refrigerated truck operations, using quality lubricants in both the vehicle and refrigerated trailer is integral to a fleet’ s operating capacity, allowing it to operate over a wide temperature range.
When it comes to transmission lubrication, the more efficiently a transmission runs, the better the truck operates. A high-quality Automatic Transmission Fluid( ATF) contributes to fuel efficiency and extended equipment life. Looking at general advice for cold storage truck fleet operators, Weddell says: Monitor the condition of your oil through regular oil samples, hence adopting a more proactive approach; ensure you conform to the oil drain interval prescribed by the transmission manufacturer and the requirements and approvals of the OEM.“ This is absolutely key to your transmission’ s lifespan.”
COLD LINK AFRICA • November / December 2025 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za 21